2016 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SY16 OCW

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a clear progression of structural and suspension degradation. The most recent test in December 2025 at 24,970 miles flagged slight play in the nearside front upper strut top and continued corrosion on the rear sub-frame. While the vehicle passed, the recurrence of sub-frame issues across multiple years indicates that the integrity of the chassis is moving towards a critical state despite the low overall mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,500 miles annually. Between December 2021 and November 2022, the car covered only 2,453 miles, resulting in a clean record. However, the low usage appears to correlate with age-related oxidation rather than mechanical wear. The exhaust corrosion and strut plate corrosion noted in late 2023 suggest the vehicle may have sat for long periods, allowing moisture to settle on metal components without the cleansing effect of regular motorway use. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the rear sub-frame to determine if the corrosion noted in 2024 and 2025 has reached a point of structural thinning. The tester should also examine the nearside front suspension assembly, as the reported play in the strut top likely requires component replacement. Given the front brake discs were flagged as pitted and scored in December 2024, the braking system should be checked for surface seizing, as low-mileage cars often suffer from disc rust and seized calipers due to inactivity.