2013 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · J26 LAH

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a concerning shift toward mechanical and structural neglect. While it passed its most recent test in August 2025 at 80,322 miles, it had failed just three days prior on multiple fronts. The tester identified significant wear on the front suspension arm bushes and an offside front lower ball joint, alongside a corroded and broken handbrake cable bracket. This suggests that while the car is maintained to pass, components are only being addressed once they reach a point of failure. The mileage pattern remains consistent with a 13-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,200 miles per year. The record shows a clean history in the early years, with no defects noted between 2016 and 2019. However, as the vehicle surpassed 40,000 miles, the frequency of failures increased. The gap of roughly 8,000 miles between the 2024 and 2025 tests shows steady usage, but the mechanical wear on rubber components is accelerating as the car enters its second decade. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry to ensure the repairs following the August 2025 failure were comprehensive. The recurring history of worn brake discs and pitted surfaces indicates a pattern of deferred maintenance. Specific attention should be paid to the handbrake mechanism, as the previous corrosion on the cable bracket suggests the chassis environment may be prone to moisture-related degradation. The persistent oil leak noted in August 2022 should also be verified to ensure it remains a minor seep and has not progressed into a more significant gasket failure. Because the vehicle previously suffered from exhaust leaks and lambda sensor issues in 2022, the exhaust system should be checked for structural thinning or mounting rust. Given the age of the Ford Ka, the state of all rubber bushings and perished hoses remains the primary concern for long-term roadworthiness.