2014 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · EF14 LDX

Recurring tyre wear and suspension component play define the recent mechanical profile of this Ford Ka, with the most recent test on 20 July 2026 resulting in a pass despite an advisory for an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and on the edge. This follows a pattern of tyre-related advisories noted in 2025 and 2021, alongside a specific advisory in July 2025 regarding slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record since a seat belt buckle failure in 2020, the emergence of suspension and tyre wear issues suggests a trend of component degradation that requires attention. The vehicle has covered 75,242 miles over its twelve-year lifespan, averaging approximately 6,270 miles per year. This usage pattern is consistent with typical low-to-mid-range annual mileage for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this level of accumulation suggests that while the drivetrain and major components may not have been subjected to extreme high-mileage stress, the vehicle has been used frequently enough to necessitate regular replacement of consumables such as tyres and suspension linkages. The steady mileage accumulation indicates a regular usage cycle rather than long periods of stationary storage. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the steering and suspension geometry during a test drive, specifically looking for any knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate that the play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint has progressed. Additionally, any pulling to one side or uneven steering feel should be investigated, as the repeated advisories for tyres being worn on the edges suggest potential issues with wheel alignment or camber settings. Regarding the tyres, the most recent advisory for the offside rear tyre being worn close to the legal limit and on the edge necessitates a physical inspection of all four tyres to ensure they meet minimum tread depth requirements and show even wear across the profile. If the tyres continue to wear unevenly, it may indicate that the suspension components or alignment issues flagged in previous years have not been fully rectified. Checking for any vibrations through the steering wheel or chassis at varying speeds will also help determine the current state of the suspension and wheel bearings.