2016 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SA66 AAK

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 28 August 2026, with a single advisory issued for the nearside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear. Reviewing the full DVSA history, the car has demonstrated a broadly stable maintenance profile, having passed each annual test without any advisories in 2022 and 2025 and recording only the same nearside front tyre advisory at the 2023 test. There are no recorded failures, dangerous defects, or recurring mechanical issues across brakes, suspension, lighting, or exhaust systems, and the appearance of the same advisory roughly three years apart suggests an intermittent tracking or camber concern rather than a sudden deterioration. Overall, the trend is consistent with a well-cared-for example rather than one showing progressive mechanical decline. With a recorded mileage of 33,984 miles over approximately ten years, this Ford Ka has covered an average of around 3,400 miles annually, which is substantially below the typical usage rate for a small city car of this age. Such low annual mileage can reflect genuine light use, but it also raises the likelihood that the vehicle has spent extended periods standing, particularly given the short intervals between MOT tests and the absence of significant mileage jumps. Low-mileage or intermittently used vehicles are more prone to time-related degradation than wear-related degradation, meaning attention should be directed at components that suffer from inactivity rather than mechanical fatigue. Given the age and modest usage, a prospective buyer should focus on age-related condition rather than high-mileage wear items. Tyres should be examined closely not only for tread depth but also for sidewall perishing, cracking, and any dry-rot, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage; a tyre that appears well-worn on the inner or outer edge, as noted in the advisory, may also indicate a tracking or suspension geometry issue worth investigating on a four-wheel alignment check. Brake discs and calipers are particularly susceptible to corrosion from standing, so the discs should be inspected for surface rust pitting, lipping, or any binding caliper symptoms such as the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, a hot wheel hub after driving, or uneven pad wear. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries that have been left partially discharged or used only for short journeys frequently suffer from reduced capacity, and a fresh battery history should be requested if the original has been replaced. Finally, fluid condition and service history should be verified independently of the MOT record, since annual tests do not cover the quality or interval status of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, or gearbox lubricant. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and should typically be renewed every two to three years regardless of mileage, so a ten-year-old car without documented fluid changes may benefit from a full fluid service. The timing chain or belt replacement interval, where applicable, should be checked against Ford's recommended schedule, as age-based replacements remain critical even on low-mileage vehicles. Inspecting the underbody and wheel arches for any corrosion is also advisable, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframes, and brake lines, and a thorough test drive over uneven surfaces will help reveal any worn suspension bushes, tired shock absorbers, or drivetrain noises that a clean MOT history would not necessarily capture.