2011 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · EY11 AUF

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend regarding structural integrity, with corrosion issues showing a persistent and worsening pattern. While the most recent test on 3 March 2026 at 70,860 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged a corroded rear axle. This follows a 2025 test at 69,572 miles where the rear axle was described as heavily corroded, and a significant failure in July 2024 involving widespread corrosion across the front and rear sub-frames, Macpherson strut mountings, and coil springs. The progression from minor corrosion to heavy axle corrosion suggests that while the car remains technically roadworthy, the underlying structural degradation is advancing. The mileage profile indicates a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 4,724 miles per year over its 15-year lifespan. The recorded data shows consistent, albeit infrequent, usage. For example, the vehicle progressed from 60,430 miles in February 2021 to 62,712 miles in February 2022, and eventually reached 70,860 miles by March 2026. This low annual mileage often correlates with the observed issues, as vehicles that sit idle for extended periods are frequently more susceptible to the type of surface and structural corrosion seen in this Ford Ka's history. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough underside inspection to assess the true extent of the chassis and sub-frame decay. The recurring failures and advisories regarding the front and rear sub-frames, Macpherson strut mountings, and the rear axle indicate that the vehicle is nearing a stage where structural repairs may become economically unviable. The tester's notes from July 2024 regarding pitted brake discs and imbalanced rear brakes also suggest that the braking system requires close scrutiny to ensure components are not seizing or failing due to age and inactivity. Suspension components also require physical verification. The record shows a history of worn shock absorber bushes, loose bump stops, and play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Although some of these issues appear to have been addressed following the 2024 failure, the repeated nature of these faults suggests a suspension system that has been under constant stress or affected by environmental degradation. Focus should be placed on the condition of the coil springs and the integrity of all mounting points to ensure the vehicle is not at risk of sudden component failure.