2012 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · CY12 LHR

The vehicle achieved an MOT pass on 19 May 2026, with no defects or advisories recorded at this most recent test. However, the broader history indicates a maintenance trend that warrants careful attention rather than complacency. Just five days prior to the pass, the vehicle failed on multiple dangerous and major defects, including a leaking offside front shock absorber, both front tyres being below the legal tread depth, and front suspension arm pins or bushes at imminent risk of detachment. While the follow-up pass confirms that remedial work was carried out, the severity of those defects, particularly the suspension component failures, suggests that the front suspension and steering assemblies have either been repaired or replaced shortly before sale. A prospective buyer should satisfy themselves that proper rectification documentation exists for the shock absorber and suspension arm components, as the safety-critical nature of these items leaves no margin for substandard repair. The recorded mileage of 67,117 miles over approximately 14 years equates to an annual usage of around 4,794 miles, which is considerably below the national average. Such low annual mileage typically reflects either light running conditions or extended periods of standing. While lower mileage generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and transmission, it often accelerates deterioration of items affected by age and inactivity. Rubber components, brake discs, and underbody protection can all suffer from lack of use, and the advisories recorded at the 2024 and 2025 tests already hint at age-related deterioration beginning to manifest on consumables and braking surfaces. Given the recurring advisories from 2024 and 2025, particular attention should be paid to the suspension and braking systems during inspection and test drive. The 2025 test noted worn nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes, front brake discs pitted or scored on both sides, and thinning front brake pads on both sides, with the nearside rear tyre showing edge wear. These advisories were issued prior to the failures on the suspension bushes, indicating progressive deterioration. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over bumps and during full lock manoeuvres, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering. Inspect the front discs for lipping, surface rust pitting, and any binding of the calipers, which is common on low-mileage vehicles that have stood for long periods. Check all four tyres carefully for both legal tread depth and, more importantly given the age of the vehicle, for sidewall cracking, perishing, and bulges, as fourteen-year-old tyres can degrade structurally even with adequate tread remaining. The spare tyre should be checked equally, and any tyre over ten years old should be regarded as due for replacement on safety grounds. Beyond the documented items, several age-related checks should form part of any physical inspection. Verify the date code on the 12V battery and confirm it is holding a strong charge, as batteries on lightly used vehicles frequently fail through chronic undercharging rather than cycling. Inspect brake fluid colour and service history, as this hygroscopic fluid should ideally be replaced every two years regardless of mileage, and any service record over four years old warrants a fluid exchange. Check the coolant strength and replacement interval, the condition and age of the timing chain or belt service record, and examine the underbody, inner arches, and subframe mounting points for corrosion, particularly around suspension strut tops and rear axle locations, as these are known rust-prone areas on vehicles of this age. Finally, confirm that the service book has been stamped at appropriate intervals and that there is documentary evidence for the recent suspension and brake rectification work, ensuring the vehicle has been returned to a properly maintained and roadworthy condition.