2015 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · AK65 AAU

The latest DVSA MOT test on 2026-04-14 resulted in a failure, with the vehicle failing due to a non-functional registration plate lamp and multiple tyre-related advisories indicating near-legal wear on both the nearside and offside rear tyres. This outcome contrasts sharply with the clean PASSED result from the previous April’s test, suggesting a deterioration in both mechanical and visual roadworthiness conditions. The recurring advisories on tyre wear—particularly the edge wear pattern—highlight persistent or accelerating tyre degradation, which could stem from misalignment, incorrect tyre pressure, or excessive load distribution. The failure also underscores a critical oversight in lamp functionality, a safety-critical component that must be addressed immediately to ensure compliance with legal standards and prevent potential accidents. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 46,898 miles at the time of writing represents a remarkably low annual usage rate of approximately 4,263 miles per year, which is unusually low for a 11-year-old car. Such low mileage often correlates with prolonged periods of inactivity, particularly if the vehicle has been stored in a garage or kept in a non-operational state. However, this usage profile does not necessarily mitigate the risks of standing-related corrosion, particularly on components like brake discs, suspension elements, and the exhaust system, where stagnant conditions can accelerate wear and failure. The low mileage may also mask underlying issues such as fluid degradation, where time-based servicing is more critical than mileage-based maintenance, especially for fluids like brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, which can degrade significantly over extended periods of disuse. Given the recent MOT failures and advisories, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the tyres, brakes, and lighting systems. The edge wear on the rear tyres suggests potential alignment or pressure issues; a test drive should include checking for uneven tyre wear patterns, which may indicate camber or toe misalignment. Listen for any unusual noises during cornering or braking, as this could signal binding calipers, warped discs, or worn brake pads. The registration plate lamp failure is a straightforward electrical issue, but the offside rear fog lamp and position lamp lens defects also require immediate replacement to restore compliance. Additionally, visually inspect the brake discs for corrosion or binding, and test brake pedal travel and response for any sponginess or excessive travel, which could indicate fluid degradation or hydraulic system failure. For the remaining mechanical and structural components, the buyer should focus on the following checks. Given the low annual mileage, the vehicle may suffer from standing corrosion, particularly on the offside rear brake components, which were flagged in previous MOTs. Inspect the brake discs for pitting, warping, or corrosion, and check the calipers for binding or excessive play. The suspension bushes and coil springs should be examined for signs of cracking or excessive play, which could lead to clunking noises during driving. The offside rear tyre nail advisory from 2025-04-14 indicates a punctured or damaged tyre, which should be repaired or replaced to prevent further damage. Finally, since the vehicle has been in use for over a decade, consider a comprehensive fluid check, including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, as time-based degradation is a major concern. Ensure the service history is up to date, particularly for oil changes and timing belt replacement, as these are critical for long-term reliability. If the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, a thorough inspection of the battery, exhaust system, and electrical components is essential to prevent failure due to disuse.