2017 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · WG66 UUH

The most recent DVSA MOT, dated 25 February 2026, returned a pass but recorded a number of advisories: both rear tyres are noted as slightly damaged or perishing, the nearside and off‑side front headlamps are aimed too low, and the front brake disc is flagged as worn, pitted or scored though not seriously weakened. No outright failures were recorded, meaning the vehicle met the legal safety standards at the time of testing, but the repeat appearance of tyre perishing and the new headlamp aim issue suggest a maintenance pattern that is holding steady yet beginning to show age‑related wear that is not being fully addressed. With a recorded 21 484 miles on a 2017 Ford Ka, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 2 400 miles per year, considerably below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of inactivity or very light use, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. Prolonged standing can allow rubber compounds in tyres to harden and crack, allow battery plates to sulphate, and permit moisture to settle in suspension bushings and brake hardware, accelerating corrosion and loss of elasticity even though the kilometre count remains modest. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the four tyres. Look for sidewall cracking, dry rot, and any loss of tread uniformity; a tyre that feels soft or shows a spongy give when pressed may be close to failure. During a test drive, listen for low‑frequency thumps or vibrations that could indicate a tyre with internal delamination, and watch for any pulling to one side that might be compounded by the headlamp aim being low on both fronts. The front brake discs should be examined for scoring, uneven wear, or surface corrosion; a disc that feels gritty when the wheel is turned by hand, or that produces a shudder under moderate braking, will likely need resurfacing or replacement. Verify that the headlamp units can be adjusted or are correctly aligned, as low aim reduces effective illumination and can be a safety concern at night. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, also check items that deteriorate with time rather than use. Inspect the 12 V battery for swelling, terminal corrosion and test its cranking voltage; a battery that is more than three years old should be load‑tested. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids – for colour, level and any signs of contamination, remembering that many manufacturers recommend fluid changes on a calendar basis (typically every 12–24 months) even if the mileage threshold has not been reached. Look under the chassis for any rust or flaking on the sills, suspension arms and exhaust hangers, especially where the car may have sat for extended periods. Finally, request the service book and confirm that regular oil changes, timing‑chain inspections (if applicable) and any recommended interim checks have been logged; a well‑documented service history will mitigate many of the age‑related risks that a low‑mileage, nine‑year‑old car can present.