2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · GL09 VGV

The defining mechanical story of this 2009 Ford Ka centres on a pattern of component-level degradation rather than structural failure. Across its recorded MOT history, the vehicle has demonstrated a tendency for sealing and joint-related issues, with an exhaust major leak flagged in October 2023 and repeated anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover failures on both nearside and offside front assemblies in October 2025. The fact that the car passed its most recent test on 29 October 2025 with no defects recorded, immediately following the same-day failure on the anti-roll bar items, suggests these were rectified prior to re-test rather than representing chronic, unresolved structural concerns. Nonetheless, the recurrence of perished or damaged rubber dust covers and exhaust sealing failures points to a vehicle where age-related polymer and gasket deterioration is becoming a more frequent consideration. Mileage accumulation on this Ka sits at 126,491 miles over approximately 17 years, yielding an annual average of around 7,441 miles. This rate is broadly consistent with typical commuter or mixed-use patterns for a small city car of this era, and there are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT record or sudden mileage jumps that would indicate prolonged storage or erratic usage. Mechanically, this kind of steady, moderate-mileage progression is generally favourable for a Ka, as it tends to avoid the worst extremes of either corrosion-inducing short journeys or high-mileage drivetrain fatigue. However, the recorded drive shaft oil leak advisory from October 2024 indicates that even at this moderate pace, drivetrain seals are now entering the phase where age rather than distance is the dominant wear factor. For a prospective purchaser, the priority areas during inspection should mirror the components already flagged in the MOT record. The anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers that failed in 2025 are a known weak point on this generation of Ka, and once the covers are compromised, grit and moisture ingress accelerate wear on the ball joints themselves. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or rattle through the steering on rough roads. The joints themselves should be physically inspected for play by rocking the wheels with the car raised, and the replacement cost of the drop links or ball joints should be factored into any offer, even if they currently pass. The exhaust and drive shaft advisories warrant equally specific attention. With a major exhaust leak recorded in 2023, listen at idle for any hissing, ticking, or louder-than-expected exhaust note from the engine bay or underbody, and check for soot deposits around joints and hangers that might indicate a slow subsequent leak. For the 2024 drive shaft oil leak, inspect the underside of the engine and transmission area for fresh oil residue, particularly around the driveshaft seals and sump, and monitor oil levels before and after a test drive to rule out any worsening since the advisory was issued. Finally, given the vehicle's age and the recurring nature of rubber component failures, a thorough check of all visible bushes, gaiters, and CV joint boots is advisable, as these tend to deteriorate in clusters on a 17-year-old car regardless of mileage.