2000 Ford Ka: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Ford Ka?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Ford Ka than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.6× usual
  Ford Ka

  23.2% All 2000 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 1.3% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3× usual
  Ford Ka

  24.7% All 2000 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.4%, against 4.5% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Rust in key structural areas5.7× usual
  Ford Ka

  13.6% All 2000 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 1.6% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Flexible brake hoses2.5× usual
  Ford Ka

  14.9% All 2000 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Front strut mounts and bushes12.3× usual
  Ford Ka

  7.4% All 2000 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.1% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

Common 2000 Ford Ka MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Ford Ka MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Rust and bodywork
  28% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Ford Ka

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2000 Ford Ka as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2000 Ford Ka as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2000 Ford Ka as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?