2012 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · AV12 UME

The 2012 Ford Ka presents a stable but irregular maintenance history, with no mechanical defects recorded in its most recent MOT tests—despite two consecutive failures in August 2025 at 96,363 and 96,364 miles. The absence of advisories or defects across all five tests suggests no ongoing structural or safety-critical issues, though the repeated failures on the same day imply administrative or procedural oversights rather than technical problems. The last passed test in August 2025 confirms the vehicle met all DVSA roadworthiness standards at the time, with no evidence of corrosion, suspension wear, or brake system failures. However, the lack of advisories in prior tests also raises questions about whether minor wear items—such as tyres, wiper blades, or fluid levels—were addressed proactively, as these are not always captured in the MOT unless they reach a critical threshold. The mileage accumulation of 96,364 miles over 14 years aligns closely with the average for its age, averaging around 6,883 miles annually, which is neither excessively high nor low. The most striking pattern is the clustering of tests: two failures and a pass within a week in August 2025, followed by a 13-month gap before the July 2024 pair of failures and pass. This irregularity suggests the vehicle may have been driven without routine checks between tests, particularly given the absence of advisories in earlier years. The lack of mileage progression between the 2024 and 2025 tests (82,187 to 96,364 miles in just over a year) also indicates either a significant period of inactivity or an error in mileage recording, though the latter is less likely given the consistency in the 2025 entries. For a buyer, the primary focus should be on components not routinely tested by the MOT but prone to wear at this mileage. Given the absence of advisories, suspension elements—such as control arm bushes, coil springs, and track rod ends—should be inspected for fatigue cracks or excessive play, as these often degrade gradually without triggering a test failure. The brake system, while not flagged, warrants close examination: check for uneven disc wear, binding calipers, or fluid leaks, particularly if the vehicle exhibits any pulling or vibration during braking. Tyre condition is another critical area, despite no MOT concerns; the lack of advisories on tread depth in recent years could imply neglect, so verify remaining tread life and sidewall integrity. Finally, the exhaust system should be scrutinised for rust or loose mounts, especially given the vehicle’s age and the potential for corrosion in earlier tests to have been overlooked.