2018 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CP18 ELH

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 May 2025 resulted in a PASS, with no defects, advisories, or failures recorded at that test. Reviewing the broader MOT history, a clear pattern emerges: the vehicle has been presented for test in 2023 and 2024, with each annual visit showing an initial FAIL followed immediately by a PASS on the same day. This dual-entry pattern is typical of vehicles that fail on a single, rectifiable item during the first inspection and are then re-presented after repair, passing on the subsequent attempt without any recorded advisories. With the most recent pass carrying no recorded defects and the pattern consistent across several years, the overall maintenance trend appears stable rather than worsening, and there is no MOT history suggesting progressive mechanical deterioration in areas such as braking, suspension, or emissions. The recorded mileage of 13,363 miles on an 8 year old vehicle equates to an annual average of roughly 1,670 miles, which is exceptionally low for a car of this age. Even allowing for some unrecorded mileage between tests, the figures presented on the MOT documentation imply long periods of standing or very light use. While low mileage typically preserves major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and transmission, prolonged inactivity introduces its own set of age-related concerns. Components that suffer more from time than from use become the primary risk factors, and a prospective buyer should approach this vehicle with those specific considerations in mind rather than assuming its low odometer reading guarantees excellent overall condition. Given the low annual mileage and clean MOT record, physical inspection should focus on age-related degradation rather than wear-based items. Tyres should be examined closely for perishing or cracking of the sidewalls, as rubber compounds deteriorate with age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than five years from their DOT manufacture date should be regarded as due for replacement even if legal tread remains. The 12V battery is another priority, as batteries that have sat in a partially discharged state or have endured several years of infrequent use are prone to sudden failure; a load test or voltage check under cranking is strongly advisable. Brake discs and calipers are also likely candidates for attention, since light use encourages surface corrosion on the discs and can lead to binding calipers, which manifests as uneven brake feel, pulling to one side, or a judder under braking. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the discs as surface rust is cleared, and verify that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as cables and mechanisms can seize from disuse. Finally, attention should turn to fluid and service-related items that degrade with calendar age rather than mileage. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the manual transmission oil should all be considered suspect simply because so few miles have been covered, and a full fluid service history should be verified through the service book or independent stamps. The exhaust system, while unlikely to have wear from use, should be inspected for external corrosion, particularly at mounting brackets and joints, which is common on vehicles kept outdoors. Underneath the vehicle, check for any signs of fluid leaks from standing, particularly around the engine oil seals, brake calipers, and suspension damper seals, as rubber components harden and weep with age. A thorough road test should include checks for suspension clunks over bumps, which would indicate perished bushes, and confirmation that the steering remains precise, as low use combined with age can allow steering components to seize partially. If all these age-related areas are inspected and found serviceable, the vehicle represents a well-preserved example with no recorded MOT concerns.