2013 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · LF63 AAZ

A pattern of deteriorating front-end suspension and braking components defines the mechanical history of this vehicle. While it achieved a pass on 27 January 2026, this followed a dangerous failure for critically worn front brake pads and left several remaining advisories regarding the front shock absorber bushes and a lower suspension arm ball joint. The progression from a clean record in 2023 to recurring warnings suggests the vehicle is now entering a phase where multiple chassis components require replacement to maintain roadworthiness. With 45,431 miles recorded over 13 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 3,495 miles per year. This low annual accumulation indicates the car has been used sparingly, which typically preserves the engine and interior but often leads to the premature perishing of rubber components. The presence of worn suspension bushes and ball joint play despite the low mileage supports this, as rubber elements frequently degrade due to age and environmental exposure rather than through high-mileage mechanical wear. Attention must be paid to the front suspension geometry and linkage during a physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, which would indicate the progression of the worn shock absorber bushes and the play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Any vague steering response or a slight pull to one side should be noted, as these can be symptoms of the recorded suspension wear and the previously flagged modified Macpherson strut mounting. The braking system requires verification to ensure the recent repairs were comprehensive. Although the dangerous failure for thin pads was addressed for the January 2026 pass, the history shows a persistent trend of brake pads wearing thin over three consecutive years. Ensure there is no pedal judder or excessive travel during braking. Additionally, check the current tread depth of the nearside front tyre, as it was previously flagged as being worn close to the legal limit, and verify that the modified strut mounting does not cause any abnormal vibration through the steering column.