2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · FP09 CXM

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 3 June 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening. The history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care, evidenced by a dangerous failure regarding parking brake efficiency just one day prior to the pass, as well as previous major failures for exhaust leaks and severely worn suspension bushes. The prevalence of recurring advisories suggests that defects are being ignored until they become critical, indicating that the vehicle is currently in a state of gradual mechanical decline. With 107,794 recorded miles over 17 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 6,341 miles per year. This is a typical usage profile for a city car of this vintage, meaning the drivetrain and engine have seen moderate wear. However, the combination of this mileage and the vehicle's age makes it highly susceptible to the degradation of rubber components and structural corrosion, both of which are clearly manifesting in the MOT records. While the mileage is not excessively high, the wear on consumables and chassis components is disproportionate to the distance traveled, suggesting poor environmental conditions or inadequate servicing. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the rear chassis and suspension. The record indicates a deformed rear axle and corroded rear coil springs, which are significant red flags for the vehicle's structural integrity. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks over bumps, which would indicate further deterioration of the anti-roll bar linkages or suspension bushes. The recurring advisories regarding the nearside rear tyre, specifically cracking and perishing, suggest the rubber is aged and potentially unsafe. Inspect all tyre sidewalls for similar perishability and check for uneven wear patterns that would confirm the reported axle deformation or alignment issues. The braking system requires rigorous verification given the recent dangerous failure of the parking brake efficiency. Ensure the handbrake holds the vehicle firmly on a gradient and check for any binding calipers or shuddering during deceleration. The history of major exhaust leaks and emissions failures suggests a system prone to corrosion; listen for excessive drone or loud idling during the test drive. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that calendar-based fluid changes have been performed, as the vehicle's age makes oil and coolant degradation a certainty regardless of the annual mileage.