2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · ML09 KVU

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear worsening of structural corrosion-related issues. In the most recent test in August 2025 at 36,921 miles, the tester identified significant corrosion on both nearside and offside rear coil springs alongside general rust on the rear suspension components. This follows a progression from minor rust noted in 2024 and 2022, indicating that the underbody is subject to active degradation despite the car's low usage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,172 miles per year. The data shows periods of prolonged inactivity, such as the three-year gap between 2016 and 2019 where only 673 miles were recorded, and another quiet stretch leading up to 2020. While low mileage suggests less wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often leads to the degradation of rubber components and accelerated oxidation of metal surfaces, which explains the worn suspension arm bushes and corroded springs in the latest advisories. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and suspension mounting to determine if the rust has compromised the structural integrity of the subframe. The tester flagged worn front suspension arm pins and bushes in 2025, which suggests the rubber elements have perished from age rather than use. Given the recurring history of exhaust leaks, including a major backbox leak in 2023, the entire exhaust system and its mounting brackets should be checked for excessive scaling or thinning metal that would signify an imminent failure.