2008 Ford KA 1.3L Petrol · LL08 HGD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 30 March 2023, resulted in a failure with several major items – a non‑functional windscreen washer, a severely worn front brake disc, and extensive corrosion to both the nearside front inner and off‑side front suspension mounting areas. Earlier MOTs show a pattern of intermittent passes but a growing list of serious defects, particularly in the braking, suspension and power‑steering systems, indicating that the vehicle’s maintenance condition is deteriorating rather than stabilising. At 95,836 mi on an 18‑year‑old Ford Ka the average annual mileage is roughly 5,300 mi, well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of prolonged inactivity, which can accelerate corrosion of chassis and suspension mounting points, promote rubber hardening in tyres and hoses, and allow battery electrolyte to deteriorate. Conversely, the mileage is not high enough to have caused the wear seen on the brake disc or suspension bushes purely through distance, suggesting that the observed degradation is more a function of age, exposure and possibly insufficient preventive maintenance. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front braking system – the disc flagged as “significantly and obviously worn” will likely be near the end of its service life and may be warped, leading to pulsation or shudder under hard braking. The corrosion noted on the nearside front inner and off‑side front suspension mounting areas compromises the structural integrity of the sill and could manifest as clunking noises when negotiating bumps or a vague looseness in steering feel. The power‑steering fluid reservoir was recorded empty and there was a leak from the steering pipe, so the system should be pressure‑tested for leaks, the fluid flushed, and seals or hoses replaced. The windscreen washer pump and spray jets were repeatedly flagged as non‑functional, which, while not a safety issue, indicates a lapse in routine service and may be symptomatic of broader electrical or hose degradation. Finally, the tyre condition has been a recurring problem, with a dangerous tread depth warning in 2022 and exposed ply in 2020; all four tyres should be measured for tread depth, sidewall cracking and any signs of age‑related perishing, and replaced if any are below the 1.6 mm legal minimum or show signs of dry rot. Beyond the documented faults, the vehicle’s age warrants a thorough visual inspection for rust on the floorpan, wheel arches and under‑body, especially around the previously noted sill corrosion. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and have the 12 V battery load‑tested, as long periods of storage can reduce capacity. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake and steering fluids – are topped up and that the fluids are clear, not discoloured or contaminated, and consider a complete fluid change if the service history is incomplete. Finally, confirm that the service book is stamped at appropriate intervals and that any recommended timing‑belt or chain items for a vehicle of this age have been addressed, as neglect in these areas can lead to costly engine damage shortly after purchase.