2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · GF59 PVT

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 June 2026 initially resulted in a failure with two critical brake defects and a minor lighting issue, but the vehicle subsequently passed the same day once those items were remedied, leaving a clean current MOT certificate. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but with one notable area of concern. Between 2021 and 2024 the vehicle passed with no advisories, indicating sound mechanical condition during that period. However, by June 2025 advisories were raised on both front brake pads showing thin wear, and within twelve months those pads had worn to a dangerous level below the 1.5 mm minimum, necessitating immediate replacement to secure the pass. This indicates that the front braking system has been neglected in the period leading up to the latest test and a prospective buyer should verify the quality and authenticity of the recent brake work. The recorded mileage of 126,501 miles over a 17 year life equates to approximately 7,441 miles annually and is broadly consistent with typical usage for a small city oriented Ford Ka of this generation. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the mileage progression and no evidence of rapid accumulation that would suggest hard use such as long distance motorway commuting or commercial duty. That said, the annual average is on the moderate to lower end of typical, which combined with the vehicle's age means attention should be paid to age related degradation of components that deteriorate with time regardless of mileage covered. Routine consumable wear on suspension, exhaust, cooling system, and rubber components should be expected at this odometer reading. For a prospective buyer the immediate priority is to confirm the front brake overhaul was carried out to a satisfactory standard. Inspect both inner and outer front brake pads for material depth, examine the brake discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion pitting particularly on the inner radius, and check that the caliper slide pins and guide mechanisms are free to move without binding. On the road, listen for any scraping or grinding noises, watch for brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm application which would indicate disc runout, and ensure the vehicle pulls up squarely without pulling to either side. It is also worth inspecting the rear brake shoes and drums if fitted, as these are commonly overlooked during routine servicing and can corrode or seize on a vehicle that sees mixed urban use. Beyond the braking concerns, several age related checks are warranted given this Ka's seventeen years on the road. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking which is common on older vehicles regardless of tread depth, as perished tyres can fail suddenly under load. Examine the exhaust system for corrosion at the rear box, centre section, and front downpipe, paying particular attention to the rubber mounting hangers which often deteriorate with age. Check the 12 volt battery for holding charge and clean terminals, verify the coolant strength with a hydrometer to confirm adequate antifreeze protection, and inspect the timing belt replacement history if applicable, as this should have been completed within the manufacturer's interval. Test the cooling fan operation, look for any signs of coolant leakage from the water pump or thermostat housing, and ensure the automatic or manual transmission fluid is at the correct level and free from discolouration. Finally, on a test drive listen for suspension clonks over uneven surfaces indicating worn bushes or shock absorbers, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns which can reveal alignment or suspension geometry issues stemming from worn components.