2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CU09 MYG

Chronic corrosion around the rear suspension spring mounting areas and front strut assemblies is the defining mechanical theme of this Ford Ka's MOT history, with the most recent test on 31 January 2022 passing but flagging both front Macpherson struts as corroded alongside a pitted nearside front brake disc. The trend across the recorded tests is one of progressive structural deterioration rather than improvement: as far back as May 2017 corrosion was noted at the front top suspension mounting nuts, by May 2018 the rear lower coil spring cups were flagged, by July 2019 both rear lower spring mounting areas were described as corroded, and in January 2021 this corrosion was significant enough to warrant both rear advisories again. The seriousness of this trajectory was confirmed by the 4 January 2022 test, which failed with a Dangerous defect for corrosion at the nearside rear suspension spring mounting to the extent that control of the vehicle was likely to be adversely affected. A subsequent pass just 27 days later suggests a repair was carried out, but the underlying corrosion pattern across multiple spring mounts and strut assemblies indicates a vehicle with widespread structural oxidation that may continue to advance, particularly in the rear axle and front suspension turret areas. The recorded mileage of 40,271 miles against a 17-year vehicle age equates to roughly 2,369 miles per year, which is well below typical annual accumulation for a city car of this type and points to either light use or significant periods off the road. The MOT testing record itself shows a notable gap between the January 2021 test and the January 2022 tests, and the vehicle has not been presented for testing since January 2022 according to the data provided. Low annual mileage reduces wear on high-mileage consumables such as the engine, clutch and gearbox internals, but it also tends to accelerate corrosion through short journeys that do not allow components to dry thoroughly, and prolonged standing periods can lead to seized brake calipers, deteriorated rubber boots and bushes, and flat-spotted tyres. The earlier advisory for both front service brakes binding slightly in 2021 is consistent with this pattern of under-use, and the recurring suspension corrosion fits a vehicle that has spent considerable time stationary or driven predominantly in damp conditions. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear axle and front suspension turrets, because the MOT history demonstrates these are the areas where corrosion has repeatedly been identified and where a future failure is most plausible. On inspection, examine the coil spring seats and mounting cups on both rear corners for visible flaking, scaling or perforation, paying particular attention to the nearside rear where the Dangerous failure was previously recorded, and check that any repair work has been carried out to a structural standard rather than simply sealed over. Inspect the front Macpherson strut top mountings for corrosion around the turrets, strut nuts and inner wing panels, and look for any signs of bubbling paint or surface rust spreading from the mounting points. During the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn or corroded spring seats allowing movement, and feel for any vagueness or shudder through the steering that could point to further strut deterioration. Given the recurring advisories for brake binding and a pitted nearside front brake disc, the buyer should also check for the nearside front wheel running hotter than the offside after a short drive, any pulling under braking, and a spongy or uneven pedal feel. Additional checks should cover the remaining advisory items from the record, including the exhaust system which was flagged for a minor gas leak at the rear in 2019, the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint which showed slight play at that same test, and the offside front suspension ball joint dust cover which had severely deteriorated by 2021. On a road test, listen for exhaust escaping noises from beneath the rear of the vehicle, particularly on start-up from cold, and feel for any vibration through the brake pedal which could indicate the pitted disc has worsened beyond the advisory threshold. The ball joint play noted in 2019 warrants specific attention: jack each front wheel and check for vertical or horizontal play at the lower arm joint by hand, and listen for a dull clunk over uneven roads which would suggest the joint has worn further. Finally, because the vehicle has not been tested since early 2022 and the corrosion history suggests an ongoing structural concern, a thorough pre-purchase inspection on a ramp by a competent technician is strongly advisable, with particular emphasis on the structural elements that have previously been flagged, before committing to purchase.