2014 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CV14 OKS

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend in mechanical and structural neglect. While it passed its most recent test on 25 August 2025 at 100,488 miles, the failure on that same day reveals a significant accumulation of defects that were barely addressed. The presence of recurring exhaust leaks and suspension wear across multiple years suggests that the vehicle is only receiving the minimum maintenance required to pass an MOT rather than undergoing proactive preventative care. At 100,488 miles over 12 years, the Ford Ka follows a consistent usage pattern of approximately 8,300 miles per year, which is typical for an older city car. The mileage data shows steady progression, with roughly 6,000 miles driven between the 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 6,000 miles leading up to the 2025 inspection. This moderate mileage does not explain the rapid degradation of rubber components and the metal corrosion noted in the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension and structural integrity. The 2025 test flagged a severely deteriorated nearside front arm ball joint dust cover, corroded nearside front coil springs, and worn suspension bushes. More critically, the tester noted corrosion on the subframe mounting area; while currently classified as not excessive, rust in these structural areas tends to progress over time if left untreated. The parking brake efficiency also only just met the legal requirement, indicating that the braking system is nearing a state that requires significant adjustment or component replacement. The record also highlights poor history of tyre management, with multiple entries for perishing, cracking, and tread reaching the legal limit. The persistent oil leak noted in August 2024 should also be monitored to ensure it has not evolved into a more costly failure. Given the recurring exhaust gas leaks and the state of the suspension rubber components, the vehicle is likely to require further investment in the immediate future to maintain continued reliability.