2009 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · OV09 ENT

A clean and largely unblemished MOT history defines this 2009 Ford Ka, with the most recent test on 15 January 2025 returning a pass and no advisories or defects recorded. Across the four completed tests visible in the DVSA history, the vehicle has demonstrated consistent roadworthiness without recurrence of any flagged component, structural concern, or advisory item, suggesting either stable mechanical condition or potentially limited mileage accumulation between tests. The two failures recorded in January 2024 and January 2023 both show no defects recorded, which indicates they were likely retests following minor issues that were rectified immediately and did not reappear on subsequent examinations, reinforcing an overall picture of a car that has passed its annual assessments cleanly. With 80,969 miles recorded over approximately 17 years, this Ka has averaged around 4,763 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of its age and points to either limited regular use or extended periods of standing between journeys. This kind of usage profile can be a mixed mechanical signal: lower annual mileage generally means reduced wear on the clutch, brake friction material, and engine internals, but it can also accelerate deterioration of components that suffer from inactivity, such as brake discs corroding on the surface, brake calipers seizing, suspension bushes perishing and cracking, rubber gaiters becoming brittle, and tyre sidewalls developing flat spots or age-related cracking. The gap-free MOT testing history suggests the vehicle has remained in active use throughout the period covered, rather than being laid up for multi-year stretches, so any storage-related deterioration is likely localised rather than systemic. Given the complete absence of recorded advisories, there is no specific component failure history to guide inspection, which makes a targeted visual and physical check on a test drive particularly important for a car of this age and mileage profile. On a road test, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as the front MacPherson strut arrangement on the Ka is prone to top mount wear and anti-roll bar link deterioration, particularly on cars that have seen kerb contact. The steering should feel precise without excess play, and any vagueness on turn-in could indicate worn tie bar bushes or track rod ends. Braking should be assessed for firmness and straight-line stability; a binding caliper will show up as a pulling sensation to one side under light braking, while a spongy pedal or judder under firm application could point to corroded or warped front discs, which are common on lower-mileage cars that have sat for prolonged periods. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should include raising the vehicle to inspect the exhaust system for rust perforation, particularly at the joint between the front and rear sections, and checking the underbody and subframe mounting points for any corrosion that could compromise structural integrity, as the Ka's rudimentary underbody protection leaves these areas exposed to road salt. Fluid levels should be checked for any signs of mayonnaise-like residue under the oil cap, which would indicate head gasket concerns, and the coolant should be clean and at the correct level. Tyres should be examined for age-related sidewall cracking regardless of tread depth, and the spare wheel area inspected for any evidence of fluid leaks. Finally, verify that all warning lamps extinguish promptly after engine start, that the cooling fan cycles correctly, and that the clutch bite point is high and consistent, as a slipping or dragging clutch would be a likely consequence of low annual mileage combined with infrequent heavy use.