2017 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SE66 MMA

The defining mechanical event in this Ford Ka's recorded history is a single failure on 16 October 2023, driven by a pair of major front-suspension and brake defects that sit alongside some tyre wear advisories. The nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint was classified as excessively worn under section 5.3.4 (a) (i), and the nearside front service brake was recorded as excessively binding under section 1.2.1 (f). Despite the failure, the same vehicle returned to the test station the following day and passed with two advisories relating to nearside front and rear tyre perishing. Since then, the 2024 and 2025 tests have both been clean passes with no defects or advisories recorded, so the most recent trend is one of stable roadworthiness on the official record. However, the fact that two majors were issued within a short interval means a buyer should not treat the recent clean tests as evidence that the underlying components have been comprehensively renewed. With 46,980 miles recorded against an approximately nine-year vehicle age, this Ka averages around 5,220 miles annually, which is low usage for a car of this vintage. Lower annual mileage generally reduces wear on high-cycle items such as the clutch, exhaust internals and engine oil, but it can also mean extended periods of standing, which tends to be less kind to brake calipers, brake friction surfaces, discs and the rubber components of the suspension. The binding brake flagged in 2023 is consistent with that pattern, as seized caliper slide pins and pistons are a known consequence of infrequent operation in light-use vehicles. The mileage progression between tests is broadly even, and there are no large unexplained gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest a mileage irregularity. The binding front brake repair in late 2023 is the single most important item to verify. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the nearside front wheel area, and feel whether the car pulls noticeably to one side under light braking or whether the steering wheel shudders through the pedal. With the vehicle stationary on level ground, confirm that the nearside front wheel rotates freely by hand after the brake has been released, as a sticking caliper will generate obvious drag and excess heat. Inspect the nearside front brake disc for a bright, polished lip on its outer edge contrasting with a rusty working face, which suggests the pad has not been releasing cleanly. Also check the condition of the brake hose, slider pins and the handbrake mechanism on the same wheel, and confirm that the brake fluid has been refreshed recently given the caliper work. The anti-roll bar linkage replacement is equally worth probing, because worn drop links are a common source of knocking over uneven surfaces and imprecise cornering behaviour. On the road, drive over speed bumps and broken tarmac at low speed with the windows down, listening for a clonking or rattling noise from the front suspension, particularly from the nearside. With the car parked, push and pull the body laterally at each front corner and watch for any free play or visible movement at the drop link joints; any vertical play at the ball joint indicates the replacement part itself may already be deteriorating. Given the tyre perishing advisories issued on the nearside front and rear in 2023, also examine the sidewalls and tread of all four tyres carefully for cracking, bulging or uneven inner-edge wear, and confirm that the replacements fitted since then are of matching size and load rating. Finally, because low-mileage Ka engines can suffer from oil leaks due to aged seals and perished gaskets, it is prudent to inspect the underside for any fresh oil staining around the sump, cam cover and rear main seal areas before purchase.