2010 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · WR10 MTY

This 2010 Ford Ka presents an unusually clean roadworthiness profile for a sixteen-year-old vehicle, with four consecutive MOT passes recorded from 2022 through 2025 and not a single advisory or failure point logged across that span. The most recent test on 30 July 2025 returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, and the pattern is consistent backwards through July 2024, July 2023, and July 2022. The absence of any advisories relating to corrosion, suspension wear, brake condition, or exhaust integrity suggests the vehicle has not yet developed the typical age-related deterioration often seen on cars of this vintage. While a spotless MOT sheet is encouraging, it also provides no diagnostic clues as to where the car sits on its wear curve, making a physical inspection all the more important. With 54,612 miles recorded against a sixteen-year life, this Ka has covered an average of roughly 3,413 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and points to either genuinely light use or significant periods of inactivity. There are no extended testing gaps visible in the DVSA record, which suggests the vehicle has not been formally declared off the road through SORN for any prolonged multi-year stretch, though shorter standing periods cannot be detected from MOT data alone. Mechanically, this usage profile is a double-edged sword: the engine, clutch, gearbox, and braking surfaces will have experienced minimal frictional wear, but low annual mileage often correlates with short journeys that prevent the engine and exhaust from reaching full operating temperature, encouraging moisture accumulation in the oil, condensation within the exhaust system, and premature ageing of rubber components such as coolant hoses, drive belt(s), and suspension bushes. For a prospective buyer, the lack of any flagged items in the MOT history means the standard areas of concern on a Ford Ka of this generation warrant particular attention during inspection. The Ka is known for rear axle beam corrosion, so a thorough check of the rear suspension mounting points, subframe, and brake pipe routing along the underbody is essential, looking for any bubbling paint, surface rust that has broken through, or structural scaling. On the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate perished bushes or worn shock absorbers, and pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking, which can point to a binding front caliper or a perished front brake flexible hose. Steering should feel direct without excessive play at the wheel, and the clutch should engage smoothly without slipping under acceleration in third or fourth gear. Given the very low recorded mileage, additional checks beyond the MOT-recorded items are particularly relevant. Inspect the condition of all tyres, including the spare, for signs of perishing or uneven wear, and verify that the date codes are recent, as tyres older than five or six years can harden and crack regardless of tread remaining. Examine the underbonnet for any signs of oil misting around the cam cover or sump gasket, coolant staining at the hose joints, and the state of the battery, which may have degraded from infrequent use. Finally, confirm that the vehicle starts promptly from cold without excessive smoke from the exhaust, as diesel-style particulate issues are irrelevant here but blue smoke would indicate valve stem oil seal wear, and white smoke that clears quickly is acceptable on a cold start but persistent white vapour would suggest head gasket compromise.