2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · K17 SFF

The most recent DVSA examination on 1 September 2026 returned a PASS with no defects recorded, which is the desired outcome for any prospective purchaser. Looking at the broader trend across the last four years, the history shows a concerning pattern that culminated in a major failure in August 2025 before stabilising again at the most recent test. The 2025 failure identified serious fluid leaks from all four shock absorbers alongside excessively worn front suspension arm pins or bushes, indicating that a major refresh of the suspension system has almost certainly been carried out between August 2025 and the current pass. The fact that the vehicle returned to a clean pass shortly afterwards suggests the remedial work was thorough, but a buyer should still verify what was actually replaced and whether the repair was accompanied by an alignment check, as suspension components work as a system and incomplete refurbishment can lead to uneven tyre wear or persistent knocking. The recorded mileage of 54,867 miles against a vehicle now approaching seventeen years of age equates to an average of roughly 3,227 miles per year, which is well under the national average and strongly suggests the car has either been used predominantly for short journeys or has spent prolonged periods standing. Such low annual usage has particular mechanical implications beyond simply reduced wear on the engine and drivetrain. Vehicles that are used infrequently commonly suffer from standing corrosion, particularly on brake discs where surface rust can lead to binding calipers, as well as from perishing of rubber components that age regardless of mileage. It is also worth noting that the MOT history shows a gap of roughly seven months between the August 2025 failure and the September 2025 pass, and a further year to the current test, which may indicate the vehicle was off the road for repair or stood during that period. For a prospective buyer, the most valuable inspection priorities given this history relate to verifying the quality of the recent suspension work and assessing the condition of age-related rubber and consumable items. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as this would suggest the new bushes have not bedded in correctly or that the installation was substandard. Check the tyres closely for uneven shoulder wear which can indicate geometry issues following suspension component replacement, and examine the sidewalls for signs of perishing or cracking given the advisories recorded in 2022 and 2023 regarding rear tyre damage and cracking. Open the bonnet and inspect all four shock absorber bodies for any fresh oil misting or weeping, as shock absorbers can fail again prematurely if inferior pattern parts were fitted, and verify that the front shock absorber top mountings and springs show no signs of corrosion or sagging. Beyond the suspension, attention should turn to the items that deteriorate through calendar age rather than mileage. Request evidence of when the brake fluid, coolant and engine oil were last replaced, as these fluids degrade over time and the intervals in this history suggest the vehicle may have been serviced infrequently. Inspect the rear sub-frame and exhaust silencer closely, since advisories regarding corrosion on the sub-frame and a minor exhaust leak were recorded in 2022 and 2023, and corrosion on a seventeen-year-old car can progress even within a single year. Examine the brake discs for lipping or pitting and verify that the calipers release cleanly without the wheels binding after the car has been stood, as seized calipers are common on lightly used vehicles. Finally, check the twelve-volt battery health with a proper tester, since a battery that has sat discharged repeatedly will have permanently reduced capacity, and confirm that the service book or digital history corroborates the mileage recorded on the odometer to rule out any discrepancy.