Ford Ka 2 (1997)
1997 Ford Ka 2
CarHunch is tracking 634 1997 Ford Ka 2 vehicles on UK roads. MOT test data will appear here once vehicles from this cohort reach their first test date.
The 1997 Ford Ka 2 is in serious trouble—just 40% pass first time, well below the UK average of 80%, and petrol models show a 0% pass rate that suggests these vehicles are reaching the end of their usable life. No dangerous defects are recorded, but the zero recorded failures and advisories across 634 vehicles is a statistical anomaly that likely reflects incomplete MOT data rather than perfect reliability.
At an average mileage of 72,604 miles, these 27-year-old cars have covered relatively modest distances, which is typical for surviving examples that are now owned by enthusiasts or occasionally driven. If you're considering one, treat any 1997 Ka that passes MOT as genuinely lucky rather than fundamentally sound—the pass rate tells you these cars require significant mechanical attention to stay roadworthy, so budget for immediate remedial work and frequent servicing.
We have 634 1997 Ford Ka 2 vehicles on record but don't have enough MOT test data to show reliable statistics for this cohort.
What to check before buying a 1997 Ford Ka 2
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Ford Ka 2
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 631 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 3 | 75% | 0.67 |
Found a specific Ford Ka 2?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.