2010 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · EA60 GWW

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate, having passed on 12 January 2026 with no advisories or defects recorded. It is worth noting that this pass followed a failure recorded just one week earlier on 5 January 2026; while the official DVSA record shows no defects for that failed entry, the rapid retest suggests a minor rectification was carried out between the two tests. Looking at the broader pattern, the vehicle has demonstrated a stable maintenance trend over the last three years, with clean passes at the 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests. There are no advisories listed against any of the recent examinations, which indicates that none of the items typically monitored during an MOT have been flagged as approaching the failure threshold. The absence of recorded advisories is generally positive, though it can occasionally mask wear items that an inspector chose not to formally note. With a recorded mileage of 85,717 miles over approximately sixteen years, this Ford Ka has covered an average of roughly 5,357 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and segment. Such modest annual usage suggests the vehicle may have experienced extended periods of standing or limited short journeys, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Low-mileage vehicles can suffer from premature ageing of certain components, including brake disc corrosion due to infrequent use, stiffening or cracking of rubber suspension bushes, and degradation of lubricants and coolants through calendar ageing rather than mileage accumulation. Equally, short journeys that do not allow the engine to reach full operating temperature can promote moisture build-up in the oil and exhaust condensation, potentially leading to internal corrosion over time. Given the clean MOT history and the low recorded usage, a prospective buyer should focus on age-related deterioration rather than straightforward wear items. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds harden and lose flexibility with age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than six years should be regarded as due for replacement even if they appear serviceable. Brake discs should be visually inspected for surface rust and lipping, and the calipers should be checked for binding by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely when handbrake is released, as seized caliper pistons are common on vehicles that stand for prolonged periods. The 12-volt battery is highly likely to be approaching the end of its service life given the calendar age, and a load test or voltage check under cranking conditions is strongly recommended. Finally, attention should be directed towards time-based servicing items that the MOT does not cover but which are critical at this age. The engine coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil should all be considered overdue regardless of mileage, as brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and degrades in absorbency over a two-year cycle, reducing braking efficiency. The timing belt, if fitted on this particular variant, would be well past its recommended replacement interval and warrants immediate verification of its service history. On a test drive, listen for suspension clonks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes or top mounts; check for pulling under braking, which may suggest a seized brake caliper or corroded brake pipe; and observe any excessive exhaust smoke on start-up, which could indicate valve stem seal failure or internal corrosion from infrequent use. A thorough inspection on a ramp would also be prudent to check for underbody corrosion, as the Ka of this era is known to be vulnerable in the rear axle and suspension mounting areas.