FORD KA (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 16,844 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,555
£130/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1198cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1555/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 88% of FORD KAs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 16,844 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 32,597 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
32,597
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 FORD KA has 32,597 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2018 sits between the two at 88%.
FORD KA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 92% | 14,840 | 26,387 mi | |
| 2018 | 88% | 16,844 | 32,597 mi | |
| 2017 | 89% | 19,894 | 37,584 mi | |
| 2016 | 83% | 13,958 | 42,904 mi | |
| 2015 | 81% | 22,499 | 47,390 mi | |
| 2014 | 81% | 31,485 | 53,659 mi | |
| 2013 | 79% | 32,112 | 59,926 mi | |
| 2012 | 77% | 30,280 | 64,612 mi | |
| 2011 | 76% | 29,810 | 70,554 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 34,853 | 75,495 mi | |
| 2009 | 72% | 34,947 | 78,404 mi | |
| 2008 | 63% | 9,719 | 56,797 mi | |
| 2007 | 64% | 7,814 | 56,265 mi | |
| 2006 | 64% | 5,377 | 54,905 mi | |
| 2005 | 64% | 4,536 | 53,788 mi | |
| 2004 | 64% | 3,764 | 55,570 mi | |
| 2003 | 66% | 2,733 | 57,298 mi | |
| 2002 | 63% | 1,635 | 50,236 mi | |
| 2001 | 64% | 868 | 52,111 mi | |
| 2000 | 69% | 392 | 47,147 mi | |
| 1999 | 62% | 447 | 48,623 mi | |
| 1998 | 71% | 269 | 47,606 mi | |
| 1997 | 72% | 155 | 46,789 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 FORD KA
The 2018 FORD KA is a city car with a 1198cc petrol engine. 16,844 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 32,597 miles at 8 years old, FORD KA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 FORD KA Fuel Costs
The modest 1198cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 FORD KA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,555 (£130/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD KA Reliability Trend
Newer FORD KAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 FORD KA
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 16,844 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 FORD KA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2018 FORD KA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD KA(2018) | 88% | £955 | £195 | Grp 5-15 | £1555 |
| FORD FIESTA(2016) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£165 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2016) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572+£17 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677+£122 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Ford Models
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FORD FIESTA
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VAUXHALL CORSA
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FORD FOCUS
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