2015 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SM15 KZF

The 2015 Ford Ka passed its most recent MOT on 16 October 2025 at 31,433 miles, but the record reveals a worsening maintenance trend rather than a stable one. That latest test carried multiple corrosion-related advisories, including corroded rear and nearside front brake pipes, a corroded rear axle, and a front subframe flagged as corroded though not seriously weakened. A nearside front shock absorber was also noted for light oil misting, and the exhaust system had a defective front clamp with a missing rear clamp. These are not isolated minor items. They point to a vehicle that has spent extended periods standing or exposed to moisture, with corrosion now affecting safety-critical systems like brake lines and structural mounting points. The mileage profile reinforces that concern. At roughly 2,858 miles per year over eleven years, this Ka has covered very little ground. The record shows 26,179 miles in November 2022, 28,001 miles in November 2023, 29,990 miles in November 2024, and 31,433 miles in October 2025. That is an average of just over 1,700 miles per year in the most recent three-year window. Low annual mileage can preserve consumables like tyres and brake pads, but it also means the vehicle has likely sat stationary for long periods, accelerating corrosion on brake components, suspension mounts, and underbody structures. The gap between the 2022 clean test and the 2023 advisory for worn front inner brake discs and a binding offside front caliper suggests deterioration occurred rapidly during a period of minimal use. A buyer should treat the corrosion findings as the primary structural risk. Corroded brake pipes covered in grease or other material are a direct hydraulic failure risk under braking load. The rear axle corrosion and subframe advisory warrant a thorough underside inspection with a torch and probe, ideally on a ramp, to assess whether surface rust has progressed to perforation or section loss. The missing rear exhaust clamp and corroded exhaust system suggest the mounting points may be compromised, which could lead to exhaust detachment or increased vibration transferring to the floor pan. The suspension and braking history also demands attention. The offside rear shock absorber failed with a serious fluid leak in the November 2024 test, yet the subsequent 2025 test flagged only light misting on the nearside front unit. That asymmetry raises the question of whether the offside rear damper was replaced or simply not retested under the same conditions. A physical check for uneven damping, bounce test response, and visible oil residue on all four dampers is essential. The recurring brake imbalance and binding caliper advisories across 2023 and 2024 indicate the braking system has not been consistently serviced. A buyer should inspect disc thickness, caliper slide pin operation, and handbrake linkage adjustment before committing to purchase.