2013 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CF13 AAU

The defining mechanical story of this 2013 Ford Ka is one of recurring windscreen washer defects, which have now caused the vehicle to fail its MOT on two consecutive occasions in 2025, while otherwise remaining structurally sound on the records provided. The most recent attempt on 23 December 2025 resulted in a fail due to a washer providing insufficient liquid, paired with a minor note for a nearside windscreen crack that did not impede the driver's view, and a subsequent pass was issued on the same day once presumably the washer was rectified. An identical pattern occurred in January 2025, with a major defect for the windscreen washer not working causing a fail before a clean pass was recorded the same day. The only advisories of mechanical note emerged from the December 2023 test, which flagged both rear tyres as worn close to the legal limit and on their edges, a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel, and a worn nearside front suspension arm pin or bush that was not yet resulting in excessive movement. Beyond these items, no corrosion, brake, exhaust, steering, or structural advisories have appeared in the recorded history, indicating a relatively contained defect profile dominated by minor consumable and glazing issues rather than systemic deterioration. Mileage accumulation for this thirteen-year-old Ka stands at 91,068 miles, equating to roughly 7,000 miles annually, which sits close to the typical average for a vehicle of this age and type. The recorded MOT tests fall in 2023, 2025, and 2025, suggesting that the 2024 testing cycle may have been missed or the vehicle was not presented for test, though without continuous annual records it is difficult to confirm whether there has been a genuine gap in road use. The mileage progression between tests is consistent with normal driving rather than long-term storage or unusually heavy use, which means that one would expect wear on age-sensitive items such as suspension components, brake components, tyres, and exhaust mountings to have accumulated in proportion to the distance covered. There is no evidence on the MOT record of rapid mileage escalation or extended periods off the road that would point toward specific mechanical risks associated with either low-use corrosion or high-use component fatigue. For a prospective buyer, the priority items to scrutinise centre on the front suspension and wheel assemblies flagged in the 2023 advisory. The nearside front suspension arm pin or bush should be examined for any progression in movement, as components that were noted as worn but within tolerance two years ago may now be approaching the point where excessive play develops. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end, particularly when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness or rattle through the steering wheel that might indicate the bush has deteriorated further. The nearside front road wheel distortion noted in the same test is worth inspecting visually for run-out or buckles, and any steering pull, vibration through the wheel at speed, or uneven front tyre wear would warrant further investigation, particularly as both rear tyres were also flagged as worn close to the legal limit with edge wear, suggesting alignment or tracking concerns worth checking at the current odometer reading. The remaining advisory worth verifying is the persistent windscreen crack on the nearside, which has now appeared across consecutive tests, along with the recurring washer defect that has caused two failures in the same year. Buyers should confirm the windscreen damage has not extended or begun to obstruct the driver's view, as any growth could render it a future failure item. Equally, ensure the washer system is functioning correctly at the point of inspection, including adequate pump operation and clear nozzle spray at the screen, as intermittent electrical faults in the washer pump or wiring are a known cause of repeat failures on vehicles of this age. Finally, given the mileage, a general check of brake disc and pad condition, exhaust integrity, and the condition of the rear axle and underbody components not specifically flagged in advisories is sensible, although the MOT record itself does not indicate any current concerns in these areas.