2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · LL09 WMP

The most recent DVSA MOT, carried out on 12 December 2025, resulted in a pass but was accompanied by several advisories covering an oil leak, slight play in the off‑side front track‑rod end ball joint, corroded rear coil springs on both sides, a missing near‑side rear bump‑stop and near‑side rear tyre tread worn close to the legal limit. Over the preceding three‑year span the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring wear items – notably progressive corrosion of coil springs, persistent tyre wear on the edges and a repeat advisory for a front suspension arm pin or bush – interspersed with a single failure in early 2024 that related to the same tyre and suspension issues. The overall maintenance trend is therefore mixed: the car remains road‑worthy but the frequency of wear‑related advisories suggests that components are approaching the end of their service life and will require attention soon. At 107 714 miles recorded for a 2009 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 6 300 mi per year, which is lower than the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Such modest utilisation often indicates periods of limited use or extended storage, which can exacerbate age‑related deterioration such as rubber hardening, battery sulphation and corrosion of metal components. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, but the relatively low total distance means that many wear items are likely driven more by calendar age than by mileage alone, increasing the importance of time‑based inspections. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the rear coil springs that have been flagged as corroded on both sides; corrosion can lead to loss of spring integrity and sudden failure, so a visual inspection for rust pitting and a bounce test of the rear suspension are advisable. The front track‑rod end ball joint with slight play should be checked for excessive movement when the steering wheel is turned at low speed and for any clunking noises over bumps, as worn joints can affect steering precision. The missing near‑side rear bump‑stop should be replaced to prevent rear‑wheel impact on hard road surfaces. Tyre tread depth is already at the legal minimum on the near‑side rear, and previous advisories show edge‑wear on multiple tyres, so all four tyres should be measured for depth and inspected for sidewall cracking or perishing; replacement is likely required imminently. The oil leak noted in the latest MOT should be traced – common sources on a Ford Ka include the valve cover gasket or oil filter housing – and repaired to avoid oil starvation of the engine and potential fire hazard. Finally, the rear axle and exhaust corrosion recorded in 2022 should be examined for any rust‑induced weakening or cracked exhaust sections, and the missing exhaust clamp should be fitted to maintain proper emissions control and reduce noise. During a test drive the buyer should listen for any metallic clunks or squeaks from the front suspension when traversing uneven surfaces, feel for any looseness or wandering in the steering, and monitor the brake pedal for pulsation or a soft feel that could indicate worn discs or binding calipers, especially if the car has been stationary for long periods. A visual check of the battery terminals for corrosion, a load test of the 12 V battery, and a review of the service book for evidence of regular oil, coolant and brake fluid changes are prudent, as fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. Verifying that the vehicle’s under‑carriage is free from excessive rust, particularly around the rear axle housings, will help confirm the structural integrity of a car that has spent many years with relatively low use. Addressing the identified wear items promptly will greatly improve the vehicle’s reliability and safety for the new owner.