2003 Ford KA 1.3L Petrol · WD03 DMY

The most recent DVSA MOT outcome recorded is a pass issued on 6 January 2022, although this pass was issued on the same date as a failure with dangerous and major defects, suggesting the vehicle was presented, failed, rectified and re-presented within the same day. The 2022 test history records dangerous failures for nearside front and rear tyres due to tears caused by structural separation, alongside a major defect for an inoperative or malfunctioning engine MIL (malfunction indicator lamp). Although a pass was ultimately issued, the dangerous tyre defects represent a serious safety concern at the time of test and indicate a pattern of tyre degradation likely linked to age-related perishing rather than active mileage wear. Earlier history shows recurring advisories for outer sill corrosion across multiple tests from 2016 onwards, a major exhaust gas leak in 2018 with an out-of-specification lambda reading, and deteriorated brake hoses and rear sub-frame rubber bushes noted in 2016. The maintenance trend over the recorded period is broadly worsening rather than improving, with corrosion progressively noted in more structural areas and tyre and emission-related defects appearing in successive tests. The recorded mileage of 59,052 miles over approximately 23 years equates to an average annual mileage of around 2,567 miles, which is well below typical usage and suggests either very light running or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage is mechanically significant in several ways. Age-related deterioration of rubber and polymer components tends to dominate over wear from use, with brake hoses, suspension bushes, tyre sidewalls, drive belts and coolant hoses all becoming vulnerable to perishing and brittleness regardless of mileage. Prolonged standing can also encourage brake disc corrosion and potential caliper seizure, exhaust system rusting from condensation cycles, and 12V battery degradation. Conversely, the actual mechanical wear on major drivetrain components should be relatively modest, although the persistently low usage means the vehicle may have been serviced infrequently and fluid condition should be verified independently. Given the recurring advisories for both outer sills and rear inner sill corrosion since 2016, with progressive mention of inner wheel arch and suspension mounting area corrosion by 2019, a prospective buyer should carefully inspect all structural and chassis areas for advanced corrosion. Particular attention should be paid to the sill seams, jacking points, inner wheel arches, rear sub-frame mounting areas, and the nearside rear suspension component mount referenced in the 2018 advisory. On a test drive, listen for suspension clunks or knocking over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn or corroded mounting points, deteriorated anti-roll bar bushes, or failing shock absorbers. Apply the brakes firmly from speed and check for pulling, shudder through the pedal, or grinding noises, which would suggest corroded or warped brake discs and potentially binding calipers resulting from the vehicle's low usage. Also verify that the engine management lamp illuminates and extinguishes correctly, as a recurring MIL issue was flagged in 2022 and could indicate underlying sensor, catalytic converter, or lambda probe faults that would warrant diagnostic investigation. Beyond the recorded advisories, age-appropriate physical checks are strongly recommended for a 23 year old vehicle with low mileage. Inspect all four tyres closely for perishing, cracking, and sidewall bulges, as the dangerous tyre failures recorded in 2022 demonstrate that age-related structural failure can occur even at modest tread depths. Check the manufacture date code on each tyre and replace any that are older than around six years regardless of remaining tread. Verify the 12V battery's health and age, as batteries typically require replacement every four to six years and low usage with short journeys accelerates sulphation. Confirm that the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil have been serviced in line with calendar intervals rather than purely mileage intervals, given the low annual usage, and check all visible rubber components including drive belts, coolant hoses, and suspension bushes for signs of cracking. Finally, examine the underside of the vehicle on a ramp if possible to assess the current extent of sill and sub-frame corrosion beyond what advisories have documented, as corrosion can progress significantly between tests and may be more advanced than the last recorded observations suggest.