2018 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · GD67 RVM

The most recent MOT, conducted on 29 January 2026, resulted in a failure for a nearside rear stop‑lamp fault (Regulation 4.3.1 (a)(ii)). Apart from that isolated lighting defect, the test otherwise recorded a pass. Looking back through the eight‑year history the vehicle has generally cleared MOT without major issues, with the only substantive defect being a major tyre cut on the nearside front wheel in the 2025 test, which was rectified before the next inspection. Overall the maintenance trend can be described as stable, with occasional minor wear‑related items rather than a pattern of progressive deterioration. At eight years old the car shows a recorded mileage of 15,901 miles, equating to just under 2,000 miles per annum. This is well below the typical UK average of 7‑10 000 miles per year and suggests the vehicle has spent considerable time in storage or has been used only for short, low‑stress journeys. Low annual mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and suspension components, but prolonged periods of standing can promote tyre sidewall cracking, battery sulphation and corrosion of brake discs or suspension bushings. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would indicate a period of heavy use, so the wear profile should be relatively benign. The nearside rear stop‑lamp must be repaired or replaced before the vehicle can be re‑MOTed; a faulty lamp can mask other rear‑end warning lights and is a legal requirement. The tyre history warrants particular scrutiny: the front tyre that failed in 2025 had a cut deep enough to reach the ply, indicating that the wheel may have suffered impact damage. A prospective buyer should inspect both front and rear tyres for uneven wear, sidewall cracking, bulges or any remaining cuts, and verify that the current tread depth meets the 1.6 mm legal minimum. During a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that could point to a damaged wheel rim, out‑of‑balance tyre, or worn suspension bushes, and check that the rear stop‑lamp illuminates correctly after the repair. Given the low mileage and limited use, attention should be given to age‑related items rather than high‑wear components. Examine the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot or perishing, especially if the car has been stored on a single set of wheels. Inspect the 12‑volt battery for signs of sulphation, low cranking voltage or swollen case, and consider a load test if the battery is more than three years old. Check the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear that can develop when a vehicle sits for long periods, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding. Finally, confirm that service records show timely replacement of engine oil, coolant and brake fluid at roughly 12‑month or 10 000‑mile intervals, as fluids degrade with time even when the car is not driven extensively. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance required.