2011 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · MA11 FDC

The 2011 Ford Ka presents a stable and currently clean bill of health following its most recent MOT on 2026-06-11 at 80,294 miles, where the tester recorded zero defects. This outcome marks a notable improvement over the preceding years, particularly when compared to the cluster of suspension and tyre wear issues flagged between 2023 and 2024. The maintenance trend is clearly resolving, suggesting the previous owner addressed the worn suspension bushes and degraded shock absorbers rather than ignoring them. A clean pass today does not guarantee underlying longevity, but it does confirm the vehicle met DVSA structural and mechanical standards at the time of test. The mileage profile tells a story of very light use. At roughly 5,353 miles per year over fifteen years, this Ka has spent much of its life covering short urban distances rather than motorway stints. The annual tests show a steady accumulation: 62,984 miles in June 2023, 74,068 miles in June 2024, and 78,644 miles in June 2025, with the final jump to 80,294 miles by June 2026. That last year saw only 1,650 miles added, reinforcing the impression of a car that may have sat idle for extended periods. Low annual mileage can preserve bodywork and drivetrain components, but prolonged standing also breeds its own problems, including perished rubber, seized brake calipers, and flat-spotted tyres. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension, given the recurring advisories the tester flagged in 2023. The offside front suspension arm rear bush was excessively worn at 62,981 miles, and both front shock absorbers were leaking oil, with the offside unit suffering a serious fluid leak. Although the 2025 and 2026 tests passed clean, these components endure constant stress. Check for uneven tyre wear, clunking over speed bumps, and any visible oil misting around the shock absorber seals. The 2024 test also flagged cracking and perishing on both rear tyres alongside edge wear on the offside front, indicating possible misalignment or neglected tyre rotation. Inspect the inner sidewalls closely and verify the date codes on all four tyres, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth. Finally, given the likelihood of short-trip use, examine the exhaust for signs of internal condensation corrosion and test the handbrake function on a slope to rule off a binding rear caliper, a common consequence of infrequent longer drives.