2008 Ford KA 1.3L Petrol · AP08 LJK

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a maintenance trend that appears leaning toward structural and mechanical neglect. While the most recent test in June 2022 at 102,288 miles passed, the advisories indicate significant underlying issues that remain unaddressed. The presence of structural corrosion on both side seals and marginal efficiency ratings for both service and parking brakes suggest a vehicle that is operating with minimum legal compliance rather than proactive maintenance. At 18 years old with 102,288 miles, this Ford Ka shows low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,700 miles per year. However, the data reveals a significant gap in testing between July 2019 and June 2022, during which the car covered only 1,437 miles over three years. This low-frequency use suggests the vehicle may have sat stationary for long periods, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components, seizing of brake calipers, and the acceleration of surface and structural corrosion noted in the 2022 record. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the structural integrity along the sills, as the 2022 advisory specifically flagged corrosion within 30cm of mounting points on both sides. This area is prone to perforation on this model and often progresses rapidly if ignored. The braking system also requires immediate attention; the 2022 tester noted that both the service and parking brakes only just met efficiency thresholds, indicating worn shoes or sticking cylinders that require adjustment or replacement. Furthermore, the history of oil leaks and exhaust leaks dating back to 2019 suggests an engine environment that is beginning to show age-related failure. The buyer should inspect the exhaust manifold for further thinning and verify that the engine management system, which previously caused a failure in 2018, is functioning correctly. Given that the last recorded MOT is now four years old, the current state of these components is unknown and likely deteriorated since the last recorded advisories.