2017 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · LG17 OGX

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 17 January 2026 resulted in a pass, but it was accompanied by four advisories that warrant close attention. These include slight damage, cracking or perishing on all four tyres, a non-excessive oil leak from the nearside front, a headlamp lens with a product residue reducing light output, and a coolant level sitting below the minimum mark. A prior failure on 25 January 2025 for an offside front headlamp aim too far to the right was subsequently corrected, and the intervening tests in 2023 and 2024 were passed without any recorded defects. The overall trajectory suggests a vehicle that has been broadly maintained but is beginning to show age-related wear across multiple systems, and a prospective buyer should treat the cluster of issues at the latest test as a meaningful signal rather than isolated observations. With around 81,311 miles recorded over approximately nine years, this Ford Ka is averaging roughly 9,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small city car of its age and segment. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history, indicating continuous use rather than long periods of standing, which is generally positive from a structural and component-lubrication standpoint. However, even average annual mileage on a vehicle approaching a decade of life means wear items including coil springs, dampers, anti-roll bar bushes, wheel bearings, and exhaust mounting rubbers will be subject to fatigue. Higher than expected wear may also be present on the clutch, given typical Ka driving patterns in urban traffic. The advisory regarding oil seepage from the nearside front is unlikely to be an immediate failure item but should be monitored. On a test drive, listen for any ticking from the engine bay that intensifies at idle, check the garage floor for fresh drips, and inspect the area around the timing chain cover, camshaft seals, and sump gasket for fresh staining. The coolant level below the minimum mark warrants immediate attention before purchase; the system should be inspected for leaks at the radiator, hoses, water pump, and expansion tank, and a pressure test carried out to rule out head gasket concerns, particularly given the age of the vehicle. All four tyres showing cracking or perishing are an age-related concern as much as a mileage one, and a physical inspection of the sidewalls and tread for brittleness, cracking between the tread blocks, and uneven wear patterns is essential, with budget for a full set in mind if they have not already been replaced. Although the MOT history shows no recurring failures, the clustering of advisories at the latest test combined with the vehicle's age suggests that broader inspection is prudent, including the condition of the 12V battery which on a nine year old car is likely due for replacement, brake discs which can suffer corrosion and lipping from urban use, and the handbrake mechanism which is a known weakness on small Fords if left unused. Check the service book for regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, verify the timing chain has not become noisy on cold start, and confirm the condition of the suspension by pushing firmly on each corner and listening for clonks or knocking over uneven surfaces. Test the heater matrix operation and ensure the coolant is a clean colour rather than rusty or oily, which would suggest internal corrosion or head gasket concerns. Given the low overall cost of these vehicles, a pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage familiar with Ford models is strongly recommended to provide reassurance ahead of any commitment.