2012 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · DP12 CKE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding suspension geometry and structural integrity. While the most recent test in March 2026 at 91,851 miles passed, the tester identified new advisories for play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint and nearside front track rod end. These issues follow a pattern of steering rack inner joint play noted back in January 2024, suggesting the front-end assembly is reaching the end of its service life. The mileage pattern is consistent with a typical 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,500 miles per year. There was a significant gap of over 9,500 miles between January 2024 and February 2025, followed by another 10,500-mile interval between February 2025 and March 2026. This steady accumulation suggests regular use, but the age of the car explains the degradation of perishables and metal components, such as the rubber bushings and coil springs, despite the relatively low annual mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear axle and coil springs due to recurring corrosion issues. Records from 2023 and 2024 specifically highlighted corrosion on all four coil springs and the rear axle, which represents a high risk of structural failure if the rust progresses. The buyer should also verify the exhaust system for further leaks, as the history shows multiple manifold leaks, damaged flexi-pipes, and missing mounting clamps in previous years. The front suspension requires immediate attention to ensure the ball joints and track rod ends are replaced to maintain steering precision and safety.