2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · A4 GGY

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 12 August 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is clearly deteriorating. While the records from 2022 and 2023 were clean, the subsequent three years show a steady accumulation of advisories. The progression from minor suspension play in 2024 to oil-misting shock absorbers and systemic underbody corrosion by 2026 suggests that the vehicle is now suffering from significant age-related degradation and a lack of preventative maintenance. With a recorded mileage of 204,051 miles over 17 years, this Ford Ka has averaged approximately 12,000 miles per year. This is considerably high for a vehicle of this class and size. Such high mileage implies significant cumulative wear on the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain components. Prospective buyers should be aware that at this stage of its life cycle, the vehicle is prone to mechanical fatigue, and the cost of maintaining its roadworthiness may soon outweigh its market value. During a physical inspection, particular attention must be paid to the underbody and exhaust system. The recorded corrosion is a serious concern for a vehicle of this age; check the sills and floor pan for structural integrity and listen for an excessive drone or rattling from the exhaust, which indicates advanced rust. The parking brake efficiency is noted as barely meeting the minimum standard, so ensure the handbrake holds the vehicle firmly on a gradient. Listen for clunks or knocks when driving over uneven surfaces, as this would indicate that the previously noted anti-roll bar linkage play has progressed to a failure. The oil misting on the rear shock absorbers indicates that the seals are failing, which will eventually lead to a compromised ride and poor handling. On the test drive, feel for excessive bouncing or instability during cornering. Given the extreme mileage, it is imperative to verify the service history for the timing belt and water pump intervals, as a failure here would be catastrophic. Additionally, check for clutch slip in higher gears and ensure the engine does not exhibit excessive oil consumption or smoke, which are common symptoms of high-mileage wear in these power units.