2017 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · TO03 BEX

The most recent DVSA roadworthiness test for this 2017 Ford Ka took place on 29 April 2025, where the vehicle was presented and passed with no defects or advisories recorded against it. Looking at the available test history, the trend is stable rather than deteriorating, with passes recorded in April 2025, January 2024, and December 2022. The two failure entries that appear in the record both fall on the same calendar dates as the passes that immediately follow them, which is consistent with a presentation on the same day, an initial refusal due to a minor item, rectification at the test station, and a subsequent pass on the same visit rather than any pattern of recurring or repeat defects. There is no accumulating chain of advisories relating to braking components, suspension, corrosion, or emissions, which would normally indicate a vehicle being allowed to deteriorate between tests. Overall, the documented compliance record suggests the Ka has been kept in roadworthy condition across its recent testing cycle. With 55,187 miles recorded over approximately nine years of service, this Ford Ka is averaging around 6,100 to 6,200 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a small city car of this age and broadly aligns with the mileage context supplied. There are no extended gaps in MOT coverage that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the absence of any recorded mileage irregularities or roll-back indicators in the test log is reassuring. At this kind of annual usage the engine, manual transmission, clutch, and ancillaries should not yet be facing the elevated wear rates associated with high-mileage examples, and the braking system will have experienced steady rather than severe duty cycles. The mileage is therefore consistent with light-to-moderate use and supports the conclusion that the vehicle has likely been exercised regularly rather than left standing for long intervals. Because the official record is clean, attention should turn to age and calendar-related deterioration that an MOT cannot fully detect. On a physical inspection, the tyres warrant close examination for sidewall perishing or cracking from age rather than just tread depth, as a 2017 manufactured set of tyres can suffer rubber degradation even with reasonable tread remaining, particularly on a vehicle that has been kept under covers or in intermittent use. The brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion or light pitting, especially on the rear axle where the Ka is known to suffer binding calipers and seized handbrake mechanisms after periods of standing, and a test drive should include repeated slow-speed stops to confirm the vehicle pulls away cleanly without dragging or shuddering. Listen for any clonks or rattles from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as the front lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and suspension bushes on this platform are age-sensitive and prone to wear well before they trigger a test failure. Service history verification and time-based fluid condition are equally important for a vehicle of this vintage. Original or aged brake fluid is hygroscopic and should have been renewed every two years regardless of mileage, so confirmation of a recent brake fluid change is advisable, and the coolant, engine oil, and if fitted manual transmission oil should be checked for condition and evidence of regular servicing in line with Ford's intervals. The 12 volt battery is now several years old and at increased risk of failure, particularly if the vehicle is used for short trips only, so a load test or recent replacement evidence would be reassuring. Finally, inspect the underbody and sills for any early signs of surface corrosion, check that the exhaust is solid and free from blowing joints, and confirm all interior warning lamps illuminate and extinguish correctly on ignition, as a clean MOT history on a nine year old Ka is only meaningful when supported by consistent mechanical upkeep.