2004 Ford KA 1.3L Petrol · AV04 YYN

This Ford KA failed its most recent MOT on 22 April 2025 at 39,973 miles, marking the first and only test failure in a four-year history. The absence of recorded defects across all prior passes—including the January 2024 and January 2023 tests—suggests a stable but narrowly avoided roadworthiness threshold rather than a worsening trend. The failure itself, however, raises immediate concern: no specific faults were logged, which implies either an administrative oversight or a critical component failing the emissions or structural checks without clear diagnostic detail. Buyers should treat this as a red flag, particularly given the vehicle’s age and the lack of transparency in the failure’s cause. The recorded mileage of 39,973 miles over 22 years equates to just 1,817 miles annually, a figure unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gaps between tests—ranging from 12 to 20 months—are consistent with typical MOT intervals, but the stagnant mileage suggests prolonged periods of inactivity. Between January 2023 (38,434 miles) and April 2025 (39,973 miles), the car accumulated only 1,539 miles, indicating it may have spent extended time stored. Such low usage could mitigate some wear, but it also increases the risk of neglected fluid maintenance, seized components, or degraded rubber elements like suspension bushes and wiper blades. Given the lack of recorded defects, the most critical in-person inspections should focus on suspension integrity and brake condition. The vehicle’s age and mileage pattern warrant close examination of coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers for dry rot or excessive play, as these components degrade even with minimal use. Rear brake binding was not flagged in prior tests, but the 2025 failure’s ambiguity necessitates checking for uneven wear, glazed linings, or seized calipers. Structural corrosion—particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe—should be inspected thoroughly, as rust can compromise structural integrity without immediate failure. Emissions systems, though not detailed in the record, may have contributed to the 2025 failure; a scan for catalytic converter efficiency or oxygen sensor faults is advisable. Finally, verify the condition of fluids (brake, power steering, coolant) and belts, as prolonged storage can lead to degradation or contamination.