2002 Ford KA 1.3L Petrol · GD51 FXU

The vehicle shows a worsening maintenance trend characterized by significant structural deterioration. While the most recent recorded test in December 2021 at 94,028 miles resulted in a pass, it flagged ongoing issues including general under-body corrosion and light oil misting from the nearside rear shock absorber. This follows a period of severe mechanical and structural failures between 2019 and 2020, where the vehicle failed multiple tests due to critical corrosion on the sills, floor, and chassis legs. The mileage pattern indicates very low annual usage, averaging approximately 3,900 miles per year over its 24-year lifespan. However, the data shows a significant period of stagnation; the vehicle covered only 4,000 miles between October 2014 and January 2016, and then remained largely static for several years, with only about 2,000 miles recorded between 2016 and 2017. The lack of recent MOT data since December 2021 is a major concern, as the vehicle has been unrecorded for nearly five years relative to the current date. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity. The MOT history reveals a recurring and escalating pattern of heavy corrosion affecting the inner sills, floor, and chassis legs, which reached a critical level in the November 2020 failure. This is not merely surface rust but significant structural degradation that has previously reduced the rigidity of the assembly. Given the age and the specific failures recorded, the chassis and mounting points require close scrutiny for advanced rot. Secondary inspections should focus on the suspension and braking systems. The record shows a history of fractured coil springs, worn Macpherson strut bushes, and deteriorated suspension arm bushes. While the 2021 test noted only minor shock absorber misting, the previous instability in suspension components suggests that rubber bushes and mounting points may be nearing the end of their service life. Additionally, the history of corroded brake pipes in 2018 necessitates a check of the entire hydraulic system for leaks or thinning metal.