2013 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · MF63 FJX

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 13 April 2026, although the test did record several advisories and one minor defect. These include corrosion on the rear axle, worn but not yet failing bushes on both front suspension arms, and a severely deteriorated constant velocity boot on the nearside front inner drive shaft joint. The trend across the last three tests is one of gradual deterioration rather than sudden decline, with each successive pass producing more recorded observations than the last. While nothing has yet crossed the line into a fail or major defect, the accumulation of corrosion, suspension wear, and drivetrain component ageing suggests a thirteen-year-old vehicle beginning to show its age across multiple areas simultaneously. A prospective buyer should therefore view the current pass as conditional rather than indicative of a trouble-free mechanical state. With 78,341 miles recorded over approximately thirteen years, this Ford Ka has covered around 6,026 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small city car of this vintage. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT history that would suggest long periods of standing, nor is there evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that would point to exceptional wear on the engine, clutch, or drivetrain. This average usage pattern means the vehicle is unlikely to have suffered from severe calendar-related degradation from inactivity, but equally it has seen enough regular use that major mechanical components such as the clutch, timing chain, and turbo (if fitted) have been worked reasonably consistently. The mileage itself does not raise immediate concerns, although attention should still be paid to the items flagged during testing. Several recurring advisories warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. The corroded rear axle noted on both the 2025 and 2026 tests should be examined with the vehicle raised if possible, as corrosion in load-bearing areas can progress towards structural failure if left untreated. The constant velocity boot deterioration on the nearside front drive shaft is a more urgent concern; once the protective boot splits, grease escapes and contamination of the joint follows, leading to eventual failure and a much more expensive repair. Symptoms to listen for on a test drive include a clicking or knocking noise from the front suspension when turning at low speed, particularly under load. The worn front suspension arm bushes, combined with the previously noted light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber, suggest the front suspension is approaching a point where refurbishment will be required; expect to feel vague steering, clunks over bumps, or uneven front tyre wear as these components deteriorate further. Additional items worth checking include the corroded offside rear brake pipe flagged in 2025, which should be inspected closely for any thinning of the metal wall or active fluid weepage, and the pitted and scored front brake discs noted in 2023, which by now may have worn beyond the manufacturer minimum thickness and require replacement. The coil spring corrosion recorded at the rear in 2023 is consistent with age and may now be more pronounced, particularly if the vehicle has been used over winter road salt conditions. On a test drive, listen for any clonking from the rear over uneven surfaces and watch for the rear of the car sitting lower than expected. Given the vehicle's age, it would also be prudent to verify the condition of all tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing regardless of tread depth, check the 12V battery's state of health as original units rarely last beyond ten years, and confirm that the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil have been changed at appropriate intervals. A corroborating service history would add considerable reassurance, as the MOT record alone does not evidence routine maintenance.