2019 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SJ19 MBT

A pattern of front-end wear and one recent lighting failure define the mechanical picture of this 2019 Ford Ka, supported by four recorded MOT tests since 2023. The most recent test on 14 July 2026 produced a pass alongside an advisory for cracking and perishing on the offside front tyre, but the same date also carries a fail entry for the offside front headlamp aim being too high, a Prescriptive Repair Required item. The 2025 and 2024 tests passed without any advisories, while the 2023 test flagged both front brake discs as worn, pitted or scored. The combination of recurring front-end advisories across multiple years and an active lighting defect on the latest test indicates that the front suspension, steering geometry and braking components have been working through their service life rather than standing idle. With seven years on the road and only 23,076 recorded miles, this Ka has averaged roughly 3,297 miles per year, which is notably low for its age and points to short journeys or extended periods of inactivity rather than consistent daily use. Such low accumulation generally means wear items like brake pads, discs and clutches have been lightly used, but it also raises the likelihood of corrosion on brake discs, deterioration of rubber components, and degradation of fluids through infrequent operation. The mileage recorded across tests in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 appears to climb steadily without any unusual gaps or sudden jumps, so there is no evidence of clocked mileage or long lay-ups, but the overall low figure should still prompt checks for dry rot on tyres, seized brake calipers and flat-spotted discs. A prospective buyer should focus the inspection on the front axle, given that both front brake discs were flagged in 2023 and the offside front tyre was noted as perished in 2026. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which could indicate worn suspension arms, drop links or anti-roll bar bushes common on small Fords of this era. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which would suggest the offside front disc has further worn or become distorted since the 2023 advisory, and check for pulling to one side that could relate to the recent headlamp aim issue or uneven front tyre wear. Inspect the inner and outer edges of both front tyres for cracking, bulging or uneven shoulder wear, and verify the tread depth is legal across the full width. Additionally, the headlamp aim failure deserves attention, as it can stem from a simple adjustment or from worn front suspension strut mounts or springs allowing the headlamp assembly to sit higher than specification. Ask the seller to demonstrate both dipped and main beam operation, and visually check that the headlamp lenses are not heavily oxidised, which can scatter the beam pattern and contribute to an aim test failure. Examine the underbonnet for any signs of fluid leaks from the master cylinder or front brake calipers, as low-mileage cars left standing can suffer from seized calipers that may bind on test. Finally, confirm the advisory items from 2023 have been physically addressed by measuring both front brake disc thicknesses against the manufacturer minimum and inspecting the offside front tyre manufacture date and sidewall condition, as tyres older than five years can perish regardless of tread depth.