2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CU09 MLJ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 1 February 2023, was a pass but it was accompanied by a series of advisories covering tyre wear, shock absorber casing damage, front MacPherson‑strut mounting, rear coil‑spring corrosion and rear MacPherson‑strut mounting. Over the last four years the vehicle has moved from a mixture of passes and fails – notably a dangerous tyre failure and a parking‑brake fault in January 2023, major brake‑binding and parking‑brake failures in January 2020, and an exhaust emissions failure in 2019 – to a clean pass with only non‑critical advisories. The pattern shows a gradual accumulation of age‑related wear rather than a reversal of previous faults, indicating that the overall maintenance trajectory is still deteriorating and will require attention to the recurring suspension and brake items. At 121,418 mi the car has logged roughly 7,100 mi per year since its 2009 launch, a usage rate that sits squarely within the typical UK average for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of excessive mileage accumulation that would suggest heavy‑duty use, nor are there large mileage gaps that would point to prolonged storage. The moderate annual mileage means that wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and suspension components is likely to be consistent with age rather than high‑stress operation, but the recorded mileage does not mask the progressive corrosion and component fatigue evident in the MOT records. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front and rear suspension assemblies. Inspect the MacPherson‑strut top mounts and the rear coil‑spring housings for rust, cracking or deformation; any clunk or metallic knock when applying the brakes or driving over bumps can indicate that the damaged mountings have progressed to a structural fault. The front anti‑roll‑bar ball joints flagged as excessively worn should be examined for play and uneven wear, as a failed joint can lead to steering wander and compromised handling. Brake service is also a priority – the front pads were noted as thin in 2021 and the service brakes have shown intermittent binding; verify that the pads are above the minimum thickness, that the discs are free from deep scoring or rust, and that the parking brake engages firmly on both sides. Confirm that all external lighting, especially the front position lamps, operates correctly, and check the exhaust flexi pipe for cracks or corrosion that could affect emissions and noise levels. Given the vehicle’s age, the buyer should also assess items that deteriorate with time irrespective of mileage. Examine the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot, cracking or age‑related hardening, and verify that the tread depth exceeds the legal 1.6 mm on all four tyres. Look for signs of under‑seal failure or rust on the rear subframe, rear axle and any exposed metalwork, as prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion. Test the 12 V battery voltage and check for any fluid leakage from the cooling system, power‑steering pump and brake master cylinder, as these fluids can degrade even when the car is not driven heavily. Finally, request a full service history and confirm that timing‑belt or chain intervals, if applicable, have been observed, and that any recommended time‑based fluid changes have been performed.