2018 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · ST18 LRN

The most recent DVSA examination for this 2018 Ford Ka was conducted on 16 July 2025 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. Reviewing the four-year MOT history provided, the car has passed each subsequent annual test cleanly, with 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 all showing no recorded advisories or failures. This consistency across consecutive examinations indicates a stable and well-maintained mechanical trend, suggesting that the vehicle has not presented any recurring wear items, structural concerns, or component deterioration that testers have identified during routine inspection. For a prospective buyer, this clean trajectory is reassuring and points to either diligent servicing or genuinely light usage throughout the vehicle's life. Against a vehicle age of approximately eight years, the recorded mileage of 34,860 miles equates to an annual average of around 4,358 miles, which is notably low for a car of this vintage. Typical Ford Ka examples of a similar age accumulate substantially higher annual mileages, often exceeding 7,000 to 10,000 miles per year. This low usage pattern suggests the vehicle has either been used predominantly for short urban journeys or has experienced extended periods of standing between uses. Such usage has mechanical implications worth considering; low-mileage vehicles do not always equate to superior condition, as short trips can prevent the engine and exhaust system from reaching full operating temperature, potentially leading to moisture accumulation in the oil, while prolonged standing can cause brake disc surface corrosion, brake caliper seizure, and degradation of rubber components through lack of regular flexing. Given the clean MOT record but the low annual mileage profile, a prospective buyer should carry out a number of practical physical inspections prior to purchase. Tyres on a low-use vehicle of this age are particularly susceptible to sidewall perishing and cracking from age rather than tread wear, so all four tyres should be examined closely for any signs of UV degradation or hairline cracks, even if the tread depth appears adequate. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance, as batteries rarely used or only subjected to short journeys can fail without warning, and the original unit may now be nearing the end of its service life regardless of mileage. Brake discs, particularly the rear drums or solid discs fitted to this model, should be inspected for any lip corrosion or binding calipers, which can manifest as a sluggish handbrake, a pulling sensation under braking, or a grinding noise on the first application after standing. Beyond these wear considerations, the buyer should also verify the time-based service items that do not necessarily correlate with mileage accumulation. Engine oil and filter changes are typically required annually regardless of miles covered, so confirming a complete service history with documented date-based entries is essential. Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all degrade through calendar age and moisture absorption, and these should be inspected for condition and replacement evidence during the test drive. When driving, listen for any suspension clonks over speed bumps, which may indicate perished bushes or weakened coil springs common to low-use city cars, and observe whether the engine reaches and maintains a stable operating temperature on a sustained run. Any hesitation, excessive vibration, or warning lights should be investigated promptly with a diagnostic scan, as low mileage can occasionally mask underlying issues relating to infrequent use of the vehicle's full mechanical envelope.