2018 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SC67 EUY

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 October 2025 resulted in a Pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is the most encouraging outcome for a prospective buyer. However, a review of the broader history reveals that the vehicle did fail at the same test centre just one day earlier on 28 October 2025 due to a major defect concerning the offside front track rod end ball joint dust cover, which was excessively damaged or deteriorated to the point that it could no longer prevent the ingress of dirt. It is highly likely that this component was replaced during the rectification process, allowing the car to pass the following day, and a prior advisory from 30 October 2023 had already flagged slight play in the same offside track rod end ball joint. This recurring reference to the offside front steering component indicates that the maintenance trend is not entirely stable and points to a specific area of steering wear that should be carefully verified. Aside from this steering item, the remaining test record is largely clean, with a solitary previous advisory in 2021 for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit. With a recorded mileage of 46,307 miles spread across an eight-year service life, this Ford Ka is averaging approximately 5,788 miles per year, which is notably below the national average for a vehicle of this age and class. While lower annual mileage generally equates to reduced wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, it frequently introduces age-related concerns related to extended periods of standing or only short, low-speed journeys. Such usage patterns can lead to premature degradation of consumables that age with the calendar rather than the odometer, and the relatively sparse MOT history with only eight tests over eight years suggests the vehicle may not have been in regular daily use. For a prospective buyer, the primary area of concern is the offside front steering assembly. The track rod end and its associated ball joint have now been flagged twice within the last two years, and although the dust cover has presumably been renewed, the underlying ball joint itself was recorded as having slight play in 2023. During a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering. It is also prudent to physically inspect the offside front tyre for any uneven wear on the inner or outer shoulder, as a worn ball joint or perished bush will often scrub the tread in an asymmetric pattern. Asking for the garage invoice confirming the recent replacement parts would be highly advisable, and the component should ideally be given a few hundred miles to settle and be rechecked for correct alignment. Given the low annual mileage, several age-related items warrant thorough physical inspection regardless of the clean MOT record. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and oxidation cracking, as rubber compounds degrade naturally over time even when tread depth remains adequate, and any tyres fitted before 2022 should be considered for replacement on safety grounds. The 12 volt battery should be health-checked, as infrequent short trips often prevent proper charging cycles and lead to premature battery failure. Brake discs, particularly those on the rear, are prone to surface corrosion and binding calipers due to standing, so verify that the wheels rotate freely when jacked and listen for any scraping on the first few applications of the brakes. Finally, confirm the service book history to ensure that time-based items such as engine coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil have been renewed according to calendar intervals rather than solely on mileage, as these fluids degrade with age and can compromise braking performance and engine cooling if neglected.