2012 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · DV62 WLE

Chronic wear of the front suspension linkages and recurring issues with the offside front braking system define the mechanical history of this vehicle. While the most recent test on 15 December 2025 resulted in a pass, it maintained advisories for worn pins or bushes on both the offside and nearside front suspension arms, a trend that has persisted since 2023. This follows a more serious failure in December 2024 involving a dangerous tyre defect and a major failure for an excessively binding offside front service brake, indicating a pattern of instability regarding the front-end running gear and braking efficiency. The recorded mileage of 66,804 miles over approximately 14 years represents a low annual average of roughly 4,772 miles. Such a usage profile often suggests the vehicle has been used for short-distance urban trips or has experienced periods of inactivity. Mechanically, this can lead to the premature degradation of rubber components, such as the suspension bushes flagged in the MOT records, which can perish or harden over time regardless of the total distance travelled. A test drive should focus heavily on the front suspension and steering response. Listen for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring, as these are typical symptoms of the worn suspension arm pins and bushes noted across multiple tests. Pay close attention to any vagueness in the steering or a tendency for the vehicle to wander, which may be linked to the ongoing wear in the front linkages. The braking system requires specific scrutiny, particularly the offside front caliper. Given the history of binding and imbalance, feel for any unusual pedal judder or a sensation that the vehicle is pulling to one side under braking. After a short drive, a cautious check for excessive heat emanating from the offside front wheel compared to the nearside can help identify if the binding issue persists. Additionally, inspect the current tyres for the uneven wear patterns previously recorded to ensure the wheel alignment has been corrected.