2011 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CV61 OAM

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of escalating surface corrosion and component wear. The most recent test in September 2025 at 41,924 miles confirmed the presence of corroded rear suspension components and a corroded offside rear coil spring. While the car has passed its inspections without failures, the recurring nature of rust across the axle and suspension arms indicates that the vehicle is susceptible to environmental degradation which has not been proactively addressed through part replacement. At 41,924 miles over 15 years, this Ford Ka shows exceptionally low mileage averaging approximately 2,800 miles per year. This low usage pattern is consistent with the observation of a perishing tyre noted in 2021 at 33,923 miles. However, low mileage often correlates with accelerated aging of rubber components and oxidation of metal surfaces. The record shows a steady but slow accumulation of miles between annual tests, suggesting the issues identified are driven by age-related decay rather than mechanical strain from high-mile. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the underbody and suspension geometry. The tester has repeatedly flagged corrosion on the rear coil springs, MacPherson struts, and shock absorbers since 2022. By the 2025 test, front suspension arm bushes were also noted as worn, indicating that the rubber bushings are reaching the end of their functional life. The 2023 report of thin front brake pads and pitted discs suggests that basic consumable maintenance occurs only when parts approach failure rather than preventatively. Structural integrity of the exhaust and axle remains a primary concern given the consistent mentions of corrosion over the last five years. While the tester has currently classified these as not seriously weakened, the persistent presence of rust on the axle and exhaust system suggests a risk of future structural failure. The oil leak recorded in 2021 should also be verified to ensure it has not worsened into a significant leak in the intervening years.