2007 Ford KA 1.3L Petrol · RF07 CZB

A clear pattern of structural corrosion has defined this 2007 Ford Ka's recent MOT history, with the most recent test on 2023-11-02 resulting in a failure after five major defects were recorded for excessively corroded suspension mounting areas. These were spread across both sills, an inner sill, and an inner wing, all significantly reducing structural strength at the prescribed mounting points. Prior to this, the 2022-08-26 test had passed but carried advisories for corroded front subframe mounting areas and a damaged engine mounting with a sheared bolt, indicating that the corrosion issue had already been flagged as developing two years earlier. Going further back, advisories in 2019, 2021, and 2022 repeatedly noted corrosion to the front and rear subframe mounting areas, sills, and chassis under the wheel arches, showing a steady progression rather than a sudden deterioration. The 2023 failure therefore represents the culmination of an ongoing corrosion trend rather than an isolated event. With 62,300 miles recorded against approximately 19 years of age, the vehicle has averaged around 3,279 miles annually, which is notably low for its vintage. The MOT record shows testing from 2019 through 2023, suggesting the car has been used consistently enough to require annual testing, though the relatively modest mileage means mechanical consumables such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch are unlikely to be heavily worn. However, the low annual accumulation is consistent with the kind of short, infrequent journeys that accelerate structural corrosion, particularly on a vehicle of this age, and the corrosion pattern observed supports this interpretation. The brake discs flagged as worn and pitted in 2021 and 2022 are more consistent with age-related surface degradation than with heavy use. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing concern is the extent of corrosion repair work that may have been carried out following the 2023 failure, and whether this was structural welding or simply patch repairs. A thorough inspection underneath the vehicle is essential, paying particular attention to both outer sills, the inner sill on the offside, and the inner wing on the nearside front, where the structural mounting points were flagged. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven road surfaces, as corroded mounting points can allow components to shift under load. The 2022 advisory regarding the engine mounting with a sheared bolt should also be investigated, as this can produce excessive vibration through the cabin and a secondary shunt on acceleration or gear changes. The brake system warrants close attention given the repeated advisories for pitted and scored front discs in 2021 and 2022. During a test drive, feel for brake pedal judder under firm application, which is characteristic of disc warping that often accompanies corrosion-related uneven wear on the friction surface. Inspect the front brake discs visually for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and any visible ridging. Additionally, check the offside rear wheel rim, which was flagged as slightly distorted in 2020, and look for any steering vibration at speed that could indicate the rim requires replacement. The headlamp issue from 2020, together with the earlier tyre cuts that failed in 2019, also highlight the importance of confirming all lights function correctly and that the tyres have adequate tread with no sidewall damage, as both items had previously presented problems.