2015 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · WM65 AVO

A pattern of suspension wear and persistent shock absorber oil misting defines the recent MOT history of this 2015 Ford Ka. Across the 2024 and 2025 tests, light oil misting was recorded on both front shock absorbers, escalating by the March 2026 retest where the nearside front unit progressed to a serious fluid leak classified as a major failure, accompanied by continuing light misting on the offside. The 2025 test also flagged excessively worn lower suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides, a serious finding suggesting the front suspension has required significant attention. The most recent test on 1 April 2026 was ultimately passed, but the near-side shock absorber had just been replaced or repaired, and the offside front coil spring was newly noted as corroded. Two road wheels (one front, one rear) on the near side were also recorded as slightly distorted, a defect that typically affects ride quality and can worsen under load. Annual mileage of around 10,918 miles is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, though the test record shows four annual MOT cycles between 2023 and 2026 with no extended absence from the road. The recorded odometer reading of 120,095 miles therefore reflects fairly continuous use, which is consistent with the pattern of consumable wear visible across the records. The 2025 test noted a nearside front tyre with a cut exposing the ply or cords, and the 2024 advisory recorded both rear tyres worn close to the legal limit, indicating that tyre replacement has been a recurring requirement. Continuous urban and suburban use at this mileage places sustained demand on suspension components, wheel bearings, brake pads, and the clutch, all of which warrant direct inspection rather than assumption based on the MOT alone. A prospective buyer should place particular focus on the front suspension and steering geometry during any physical inspection and test drive. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed bumps, uneven surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, paying attention to whether the noise originates from the shock absorber tops, the lower arms, or the anti-roll bar drop links. On the road, the car should track straight without steering pull, and the front end should not feel vague or require constant correction; any wandering, vibration through the steering wheel, or binding on tight lock would warrant further investigation into the distorted near-side wheels and potentially the lower arm bushes that were flagged as worn. Press each front corner downward and release to confirm the dampers control the rebound firmly without a second bounce, and check the offside rear coil spring area for visible corrosion flaking or any sign of fracture, as corrosion noted on an MOT can progress to coil spring failure. The electrical and lighting defects recorded in earlier tests, including non-functioning position lamps in 2024 and a failed stop lamp on the near side in 2026, are inexpensive items but should be checked again at the time of viewing to confirm they have not recurred. The windscreen damage noted as a minor in 2026 does not currently obscure the driver's view but should be monitored for any crack propagation. Under the bonnet, inspect the offside front shock absorber for fresh oil residue below the seal, and visually check the front lower suspension arms and their bushes for any splitting, perishing, or excessive play when the wheels are rocked by hand. Finally, confirm that the distorted road wheels are true at speed, as even slight distortion can produce steering shake under braking or at motorway speeds, and verify the offside front and rear coil springs show no further corrosion loss that could compromise structural integrity.