2012 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · ST12 MHX

A clean and consistent DVSA record defines this 2012 Ford Ka, with five tests logged between 2022 and early 2025, all returning pass results and none carrying any recorded advisories or failure defects. One entry on 2023-02-27 is marked as a fail but also lists no defects, suggesting a likely administrative or tyre-related refusal at the testing station that was resolved the same day, as the immediately following test recorded a pass with no defects noted. The overall trend across the three-year span is one of uninterrupted roadworthiness at the point of annual test, with no recurring component wear flagged on items such as suspension bushes, brake discs, exhaust system, or structural areas. For a prospective buyer, this is an objectively stable MOT history at the testing level, though it should be remembered that a clean MOT record reflects only the condition of the vehicle on the test date and not the mechanical integrity of components between tests. With 64,589 miles recorded on a 14-year-old vehicle, the average annual accumulation works out to roughly 4,600 miles, which sits well below the typical mileage expectation for a car of this age and type. The DVSA record does not show a mileage reading on every test, but the progression from the 2022 test through to February 2025 indicates steady, modest use rather than long-distance driving or extended periods off the road. Lower annual mileage of this kind generally means less wear on high-stress items such as the clutch, brake friction material, and engine internal components, but it can also point to periods of inactivity where rubber seals, brake calipers, and underbody corrosion can deteriorate through lack of use. Given the Ford Ka's known vulnerability to age-related corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, sills, and floor pans, the relatively low usage pattern warrants particular physical inspection beneath the car rather than relying solely on the MOT outcome. Because the MOT history contains no recorded advisories, there is no specific component flagged for deterioration, which means a physical inspection should concentrate on the areas most prone to wear on a small petrol Ford of this generation. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, or top mount bearings; the Ka is particularly known for early failure of the front strut top mounts. Steering feel should remain tight without excessive wandering, and the front discs should not exhibit any severe judder under braking, which can indicate lipped or warped discs even when not flagged at test. Brake pedal response should be firm and progressive, and the handbrake should hold the vehicle securely on an incline, as rear drum adjusters on low-mileage cars can seize from infrequent use. From an engine and underbody perspective, the test drive should include a cold start observation to check for excessive smoke, irregular idling, or warning lights, as prolonged low-mileage running with short journeys can accelerate oil contamination and carbon build-up. Listen for any timing chain rattle from the 1.2 Duratec unit on initial start-up, a known wear item that becomes more pronounced with age regardless of mileage. With the vehicle raised or viewed from beneath, check the rear suspension beam mounting bushes for cracking and the exhaust system for any signs of corrosion or detachment around the mounting points. Finally, verify that the tyres are of matching type and show even wear across the axles, and confirm the age code on the sidewalls, as the original fitment rubber may be well over ten years old on a low-mileage car and prone to cracking regardless of tread depth remaining.