2006 Ford KA 1.3L Petrol · WN56 WKG

The vehicle history reveals a concerning trend of progressive structural degradation despite the low annual mileage. In the most recent test in July 2023 at 56,268 miles, the car failed due to critical structural issues, including excessive corrosion on the offside rear suspension mounting which significantly reduced structural strength. This follows a failure in 2021 where the inner sill failed for reduced rigidity and a 2020 failure regarding subframe mounting corrosion. The presence of a failed offside front seat belt anchorage due to mount corrosion indicates that rust is moving beyond the body panels into safety-critical interior components. At 56,268 miles over twenty years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 2,800 miles per year. While this low usage typically suggests less mechanical wear, the record shows the car has suffered significantly from environmental damage and likely neglect. Between 2020 and 2023, the tester repeatedly flagged worn suspension arm bushes and pins, indicating a lack of preventative maintenance on the front end. The recurring nature of the corrosion failures suggests the vehicle may have sat for long periods or been stored in an environment conducive to moisture retention, leading to deep-seated rust. The mechanical history shows minor issues such as a leaking offside rear shock absorber and transmission oil leaks noted in 2022, which are secondary to the primary structural risks. The structural integrity of the chassis is the main concern here. A buyer must perform a thorough inspection of the sills, wheel arches, and suspension points, as the record confirms that the vehicle is losing its inherent structural strength. The transition from minor surface corrosion to significant structural failure in the last three years suggests the vehicle is reaching the end of its viable road life.