2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · HN09 WKP

A recurring theme of tyre wear and early‑stage suspension bush wear defines this 2009 Ford Ka’s recent MOT record; the latest test on 11 August 2026 recorded a pass but retained advisories for both rear tyres approaching the legal limit and for the inner suspension arm pins or bushes on each front wheel, echoing similar notes from the previous year. The vehicle also demonstrated a brief episode of major defects in August 2026 – an exhaust leak, out‑of‑spec Lambda sensor reading and a non‑functioning rear stop lamp – which were apparently remedied before the re‑test, while earlier years showed isolated lighting failures and a dangerous parking‑brake efficiency reading in 2025. Overall the pattern shows intermittent, addressable issues rather than a progressive deterioration, with the most recent outcome indicating that the critical defects have been cleared. At 103,700 mi recorded over 17 years the average annual accumulation sits around 6,100 mi, a figure that sits comfortably within typical usage for a small hatchback of this age. The MOT history shows no significant gaps, with annual tests recorded each August, suggesting the mileage figure is reliable and the vehicle has not experienced prolonged periods of inactivity that could conceal hidden deterioration. Mechanically, this moderate mileage implies that consumables such as brake pads, clutch components and engine bearings are likely to be in the middle of their service lives, but the cumulative wear on suspension bushings and tyre tread should be inspected closely. When you inspect the car, start by confirming that the rear tyre tread depths exceed 1.6 mm on all four corners and that the wear pattern is even; any cupping or side‑wall damage could indicate underlying alignment or suspension issues. With the front inner suspension arm pins and bushes flagged as worn, feel for any looseness or knocking when the steering is turned sharply or when the car is driven over a speed bump – excessive play or clunking would suggest that the bushings may need replacement. The recent exhaust‑leak failure warrants a thorough visual and auditory check of the exhaust manifold, pipe joints and muffler for cracks, rust perforations or loose clamps, and a short test of the Lambda sensor’s response by observing a steady idle without abnormal engine codes. Finally, verify that all external lighting functions correctly – the rear stop lamp, registration plate lamp and any side markers – as previous failures have been recorded. Test the parking brake for firm holding power, aiming for at least half the required efficiency, and inspect the front top‑mount area and rear body panels for any progression of the corrosion noted in 2022; surface rust that does not compromise structural rigidity is acceptable, but any flaking or deep pitting should be addressed before purchase. A road‑test that includes gentle braking, steady cruising and a brief acceleration will reveal any lingering issues with the brake system, engine output or exhaust noise, allowing you to gauge whether the car’s current state aligns with your expectations for a used‑car acquisition.