2014 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CF63 CGG

The most recent MOT, carried out on 13 May 2026, was a pass but it carried three advisories – under‑carriage rust, a minor exhaust leak and a defective rear windscreen wiper blade. Over the last two years the vehicle has oscillated between passes and failures, with major failures recorded for the supplementary restraint system (SRS) warning lamp in March and April 2026 and for wiper and stop‑lamp faults in March 2024. While the latest result shows the car is currently road‑worthy, the pattern reveals a maintenance record that is not consistently improving; recurring electronic and corrosion‑related items suggest that some components have been neglected and may require attention before the next service interval. At 48,844 miles the 2014 Ford Ka averages just over 4,000 miles per year, well below the typical usage for a vehicle of its age. Such low mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because age‑related deterioration – rubber hardening, fluid breakdown and corrosion – progresses regardless of distance travelled. The modest annual mileage reduces wear on the engine, gearbox and drivetrain, but the vehicle’s age means that seals, bushings and suspension components may be approaching the end of their service life even if they have not been heavily exercised. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the under‑carriage rust and the exhaust leak noted in the latest advisory. Visual inspection of the chassis, sub‑frame, suspension mounts and exhaust system for flaking paint, bubbling rust or perforations is essential; any rust that has penetrated structural members could compromise rigidity and lead to noisy suspension operation. The minor exhaust leak may produce a faint hissing sound at idle and could allow fumes to enter the cabin, so a test‑drive should include listening for exhaust whine and checking for any sulphur‑smell inside. The SRS warning lamp fault recorded in the two most recent tests must be diagnosed with a scan tool – airbag control module failures can be intermittent but may also indicate a faulty sensor or deteriorated wiring, and the system should be cleared and verified before reliance on the airbags. The rear windscreen washer and wiper defects, although advisory, suggest the vehicle may have been left stationary for extended periods; verify that the washer pump delivers adequate spray and that the wiper blades make full, even contact without streaking or chatter. Given the age of the car, the buyer should also inspect items that are not mileage‑dependent. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven tread wear that could signal mis‑alignment or suspension wear; tyres older than six years should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Check the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and perform a load test, as batteries lose capacity over time even with low use. Inspect the front shock absorbers for oil seepage – the 2025 advisory about light misting of oil on both fronts indicates possible seal wear, which can lead to reduced damping and a mushy ride. The rear coil spring corrosion noted in 2025 should be checked for cracks or loss of spring rate. Finally, verify that brake pads, especially the off‑side front pads flagged as thin in 2023, have sufficient thickness and that the calipers are not binding; any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes warrants a professional brake service. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection covering these points will give a clear picture of the vehicle’s current condition and any imminent maintenance costs.