2018 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SH68 AEN

The Ford KA in question has maintained a consistent and favourable roadworthiness record across all five MOT tests, with the most recent inspection on 3 October 2025 at 13,488 miles passing without any defects or advisories. This indicates a stable maintenance history, free from recurring mechanical or structural issues that would necessitate repeated failures or advisories. The absence of any advisory notes—even for high-wear items like suspension bushes or brake components—suggests the vehicle has been kept in good condition, though an independent inspection remains essential to verify the current state of consumable parts like tyres, wiper blades, and fluid levels. The recorded mileage of 13,488 miles over approximately eight years equates to an average of around 1,686 miles per annum, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The most significant mileage jump occurred between the 2021 and 2022 tests, where the odometer increased by 1,701 miles in just over a year, yet even this remains modest. The regularity of the MOT intervals—all within a week of the annual deadline—implies either minimal use or prolonged periods of storage, which could impact components like battery health, suspension flexibility, and tyre condition. The lack of advisories on corrosion or structural integrity, however, suggests the vehicle has been stored or driven in environments that have not accelerated deterioration. Given the clean MOT history, the primary focus of an in-person inspection should centre on high-wear items that are not routinely tested under the MOT scheme. Tyres, despite no recorded failures, should be checked for uneven wear patterns, tread depth uniformity, and signs of internal damage. The suspension—particularly coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should be assessed for stiffness, fluid leaks, or excessive play, as these are not explicitly covered in the MOT but critical for ride quality and handling. Brake discs and pads, while not flagged in past tests, warrant inspection for thickness, warping, and binding, especially if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Finally, the underbody should be examined for corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the exhaust system, as low mileage does not guarantee immunity to rust progression. The absence of advisories or failures in the MOT history is a positive indicator, but the low mileage also introduces considerations around long-term neglect of less obvious maintenance tasks. A buyer should prioritise verifying fluid levels (brake, coolant, power steering) and the condition of the battery, as these are not tested during the MOT but can degrade significantly with inactivity. Documenting any discrepancies between the odometer reading and the vehicle’s actual usage history would also provide clarity on potential wear patterns beyond what the MOT records reveal.