2015 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · BK15 BYC

The 2015 Ford Ka presents a clean bill of health following its most recent MOT on 12 May 2026 at 46,629 miles, where it passed with zero defects recorded. This outcome is significant because the very previous day, on 11 May 2026 at the same recorded mileage, the vehicle failed with three distinct suspension defects. Both front suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged as excessively worn, and the offside rear shock absorber bush was also excessively worn. The fact that all three items were rectified within 24 hours and the car passed the following day indicates the previous owner addressed the faults promptly rather than allowing them to persist. The maintenance trend is therefore improving, with the vehicle now in a fully compliant state. The mileage pattern tells a clear story of very light use. Over roughly 11 years, the Ka has covered approximately 46,629 miles, averaging around 4,239 miles per year, which is well below the typical UK annual average of 7,000 to 8,000 miles. The progression is steady and unremarkable, with no sudden jumps or suspicious gaps between tests. Between May 2023 at 37,348 miles and May 2024 at 41,211 miles, the car added 3,863 miles, and between May 2024 and May 2025 it added 3,287 miles. This consistent, low-mileage accumulation suggests the vehicle has been used for short, regular journeys rather than sitting idle for extended periods, which is a positive indicator for mechanical health. The recurring theme across the MOT history is front suspension wear. In the May 2025 test at 44,498 miles, both front suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged as worn but not yet resulting in excessive movement, classified as advisories rather than failures. By May 2026, those same components had deteriorated to the point of failure. This progression from advisory to outright failure over roughly 12 months and 2,131 miles suggests the bushes degraded faster than expected for such low mileage, possibly due to age-related rubber deterioration rather than use alone. A prospective buyer should have the front suspension arm bushes, rear shock absorber bushes, and all suspension components inspected for play and deterioration, paying particular attention to whether the repairs carried out in May 2026 used quality aftermarket or genuine parts. The May 2025 test also flagged a damaged front exhaust flexi section and a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge. The edge wear pattern on the tyre points to possible misalignment or worn suspension geometry, which ties directly into the recurring suspension issues. The exhaust flexi damage is a common failure point on older small cars and should be checked for cracks or exhaust gas leaks. While the current MOT is clean, the pattern of suspension wear and the tyre wear observation mean a thorough inspection of suspension geometry, exhaust integrity, and tyre condition remains advisable before purchase.