2014 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SA14 YPP

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend in mechanical wear and structural degradation. The most recent test in November 2025 at 78,316 miles identified a significant number of new and recurring faults, including a defective gearbox mounting bolt, a distorted nearside front wheel, and multiple suspension bushing failures. While the car passed, the increasing volume of advisories across consecutive years suggests that the vehicle is reaching a stage where preventative maintenance is being overlooked in of reactive replacement. The mileage pattern is consistent with a twelve-year-old city car, averaging approximately 6,500 miles per year. Between November 2022 at 70,998 miles and November 2025 at 78,316 miles, the vehicle covered 7,318 miles. This low annual usage explains the persistence of minor oil leaks, but the low mileage has not prevented age-related degradation, specifically regarding rubber components and corrosion, which appear to be failing due to time and environmental exposure rather than distance-based wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the underbody for structural integrity, as general corrosion and rear beam axle rust have been noted since at least 2022. The recurring reports of corroded coil springs on all four corners and worn suspension arm bushes indicate that the suspension is nearing the end of its service life. Particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, specifically the ball joints and drag link ends, which have been flagged for play or movement across the last three tests. The braking system and drivetrain also require scrutiny. Records show noise from the rear service brakes in 2022 and a persistent oil leak noted in every test. The exhaust system, which suffered a major leak prior to the 2022 failure and a minor leak in 2023, should be checked to ensure the repair was comprehensive. Given the defective gearbox mounting bolt and the distorted wheel identified in the latest test, a test drive is essential to identify vibrations or handling issues that indicate these faults have not yet been properly addressed.