2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · LO09 WNX

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2009 Ford Ka was conducted on 5 August 2025 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness requirements on that date. Reviewing the available test history, the car has demonstrated a stable maintenance trend overall. It passed cleanly in 2022, failed with no recorded defects in August 2023 (a common occurrence when an issue is identified and rectified between tests, as evidenced by a simultaneous pass on the same date), and has passed without advisories at both the 2024 and 2025 tests. The absence of recurring failure points or persistent advisories across multiple consecutive examinations is a positive indicator that the vehicle has been maintained to a consistent standard, with no chronic mechanical issues flagged by the examining station. With 95,355 miles recorded over approximately 17 years of service, this Ka has covered an average of roughly 5,600 miles annually, which is considerably below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this age. Such low mileage can be interpreted in two ways. It may reflect genuine light use with regular short journeys, or it may indicate extended periods of standing or very occasional driving. The implications are important: low-mileage vehicles are not necessarily less worn, as calendar-related degradation can affect rubber and plastic components, brake systems, and fluids regardless of distance covered. Equally, the recorded mileage does not preclude significant wear on consumables if the car has been used heavily during specific intervals. Without intermediate mileage readings between the recorded MOT tests, it is not possible to identify any rapid accumulation periods, but the overall figure suggests modest use over the vehicle's lifespan. Given the clean MOT record and the relatively low annual mileage, a prospective buyer should focus inspection efforts on age-related deterioration rather than high-mileage wear items. Tyres warrant particular attention, as rubber compounds perish with age regardless of tread depth; look for sidewall cracking, crazing, or brittleness, and confirm that the manufacturing date code indicates rubber no older than around five to six years. Brake discs and calipers are susceptible to corrosion when a vehicle stands idle, potentially causing binding calipers, uneven pad wear, or brake shudder under initial application, so a test drive should include several firm stops from speed to confirm straight-line stability and consistent pedal feel. The exhaust system should be physically inspected for rust perforation, particularly at joints and the rear silencer, as corrosion here is common on vehicles of this vintage. Beyond the primary mechanical checks, several time-based service items deserve verification before purchase. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested or replaced preventatively if it is the original unit or more than five years old, as standing use shortens battery life through discharge cycles. Coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil should all be checked for condition and service interval compliance, as these fluids degrade with calendar age even in low-mileage cars. The cambelt on the 1.2 Duratec petrol engine fitted to this model is driven by a timing chain rather than a belt, but the chain and its tensioner should be assessed for noise on a cold start. Finally, request evidence of recent servicing, confirm the service book stamps align with the mileage, and inspect the underbody and suspension components for standing corrosion or perished bushes, which are common weaknesses on Ka models of this generation and can manifest as knocking or clonking over uneven road surfaces during the test drive.