2014 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SH64 FVM

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 9 October 2025 with a single advisory concerning a worn, pitted, or scored front brake disc. While the test result is favourable, the broader DVSA history presents a mixed and somewhat concerning maintenance picture. Across the six-year record there have been three failures, two of which (in October 2024 and October 2022) involved several significant majors at once, including a serious shock absorber fluid leak, an excessively worn front suspension ball joint, an exhaust lambda sensor reading outside limits, and ineffective wiper operation. Advisories have been steadily accumulating around corrosion-related items such as the rear brake pipe and rear shock absorber casing, alongside an oil leak and an inoperative fog lamp. The trend does not appear stable or improving; rather, it suggests an ageing vehicle where multiple wear- and corrosion-related defects are beginning to surface concurrently, and any prospective buyer should treat the current advisory on the front brake disc as part of a wider pattern of consumable and under-vehicle deterioration. With 76,650 recorded miles over approximately twelve years, this Ford Ka is averaging around 6,388 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a small car of its age and segment. There is no evidence in the MOT log of unusual mileage gaps or sudden surges in recorded distance; the progression appears consistent and reflective of regular rather than exceptional use. Mechanically, this level of annual mileage on a twelve-year-old city-oriented vehicle should have resulted in predictable wear on friction items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch components, but should not in itself have caused catastrophic failures. The defects recorded, however, indicate that not all of those wear items have been addressed promptly, and the presence of corrosion advisories on underbody components suggests the car may have seen winter road salt exposure typical of UK driving conditions. Given the failure in October 2024 for a nearside rear shock absorber with a serious fluid leak, and the more recent advisory for a pitted front brake disc, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking and suspension systems. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, which could indicate perished bushes or further wear at the ball joint area; check for uneven tyre wear, particularly inner-edge wear which is often associated with worn suspension components; and feel for brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would confirm the need for disc replacement. The brake disc advisory should not be ignored, as pitted or scored surfaces reduce braking efficiency in wet conditions and progressively worsen. It is also sensible to jack the vehicle and visually inspect the rear shock absorbers for fresh oil staining, and to check the rear brake pipe for active corrosion beneath any protective grease coating noted in earlier advisories. The exhaust-related majors from late 2024, namely the lambda sensor reading outside limits and a minor exhaust gas leak, point towards potential issues with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, or engine management that may have been rectified at the time but warrant verification. On a cold start, listen for any ticking or hissing from the exhaust joints and check for black soot deposits around the manifold area. Beyond the recorded history, given the vehicle's age and the calendar exposure of twelve years, a buyer should also physically inspect items that MOT testing does not fully cover. Examine the tyres closely for sidewall perishing and cracking from UV degradation, even where tread depth may still be legal; check the 12V battery for secure mounting and test its resting voltage, as batteries typically require replacement every five to six years; and verify that brake fluid and coolant have been changed on a time basis rather than mileage alone, as both degrade chemically. Finally, ensure the service book contains regular stamps and that the cambelt or timing chain replacement interval, if applicable to this engine variant, has been observed, as neglect in this area can result in serious engine damage.