2015 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · FD65 RBY

The most recent MOT on 15 July 2026 was passed, but it carried two advisories – front brake pads reported as thin and windscreen wipers operating slower than expected. Over the previous three years the pattern shows a gradual emergence of wear‑related advisories: in 2025 tyre tread on both front wheels was close to the legal limit, a front suspension arm ball‑joint exhibited slight play and rear sub‑frame corrosion was noted; in 2024 the front brake discs were flagged as worn. While the vehicle has consistently passed the test, the accumulation of wear items indicates a maintenance trend that is moving from a clean slate toward routine component replacement rather than an outright deterioration of structural integrity. At 42 669 miles recorded for a 2015 model the annual average mileage works out to roughly 3 900 miles per year, which is well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles annually. Such low utilisation often points to periods of infrequent use or extended storage. The benefit is reduced cumulative wear on drivetrain and engine parts, but the downside is the potential for age‑related degradation of rubber components, corrosion in hidden chassis areas and battery capacity loss, all of which are not reflected in the mileage figure alone. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front braking system. The thin pads will soon require replacement and the previously noted disc wear may be approaching the minimum thickness, so a visual inspection of disc surface for scoring or glazing and a test‑drive brake feel for any pulsation or increased pedal travel are advisable. The front tyres, already near the legal tread limit, should be measured for depth and inspected for sidewall cracking, as the combination of low mileage and age can cause rubber perishing even when tread appears adequate. The slight play reported on the front suspension arm ball‑joint should be checked by applying a firm push‑pull at the wheel hub; any clunk, looseness or uneven tyre wear could signal that the joint is nearing failure and will need replacement. The rear sub‑frame corrosion, although not yet compromising rigidity, warrants a close visual survey for rust penetration, especially around mounting points, and a gentle shake of the rear suspension to ensure no excessive movement. Beyond the specific advisories, the car’s age dictates a series of calendar‑based checks. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, looking for swollen cells or a voltage drop below 12.4 V after a short idle, and consider a load test if the battery is more than three years old. Examine all rubber hoses, seals and the coolant expansion tank for hardening, cracks or bulging, as fluids can break down over time regardless of mileage. Inspect the wiper blades for stiffness and the motor operation, since the MOT noted slower performance; a functional wiper is essential for safe operation in wet weather. Finally, confirm that the service history includes regular oil changes and that any time‑due items such as spark plug replacement, fuel filter change and brake fluid flush have been addressed, as these are critical to maintaining reliability in a low‑mileage, long‑standing vehicle.