2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · LV09 WYY

The 2009 Ford Ka presents a mixed maintenance picture, with a clean pass recorded on 25 April 2025 at 47,164 miles following a significant failure just three days earlier. That failure on 22 April 2025 revealed serious structural and suspension defects, including leaking shock absorbers on three corners, excessively worn suspension arm bushes on both fronts, a dangerously rough nearside rear wheel bearing, and a corroded nearside rear coil spring mount. The fact that all these defects were rectified within 72 hours suggests a reactive repair rather than proactive upkeep. The maintenance trend is therefore difficult to characterise as stable or improving; it appears the vehicle was allowed to deteriorate substantially before emergency work was carried out to secure a pass. The mileage pattern raises further questions. Between 18 August 2023 at 30,646 miles and 23 April 2024 at 30,966 miles, only 320 miles were covered in eight months. Then, in the following twelve months to 25 April 2025, the odometer jumped to 47,164 miles, an increase of 16,198 miles. This uneven accumulation suggests the vehicle may have stood idle for extended periods before being used intensively. Prolonged standing can cause perishable rubber components, such as suspension bushes and tyre sidewalls, to degrade through age and environmental exposure rather than use alone, which aligns with the sudden cluster of suspension-related failures seen in April 2025. A buyer should inspect the nearside rear suspension area with particular care. The 2025 failure specifically flagged corrosion and serious weakening of the coil spring mount, a structural component where failure could compromise wheel alignment and handling. The rear wheel bearing was also recorded as rough and at risk of overheating or breaking up, so any grinding or rumbling from the rear during a road test warrants immediate further investigation. Both front shock absorbers were leaking seriously at the time of the 2025 failure; check whether the replacements are genuine or pattern parts and look for fresh fluid residue indicating any recurrence. The front suspension arm bushes have appeared repeatedly, worn in 2023 and excessively worn in 2025, suggesting a persistent weakness in that area that may return. Headlamp lenses were flagged as seriously defective and the nearside lamp was insecure in 2025, so verify the headlamp aim and lens condition have not deteriorated since repair. Given the low average annual mileage of roughly 2,774 miles, the severity of the April 2025 defects is disproportionate to use and points to age-related deterioration and possible neglect during dormant periods. A thorough inspection of all suspension mounting points, the subframe, and any visible corrosion on the underside is strongly advised before purchase.