2011 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · OY61 WXT

A recurring theme across the MOT history of this 2011 Ford Ka is a pattern of electrical and lighting failures combined with progressive wear advisories on tyres, steering and exhaust components. The most recent test on 12 January 2026 was a pass, but only after the same date recorded a failure for a non-functioning stop lamp, the fourth occasion a stop lamp defect has been logged in the recorded tests. Lighting and electrical faults of this nature in a vehicle of this age are frequently symptomatic of underlying wiring deterioration, earth faults, or failing bulb holders and switches, rather than isolated bulb failures, and they tend to recur if root causes are not addressed. Alongside this, advisories for play in the steering rack inner joint, a tyre worn close to the legal limit on the edge, and a corroded back box with a minor exhaust gas leak paint a picture of a small city car now accumulating age-related wear across multiple systems simultaneously. The recorded mileage of 93,090 miles over approximately fifteen years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 6,200 miles, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a vehicle of this type and age. The testing record shows a notable gap between September 2020 and January 2024, a period of over three years with no recorded MOT activity, which suggests the vehicle may have either been off the road for a period or that prior testing history is simply not captured in the available data. The intervening tests from 2024 onwards show the car being used actively and presenting relatively current odometer readings at each visit. Mechanically, this usage profile means the usual consumables such as brakes, tyres, suspension bushes and exhaust components will have been worked, and a fifteen year old Ka at this mileage will inevitably be approaching the stage where multiple wear items require replacement in close succession. For a prospective buyer, the steering rack inner joint play flagged on the most recent test is a significant area to focus on during inspection, as this defect will progress over time and can ultimately lead to an MOT failure. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness, looseness or slack in the steering response, particularly during slow cornering. The advisories for front brake pad wear, a binding offside front brake caliper, and a front suspension arm bush showing wear all suggest that the braking and suspension systems warrant close attention. Test the brakes for any pulling to one side under firm application, listen for any grinding or squealing, and check that the vehicle comes to a straight, stable stop without judder through the pedal. Inspect the offside front shock absorber area for any fresh oil misting or staining on the body of the unit, as the previously noted light oil misting could have progressed. The exhaust advisory for a corroded back box with a minor gas leak is also worth examining physically, as corrosion of this type tends to worsen once initiated, particularly on a vehicle regularly exposed to winter road salt. Place the vehicle on a lift or use a torch to inspect the rear section of the system for rust perforations and check for any ticking or hissing sounds from the exhaust on a cold start. The repeated stop lamp failures warrant a careful check of all rear lighting, including the brake lights, indicators and tail lamps, ensuring all functions operate correctly from both the driver's seat and the driver's door switch. Verify that the front windscreen washer system is fully functional and producing a clear spray onto the windscreen, as this has previously failed outright. Finally, given the tyre advisories relating to edge wear, confirm that all four tyres have even wear patterns and adequate tread, and consider that uneven wear on a Ka at this mileage may point to misalignment or worn suspension geometry that should be rectified regardless of MOT outcome.