2010 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · OV10 KKO

The most recent MOT inspection on 11 October 2025 resulted in a pass, though the vehicle continues to carry an advisory regarding the offside rear tyre showing signs of cracking or perishing. When reviewing the longitudinal maintenance trend, the vehicle demonstrates a pattern of reactive maintenance rather than proactive care. While the car has passed its recent tests, the recurring nature of tyre-related advisories and the previous failure involving a major exhaust leak suggest that components are often only addressed once they reach the threshold of failure or legal non-compliance. The maintenance history is somewhat inconsistent, oscillating between clean passes and failures that require immediate remedial work, which indicates a need for a more rigorous mechanical inspection before purchase. With 122,343 miles recorded over approximately sixteen years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 7,646 miles per year. This represents a moderate and typical usage profile for a small city car of this age, suggesting it has not been subjected to excessive motorway mileage nor has it suffered from the extreme degradation associated with long periods of stationary storage. However, even at this moderate mileage, the age of the vehicle means that rubber-based components and structural seals are likely reaching the end of their natural service life. The mileage is consistent enough to suggest regular use, which is generally positive for preventing brake seizure and fuel system stagnation, but the cumulative wear on the drivetrain and suspension components should be considered a primary factor in your valuation. A significant area of concern for a prospective buyer is the recurring issue with tyre degradation and rim integrity. The MOT history shows a persistent trend of perishing and cracking on the offside rear tyre, alongside a previous advisory for a distorted inner rim on the offside front wheel. During your test drive, you must pay close attention to any vibrations through the steering wheel or seat, which could indicate a bent rim or poorly balanced wheel, and listen for rhythmic thumping sounds that suggest tyre deformation. Furthermore, the previous advisory regarding thin front brake pads suggests that the braking system is nearing a service interval. You should check for any brake shudder under deceleration or a high-pitched squeal when applying the pedal, which would indicate that the pads or discs require immediate replacement. The history also highlights past issues with shock absorber bushes and exhaust leaks, which, although addressed, point to the age-related deterioration of the suspension and exhaust systems. You should inspect the underside of the vehicle for signs of fresh corrosion or weeping from the exhaust manifold and mounting points. On the test drive, listen closely for any dull thuds or clunks when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as this would indicate that the shock absorber bushes or other suspension components are failing again. Finally, given the age of the vehicle, ensure you verify the service history for calendar-based maintenance, such as coolant and brake fluid changes, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of the relatively moderate annual mileage.