2011 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CP11 AEG

The 2011 Ford Ka’s most recent MOT, conducted just 11 months ago on 11 August 2025, confirms it passed without defects at 82,078 miles. However, the record reveals an unusual pattern: two consecutive failures on 4 August 2025 and 7 August 2024, both at identical mileages (82,077 and 71,336 respectively), despite no recorded defects on either test. This suggests either a technical oversight in the MOT process or a vehicle that narrowly avoided serious failings. The most recent pass, coupled with the lack of advisories in the last cycle, indicates the car has cleared the most critical thresholds, though the repeated near-misses warrant scrutiny of components prone to marginal failures—particularly brakes, suspension, or emissions systems. The vehicle’s mileage progression of roughly 5,472 miles annually is unusually low for its age, averaging just over 450 miles per month. This suggests either minimal use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which could mitigate some wear but also introduce risks like flat spots on tyres, degraded suspension seals, or battery sulphation. The gap between tests—consistently one year apart—implies regular MOT compliance, though the repeated failures at identical mileages hint at a potential underlying issue that evaded detection. The absence of advisories in the 2023 test at 64,438 miles further suggests the car has not undergone significant mechanical intervention, leaving key components—such as coil springs, steering dampers, or brake calipers—in a state of prolonged service. Given the lack of recorded defects but the twice-failed MOTs, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly for binding calipers or uneven wear on discs, as these often trigger advisory or fail conditions without obvious external signs. The suspension should be checked for worn bushes, corroded coil springs, or leaking dampers, as these degrade gradually and may not surface in a standard MOT. Corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe is also critical, especially given the car’s age; rust can compromise structural integrity without immediate failure. Finally, the exhaust system should be examined for leaks or excessive corrosion, as emissions-related faults frequently appear as advisories or fail items. The low mileage does not absolve the need for these checks—rather, it underscores the importance of verifying that deferred maintenance hasn’t allowed hidden issues to develop.