2012 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · LA12 USW

The 2012 Ford KA’s most recent MOT test on 2026-07-16—just over a year ago—shows a concerning pattern of instability. Despite passing the test, the record reveals a duplicate entry where it was both passed and failed at the same mileage (100,248) on the same date, suggesting either an administrative error or a deliberate attempt to bypass inspection. The previous test in December 2024 (96,420 miles) passed cleanly, but the February 2024 test (91,780 miles) also includes a duplicate pass/fail entry, indicating a persistent issue with the MOT history’s reliability. While no defects were officially recorded in the valid passes, the anomalies raise doubts about whether minor or critical faults were overlooked or deliberately concealed. The vehicle’s roadworthiness cannot be confidently assessed without a verified inspection history, as the current record fails to provide clarity on maintenance consistency. The mileage progression of approximately 7,161 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gaps between tests are unusually short—just five months between December 2024 and February 2024, and another five months to the July 2025 test. This suggests either aggressive servicing or an attempt to meet MOT deadlines without addressing underlying issues. The lack of mileage between the duplicate entries at 91,780 and 100,248 miles (a span of just 8,528 miles over two years) is particularly suspicious, as it implies the vehicle may have been driven sporadically or stored, potentially accelerating wear on components like suspension bushes and coil springs. Without a clear service history, it’s impossible to confirm whether critical elements such as brake calipers, exhaust systems, or structural corrosion have been properly maintained. Given the unreliable MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear areas that often fail silently. Focus on the suspension—particularly rear coil springs and bushes—for signs of uneven sagging or excessive play, as these components degrade gradually and may not trigger MOT failures until they become critical. The braking system warrants close examination, especially rear calipers, which are prone to binding or corrosion; check for uneven pad wear or disc warping. Structural integrity is another concern; inspect the wheel arches, sills, and subframe for corrosion, as rust can compromise the vehicle’s safety-critical framework. The duplicate MOT entries also warrant scrutiny of the exhaust system, as emissions-related failures are common in older models and may have been overlooked. Given the lack of transparency in the record, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is essential to verify the vehicle’s true condition.