2003 Ford KA 1.6L Petrol · CA03 AAF

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 15 May 2026, though this pass was accompanied by two advisories that warrant close attention. A previous attempt on 8 May 2026 resulted in a fail due to an exhaust lambda sensor reading falling outside specified limits at the second fast idle test, while a further failed attempt on 5 May 2026 cited the same emissions issue alongside more serious mechanical defects including a fractured offside front coil spring and an illuminated ABS warning lamp. The presence of three test entries within a ten day period suggests a focused effort to bring the vehicle up to standard, and although the most recent result is technically a pass, the underlying advisories remain unresolved. The maintenance trend is therefore best described as borderline rather than stable, with the lambda sensor fault and exhaust leak persisting across multiple tests and the ABS issue only having appeared at the earliest of the three attempts. With 81,672 miles recorded over approximately 23 years, annual usage works out at around 3,551 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Such modest mileage typically points to either limited everyday use or, more concerning from a mechanical standpoint, extended standing periods between drives. Low-mileage vehicles are particularly susceptible to time-related degradation rather than wear-related failure, and this Ford Ka is now well into its third decade, meaning that rubber components, fluids, and corrosion-prone metal parts will have aged regardless of how few miles have been covered. Given the recurring exhaust lambda fault, a prospective buyer should investigate the cause of the out-of-specification reading, as this may indicate a failing sensor, a vacuum leak, an ageing catalytic converter, or ignition-related issues such as worn spark plugs or deteriorating HT leads. The advisory regarding a minor exhaust gas leak at the front should be physically inspected for corrosion around the manifold or downpipe joints, and on a test drive any ticking under acceleration, a loss of engine response, or an increase in engine noise should be taken seriously. The illuminated engine management warning lamp, which was present across multiple tests, requires diagnostic interrogation to establish whether it relates to the lambda fault or a separate issue such as a misfire or sensor failure. The fractured offside front coil spring that was identified on the earliest test will have been rectified for the subsequent pass, but it is worth checking that the replacement spring is correctly seated and that the opposite side spring has not also begun to weaken, particularly on a vehicle of this age where coil spring failure on the Ka is a known weakness. The advisory relating to offside front tyre perishing and a minor cut on the offside rear tyre should not be overlooked, as tyres of this age can suffer significant sidewall cracking even with adequate tread depth. A close visual inspection of all four tyres for crazing, bulging, or brittleness is essential, and replacement is likely advisable given the vehicle's age. Beyond the recorded defects, attention should be paid to areas commonly degraded by low usage and calendar age, including brake disc corrosion and potential caliper seizure from standing, which would present as uneven braking or pulling on a test drive. The 12 volt battery should be load-tested, as prolonged standing periods are particularly damaging to battery longevity, and all fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil should be checked for age-related degradation rather than just mileage-based service intervals. Finally, the underside should be examined on a ramp for structural corrosion, exhaust mounting integrity, and any signs of fluid leakage, as a 23 year old vehicle with this mileage is more likely to suffer from time-induced deterioration than from high-mileage mechanical wear.