2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · HV59 XON

A recurring cycle of initial test failures followed by prompt remedial action defines the mechanical history of this 2009 Ford Ka, which accumulated a recorded mileage of 112,611 miles and secured a pass on 2025-11-26 after rectifying a major nearside front shock absorber fluid leak flagged days prior. The vehicle exhibits a consistent pattern of repeating defects across multiple testing cycles, including persistent oil leaks noted since November 2021, deteriorating headlamp lenses, and ongoing corrosion on the rear coil springs and rear axle structure. Rather than showing a stable or improving roadworthiness trend, the MOT record demonstrates ongoing mechanical attrition where suspension components, exhaust integrity, and powertrain sealing frequently lapse into failure before passing subsequent retests. Averaging roughly 6,624 miles per year over its 17-year lifespan, the vehicle follows a conventional annual usage trajectory with no extended gaps in its testing history. This steady accumulation means mechanical wear is distributed fairly evenly across its operational years rather than concentrated in sudden high-mileage bursts or prolonged periods of inactivity. However, this level of mileage on a compact city car places considerable cumulative strain on foundational hardware, meaning ancillaries, rubber mounts, and structural underpinnings have reached an age and usage threshold where component fatigue is entirely expected. On a prospective test drive, the buyer should pay close attention to the front and rear suspension, specifically listening for knocks, rattles, or excessive body roll over uneven road surfaces to account for the history of corroded coil springs, worn shock absorber bushes, and the recently replaced nearside front damper. The persistent oil leak requires a thorough inspection of the engine bay and underside with the vehicle raised on a ramp to identify the exact source of fluid loss, whether from the sump gasket, crankshaft seals, or auxiliary components. Additionally, the headlamps, which have repeatedly featured surface defects and products applied to their lenses, should be checked during nighttime or low-light conditions to ensure light output remains uncompromised. Braking performance and structural corrosion also warrant careful physical examination before purchase. Given past advisories for thin front brake pads and a corroded rear axle, the buyer should test the brake pedal for excessive travel, sponginess, or judder under deceleration, and inspect the brake discs for scoring or lip wear. The rear axle and underbody corrosion noted in multiple tests must be physically probed with a blunt tool to distinguish between harmless surface scale and structural degradation that could compromise vehicle safety on future tests.