2001 Ford KA 1.3L Petrol · BF51 AKV

The vehicle achieved a PASSED outcome at its most recent DVSA MOT test on 1 November 2025, with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating it met all statutory roadworthiness requirements at that examination. The recent test history shows a stable maintenance trend overall, with PASSED results on 4 November 2024 and 20 September 2023, though it is notable that two FAILED outcomes also appear on 4 November 2024 and 13 September 2023. Both failures are recorded with no defects listed, which suggests they were likely administrative withdrawals or cases where the vehicle was presented before being fully ready, rather than mechanical failures; however, a prospective buyer should still request the DVSA failure sheets directly to confirm what was examined. The absence of advisories across the recorded tests is a positive indicator that the vehicle has not been flagged for components nearing service thresholds in recent examinations. With a recorded mileage of 58,376 miles against an age of approximately 25 years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 2,335 miles annually, which is notably low for a car of this vintage and points to either extended periods of standing or genuinely light usage. Such low annual mileage typically reduces wear on major mechanical assemblies such as the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain, but it increases the risk of deterioration in components that degrade through age or inactivity rather than use. The MOT records do not show a consistent annual cadence, with gaps between tests, which can correlate with long periods of the vehicle remaining unused and may have implications for seals, gaskets, brake components, and electrical systems that can deteriorate without regular operation. Given the clean MOT record but the very low annual mileage and considerable age of the vehicle, a physical inspection should pay close attention to age-related deterioration rather than high-mileage wear. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking, perishing, or dry rot even if the tread depth appears adequate, as tyres over six years old can fail under load despite legal tread; the DOT date code on each tyre will confirm manufacture date. Brake discs, particularly at the rear, are prone to surface corrosion from standing, and calipers may seize due to corrosion on guide pins and piston seals; the brake pedal should be tested for firm feel and the handbrake for holding on an incline. The exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion at the mounting points, joints, and silencer box, as exhaust components on a vehicle of this age are typically near the end of their service life. Further checks appropriate to a low-use, ageing Ford Ka include verification of the 12V battery state of health, since batteries that have been left discharged or used only for short journeys often fail; a load test or recent purchase date should be confirmed. All fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and clutch or gearbox oil should be assessed for condition and service interval, as these degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage; brake fluid in particular absorbs moisture and should be replaced regardless of its appearance. Service history stamps or invoices should be examined to confirm timing belt replacement intervals have been observed, as belt failure on an engine of this age can be catastrophic. Finally, a thorough test drive should include careful listening for suspension clonks over speed humps, uneven tyre wear suggesting tracking or suspension geometry faults, brake shudder or pulling under braking, and any signs of fluid leaks beneath the vehicle after it has been parked, all of which would be consistent with the known mechanical vulnerabilities of a low-mileage but ageing supermini.