2014 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · FV14 EFL

The June 2026 test at 57,518 miles returned a pass, yet the advisory on rear sub-frame corrosion marks a clear shift toward structural deterioration. Previous tests reveal a pattern of recurring suspension and tyre wear advisories that has escalated from minor consumable issues to chassis integrity concerns. The maintenance trend is worsening, moving from clean early records to consistent component degradation over the last six years. Mileage remained extremely low during the first three years, averaging barely 2,000 miles annually, before jumping to 14,394 miles by December 2020. A significant gap exists between the 2020 and 2022 tests, covering 11,200 miles in eighteen months, followed by steadier accumulation of 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year through 2024 and 2025. The current 57,518 miles remains low for a twelve-year-old Ka, though recent usage aligns with typical private mileage. Front tyre wear appears persistently on the inner edge, noted in 2020, 2023 and 2024, indicating unresolved geometry or worn suspension components rather than simple neglect. The tester flagged worn front suspension arm pins and bushes in May 2024 at 44,813 miles, and rear shock absorbers showed light oil misting a year later at 52,349 miles. Basic upkeep has been inconsistent; the vehicle failed on a registration plate lamp in 2022 and again in 2025, while a non-functioning windscreen washer caused a failure in 2024. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection of the rear sub-frame mounting points to assess the extent of corrosion flagged in the latest test. Check front suspension geometry and lower arm bush play closely, as the inner-edge tyre wear and bush advisories suggest progressive wear. Verify rear shock absorber damping performance on a road test, and confirm all lighting and washer functions operate correctly, given the history of repeat minor failures.