2015 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · NG64 FOU

The most recent MOT recorded on 26 May 2026 shows a pass but is accompanied by a simultaneous failure entry for the same date, highlighting a major exhaust leak on the near‑side rear, a loose off‑side front mirror and several tyre warnings. The presence of a failure alongside a pass indicates that the vehicle was not road‑worthy at the time of testing and required remedial work before a subsequent pass could be issued. Over the past two years the MOT history has been dominated by failures for brake imbalance, dangerously thin front pads, exposed tyre cords and major exhaust leakage, interspersed with advisory notes on suspension arm wear, shock‑absorber oil mist and track‑rod dust‑cover damage. The pattern is clearly deteriorating rather than stabilising, suggesting that wear on critical components is progressing faster than any corrective maintenance has been applied. At 45,408 miles for a 2015 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 4,100 mi, which is well below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of inactivity or very gentle use, both of which can accelerate age‑related degradation even when mileage is modest. The limited run‑time means that rubber components such as tyres and seals may have perished, battery plates may have sulfated, and corrosion can develop on brake discs and exhaust joints that have not been heated regularly. Conversely, the low mileage reduces the likelihood of high‑stress wear on engine bearings, clutch plates and transmission gears, but does not eliminate the need to verify that they have been serviced in accordance with calendar intervals. A prospective buyer should give the exhaust system immediate attention; a rear‑side leak can manifest as a pronounced rumble, a sulphur‑like smell in the cabin and, more seriously, a loss of back‑pressure that can affect engine performance and emissions. The brake assembly requires a thorough inspection – measure pad thickness, check for uneven disc wear and feel for any pulsation or shudder when applying the pedal, as the MOT recorded a 32 % imbalance and pads below 1.5 mm. All four tyres show signs of edge wear, cracking and perishing, so a full tyre set replacement is advisable; look for tread separation, hard spots and sidewall cracks while the car is stationary and feel for vibration or loss of grip on a short test run. The lower suspension arm pins and bushes on both front corners have been flagged repeatedly; listen for clunking or knocking over bumps and examine the bushings for looseness or excessive play, as worn bushings can lead to altered steering geometry and premature tyre wear. The off‑side front shock absorber oil mist suggests a seal leak – check for oil splatter on the wheel well and assess ride quality for excessive bounce or reduced damping. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, additional calendar‑based checks are prudent. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation, verify that it holds charge and consider a load test; a battery that has sat idle for years often fails under load. Examine the brake discs for surface rust or scoring that can cause squeal, and confirm that the calipers move freely without sticking. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around suspension mounting points and the exhaust manifold, as standing periods encourage rust formation. Finally, ensure that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been replaced according to the manufacturer’s time‑based service schedule, as fluids degrade even when the car is not driven heavily. Addressing these items before purchase will mitigate the risk of unexpected breakdowns and bring the car back to a safe, road‑worthy condition.