2015 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · RF65 OAD

A consistent pattern of front suspension wear is the defining mechanical theme in this Ford Ka's MOT history. The 2025 test on 31 October noted advisories on both the nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes, with movement not yet deemed excessive but clearly developing. The preceding test in November 2024 also captured front-end deterioration, with brake pads noted as wearing thin and the nearside front shock absorber showing light oil misting recorded as on limit. While the vehicle has passed every test since 2022, the recurrence of advisories on related front axle components points to progressive wear rather than isolated incidents, and a prospective buyer should treat the front suspension as the primary area of concern. With 39,354 miles recorded across eleven years, this Ka has covered only around 3,578 miles annually, which is notably low for its age. Such modest accumulation can reduce wear on high-mileage items like the clutch, timing chain, and engine internals, but it also raises the likelihood of standing-start corrosion on underbody components, brake disc surface pitting, and deterioration of rubber seals and bushes through age rather than use. The gap between the failed test on 18 November 2023 and the passing retest just two days later on 20 November 2023, combined with a clean pass in 2022 and the unbroken sequence thereafter, indicates no extended periods off the road and suggests the car has remained in regular service despite its low annual mileage. For a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension components flagged in the 2025 advisories. Listen for clonks or knocking noises from the front wheels when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, as worn suspension arm bushes typically generate noise before movement becomes visually obvious. Steering response should be checked for any vagueness, rattling through the wheel, or wandering at speed, all of which can indicate advanced bush wear. The nearside front shock absorber, noted as misting in 2024, should be inspected visually for fresh oil residue around the shaft seal, and any bouncing or poor damping rebound over undulating roads would confirm the unit has failed and requires replacement. It is also worth examining the front brake pads for remaining thickness, since they were flagged as thin two years ago and would now reasonably be approaching the point of replacement. The 2023 failure items, while rectified, offer further useful inspection points. The deep-cut nearside rear tyre that was condemned suggests the car may have been driven over kerb damage or through debris-strewn areas, so all four tyres should be checked for sidewall scuffs, bulges, or remaining tread depth. The reversing lamp failure was electrical in nature and may recur, so both reversing lights should be confirmed working along with the hill hold warning lamp that was previously illuminated, as any persistent dashboard warning related to the stability or hill hold system could point to an ABS sensor, hydraulic unit, or brake light switch fault. A scan tool check for any stored fault codes would be prudent to verify the electronic systems are fully clear. Overall, the mechanical fundamentals appear sound, but budgeting for front suspension refreshment and possibly brake pad replacement within the next service interval would be a sensible approach.