Advice on what to look for on a used Ford KA

alun4

We are considering a 7 year old ford KA as our son will shortly be 17. It's been owned from new by the same family and although it has had a couple of small dings and dents and new wings and a new wing mirror when their children were learning it has been maintained, regardless of cost. They are asking £950 for it (1.3 litre).

Are there known faults or rust areas I should look for?

Many thanks.

markelock

Have you had a look at parkers.co.uk. it should give you a rough idea.

MIL's goes through tyres, but this could be unique. Otherwise she's had two and no problems to date.

I'd go for £875-900, but it depends on whether that would offend them.

Hintza

markelock wrote: »

I'd go for £875-900, but it depends on whether that would offend them.

I think this is still high the only plus point is it has good history which is worth a bit. Just remember the insurance will be horrifically expensive...:eek:

Keith

markelock wrote: »

MIL's goes through tyres, but this could be unique. Otherwise she's had two and no problems to date.

Check the wishbones.

OP - Knackered heaters, lower arms, rust on the sills & around the body.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

The heater valve is a common fault.

jaydeeuk1

Wasn't it the ford Ka (in particular) that had problems with the spark plugs being stuck if not checked regularly?

pinkshoes

The plus side for the KA is that parts are very cheap... How many miles has this one done?

Insurance will be expensive no matter what car you get, but get an insurance quote before buying anything!

MORPH3US

Isn't it the Ford Ka that didn't have the galvanised body and so they just basically rotted away to dust?!?!

If it is then I would check it over with a fine tooth comb for signs of rust / rot....

Not sure I like the sound of "a couple of dings and dents...." - you only have their word for it being maintained, yet you can see with your own eyes it is in bad condition.... do they have receipts to prove the maintenance?

alun4

pinkshoes wrote: »

The plus side for the KA is that parts are very cheap... How many miles has this one done?

Insurance will be expensive no matter what car you get, but get an insurance quote before buying anything!

This has done 56000 miles!

alun4

MORPH3US wrote: »

Isn't it the Ford Ka that didn't have the galvanised body and so they just basically rotted away to dust?!?!

If it is then I would check it over with a fine tooth comb for signs of rust / rot....

Not sure I like the sound of "a couple of dings and dents...." - you only have their word for it being maintained, yet you can see with your own eyes it is in bad condition.... do they have receipts to prove the maintenance?

Yes there is a full history with bills and receipts. The dings and dents were not bad but they were always attended to.

goldspanners

sometimes buying a car from family or friends isnt a great idea.