2014 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · VA14 AEL

The 2025‑07‑01 MOT passed the vehicle but recorded several defects, including excessive wear of the near‑ and off‑side front suspension arm pins and bushes, oil misting on both front shock absorbers, and a tyre worn close to the legal limit. These findings show a worsening trend compared with the 2024‑07‑02 failure, where similar suspension wear was noted but without the severe arm‑pin damage, indicating that the mechanical condition has deteriorated rather than stabilized. At 12 years old and 60,250 miles, the car averages roughly 5,000 miles per year, a figure lower than typical for its age but higher than the early‑life records that showed no defects. Mileage rose steadily from 19,161 miles in 2017 to 60,250 miles in 2025, with a notable increase of 5,944 miles between the June 2023 and June 2024 tests, suggesting a period of more intensive use or reduced maintenance attention. A buyer should therefore focus on the front suspension components, checking the arm pins and bushes for excessive play or damage, and inspect the shock absorbers for oil leakage that could compromise damping performance. The tyre condition, especially the near‑side front edge wear and the bulge reported in the 2024 failure, warrants close examination for structural integrity and correct alignment. In addition, the recurring exhaust leaks at the front‑to‑center and centre‑to‑rear unions indicate potential corrosion that should be verified, while a thorough check of the brake system and steering linkage is advisable given the repeated suspension warnings. Addressing these items will help determine whether the vehicle can be safely driven or requires immediate remedial work.