2017 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · GD66 EEZ

The January 2026 test at 44,594 miles passed cleanly with zero defects, indicating a currently roadworthy vehicle. The maintenance trend shows a clear improvement. Between 2023 and early 2025, the car consistently triggered advisories for worn front brake pads and perishing tyres. The January 2025 failure at 41,218 miles revealed severely degraded tyres with exposed cords on the nearside rear and critically thin front brake pads, alongside a compromised offside front suspension ball joint dust cover. The subsequent January 2025 retest and the January 2026 test both passed without issue, suggesting the previous owner addressed these immediate failures. Repeated tyre degradation points to prolonged standing rather than high mileage use. Covering 44,594 miles over nine years equates to roughly 4,955 miles annually, confirming exceptionally light usage. The intervals between tests show steady, low accumulation: 34,952 miles in January 2023, 38,648 miles in January 2024, 41,218 miles in January 2025, and 44,594 miles in January 2026. This translates to an average annual increase of approximately 3,600 miles over the last three years. Low mileage often results in vehicles sitting idle for extended periods, which directly explains the recurring tyre perishing and sidewall cracking observed in the records. Short trips also prevent brakes from reaching optimal operating temperatures, accelerating corrosion and uneven wear, though the recent clean passes suggest the braking components may have been replaced following the 2025 failure. A physical inspection must focus on the suspension and underbody condition. The 2025 failure flagged an offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover that no longer prevents dirt ingress. Even though the retest passed, a split cover allows contaminants into the joint, accelerating wear and risking sudden failure. Inspect the lower suspension arms, track rod ends, and coil springs for corrosion and play. Examine the inner and outer edges of all four tyres closely. The history shows persistent perishing and sidewall cracking, typical of a car left stationary. Tyres may look legally compliant now but could be dangerously aged. Check the brake discs for surface corrosion and scoring, a common issue on low-mileage vehicles that rarely get hot enough to wipe clean. Verify the condition of the exhaust system, particularly the mounting points and flexi-pipe, as short runs cause internal moisture buildup and premature rusting.