2017 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · FD17 NUB

A 2017 Ford Ka carrying only 17,414 miles over nine years presents an exceptionally low-mileage profile, yet the DVSA MOT history reveals a consistent run of clean passes with zero advisories or failures recorded across five consecutive tests from 2022 through early 2026. This is the defining mechanical story: the vehicle has cleared every annual roadworthiness examination without a single flagged defect, suggesting that the structural, braking, suspension, and emission-related components inspected under the MOT regime have remained within legal limits throughout the recorded period. The latest test on 4 February 2026 closed out another advisory-free year, reinforcing a stable and untroubled trend rather than a deteriorating one. No corrosion advisories, no brake or suspension concerns, and no exhaust or lighting defects have surfaced, which is notable for a small city car now entering its tenth year of service. The annual mileage of roughly 1,935 miles per year is substantially below the typical accumulation rate for a vehicle of this age, and the spacing of the MOT records supports a pattern of light, intermittent use rather than continuous daily driving. The relatively even gaps between tests, with no multi-year absences from the road, indicate the car has remained taxed and in use, but the low odometer readings imply long standing periods between trips. Mechanically, this usage pattern carries specific implications: brake discs and pads can suffer from low-speed corrosion pitting due to infrequent operation, tyres may develop flat spots or sidewall cracking from prolonged static loading, and rubber components such as suspension bushes, steering gaiters, and drive belts can deteriorate more from age and lack of flex than from wear. Coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil will also have aged significantly given the limited distance covered, even though service intervals have likely been triggered by time rather than mileage. From a buyer's perspective, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific component history to investigate, but the low-mileage context makes a targeted physical inspection essential. On a test drive, listen carefully for any groaning or binding from the front brakes during low-speed stops, which would indicate corroded caliper slide pins or pitted discs seizing slightly, a common issue on cars that sit for long periods. Apply the brakes firmly from around 30 mph to feel for any pulsation through the pedal, which would suggest disc run-out from uneven corrosion. Over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, pay attention to any clonks or knocks from the front suspension, as dried-out bushes, perished top mounts, or seized ball joints can manifest on a car that has spent more time parked than driven. Check the steering for any reluctance to self-centre or for a clunk when turning lock to lock, which would point to worn tie rod ends or deteriorated steering rack mounts. Given the odometer reading, it is also prudent to verify that the cambelt or timing chain service interval has been respected by time rather than distance, as a 2017 vehicle is approaching the age where timing components and ancillary drive belts become critical regardless of mileage. Inspect the tyres closely for cracking in the sidewalls or between the tread blocks, as age-hardened rubber can fail the legal tread depth test or become hazardous well before the wear indicators are reached. Look under the bonnet for any signs of perished coolant or brake fluid hoses, and ask for documentary evidence of fluid changes within the last two to three years. Finally, examine the exhaust system for surface rust and listen for any blowing or ticking on start-up, as exhaust manifolds and mounting rubbers can deteriorate from heat cycling combined with infrequent use. While the MOT record is reassuringly clean, the age and very low mileage of this particular Ka demand the usual scrutiny reserved for cars that have spent more of their life stationary than on the road.