2016 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · OV16 COA

The 2016 Ford Ka presents a generally stable mechanical picture at its most recent MOT on 30 April 2026, when it passed at 42,803 miles. The maintenance trend is broadly improving, with the 2026 test recording only minor tyre wear advisories rather than the more significant mechanical defects seen in earlier years. The binding front brake and shock absorber oil misting flagged in mid-2024 and mid-2023 respectively do not reappear in the latest record, suggesting those issues were addressed. The current advisories are limited to a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and an offside rear tyre showing cracking or perishing, both consumable items that fall within normal wear expectations for a vehicle of this age and mileage. The mileage accumulation tells a story of genuinely low annual use. Between the July 2023 test at 34,905 miles and the April 2026 test at 42,803 miles, the vehicle covered roughly 7,900 miles across nearly three years, averaging around 2,600 miles per year in that period. The earlier record shows a more typical pattern, with about 3,500 miles added between July 2023 and July 2024. The gap between the failed test on 12 July 2024 and the retest on 15 July 2024, just three days later at only four additional miles, indicates a prompt repair turnaround, which is a positive sign of attentive ownership. The overall annualised figure of approximately 4,280 miles across the vehicle's life is well below the UK average, meaning mechanical wear from sustained driving stress is likely low, though prolonged periods of standing can introduce its own concerns around seized components and degraded rubber. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and braking system, given the historical flags. The July 2024 failure recorded a nearside front service brake excessively binding, a fault that can point to a sticking caliper slider pin or a collapsed brake hose. Even though the retest passed, the caliper operation, brake disc condition, and pad wear should be checked unevenly side to side. The same test also flagged a deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover on the nearside front, which if left unreplaced can allow dirt ingress and accelerate joint wear. Inspect the lower suspension arms, track rod ends, and drop links for play. The July 2023 advisory for light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber warrants a close look at the damper body for fresh weeping and a bounce test to confirm damping effectiveness. Tyre condition has been a recurring advisory theme across multiple tests, appearing in July 2024 on both fronts and again in April 2026 on both rears. This pattern suggests the vehicle may spend time on older or mismatched rubber, or that alignment or tracking issues are causing uneven edge wear. A buyer should check the date codes and brand matching across all four tyres, including the spare if fitted, and inspect the inner sidewalls and wheel alignment. Given the low mileage and the age of the vehicle, also examine the underside for surface corrosion on brake lines, subframe mounting points, and exhaust fixings, as short-trip use and standing periods can accelerate corrosion even on cars that have not covered many miles.