2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CV59 PVL

A clear pattern of front suspension and brake wear has emerged across the most recent DVSA tests, with both nearside and offside lower suspension arm ball joints now exhibiting slight play and both front brake discs noted as worn on the 11 August 2026 failed test and the subsequent 13 August 2026 retest. The earlier 2025 and 2024 passes had already flagged front brake disc pitting and scoring, suggesting these discs have been on a gradual decline rather than a sudden deterioration, and the recent advisories indicate they are nearing the threshold where replacement becomes prudent. The August 2026 failure itself was not caused by a major structural or safety defect but rather by the cumulative condition of these front end components, and the immediate pass on the retest suggests nothing catastrophic was uncovered, though the advisories remain live concerns. The rear of the vehicle also shows an ongoing corrosion theme, as nearside and offside rear coil springs have been flagged for corrosion across both the 2023 and 2024 tests, and the rear beam axle subframe was noted as corroded in 2023, all pointing to a chassis that is steadily succumbing to surface oxidation typical of a 2009 model now in its late teens. With 52,256 miles recorded against a 17 year lifespan, the vehicle averages roughly 3,074 miles annually, which is notably low for a city car of this age and suggests either genuinely limited use or extended periods of standing. Such low accumulation typically preserves the engine and gearbox internals from wear, but it also tends to accelerate corrosion on undersealed components, brake discs through infrequent use, and ageing rubber and bush items that degrade more through age than mileage. The MOT record shows annual testing throughout the recent period with no apparent long gaps off the road, which is reassuring from a continuity standpoint, though the consistent annual appearance of advisories rather than clean passes implies the vehicle is being driven just enough to keep wear progressing but rarely enough for major mechanical issues to develop or be addressed proactively. The combination of low miles and rising advisories is a classic signature of an ageing budget car used lightly and serviced to a minimum standard. For a prospective buyer, the priority items to physically inspect are the front suspension arms and ball joints, which should be checked by hand for any clunking when the wheels are rocked with the car raised, and listened for over uneven road surfaces during a test drive where any knocking or looseness through the steering will confirm the advisories are worsening. The front brake discs should be examined for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and any judder felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm stops, as the pitted and worn surfaces flagged in 2025 will have continued to deteriorate given the 2026 advisories. The rear coil springs and beam axle subframe, both noted in 2023 and 2024, warrant a thorough underbody inspection for any flaking or perforation, particularly where the springs seat into the axle, and the nearside rear shock absorber light oil misting from 2024 should be checked for any fresh seepage staining the casing. Finally, given the very low annual mileage, the tyres noted as worn close to the legal limit in 2024 and 2026 should be inspected for age cracking as well as tread depth, and a careful listen for any sticking or binding from the front brakes after a short drive will reveal whether corrosion has caused the calipers to seize from lack of regular use.