Ford KA - opinions please

madmaz_2

I have yearned to own one of these cars for ages now. Most people I know who own one do give positive feedback, however, lately I have spoke to several people who all seem disgruntled at the braking system on these cars and someone commented that he hates taking his KA on the motorway has he feels the car is too 'flimsy' and about to blow over at anytime.

I would really appreciate any advice or comments, has I am looking to purchase my first car.

Thanks Folks

needmoney

My friend has one of these and last weekend we drove on the motorway in blinding rain and very strong winds and I'm a nervous passenger and I was more frightened of the other traffic and didn't feel like we'd be blown over at all.


He's had about four of these and will probably get the open top one next, spurred on by me of course ( always wanted one)

TTT_2

Hi needmoney
we have had one from new and would thoroughly recommend one.
apart from routine servicing we have spent nothing on it! The handling is fine and brakes seem ok to me.The oily bits are tried and tested and are not too complicated-one thing to mention is that if you get one of the ones with the 'endura e' engines it is worth checking that the spark plugs have been changed every 2 yrs-they can rust into the head and costs lots to remove. Apart from the usual checks with a used car (if you will buy used) they seem to be robust ,simple and good fun .

moonrakerz

Wife and daughter have one each. Great little cars, cheap to run, park anywhere, still looks quite stylish, the handling is outstanding. Never had a problem with the brakes - have they tried servicing their cars ? The newer ones have a slightly better engine than the early models, but don't be put off an older one.(I think they called it the "endura" engine because it was so old !)
The only very minor complaint I have is - with my broad size 10 shoes I sometimes have trouble with the pedals being a bit close together.

If I remember correctly, Jeremy Clarkson called this car "a happy pill".

aurora_borealis_2

We've had the luxury version from new. It's been great. My daughter has happily travelled Brighton-Cardiff regularly, used it as a farm vehicle (carried saddles, hay bales etc., :rolleyes:

I've used it for short drives and find it really nippy (like a dodgem!).

Shame we have to sell it now for said daughter's uni fees. I would have hung on to it otherwise

madfrenchgirl

its ok if your rear passengers do not mind being in a foetal position

but if you need some decent boot space, get something else

vansboy

As mentioned, it's old engine from Fieasta, so reasonably robust.

It even caught Ford out, by stealing sales of Fiesta, itself!!

If you clik on Car by Car Breakdowns in http://www.honestjohn.co.uk you'll have all thats good OR bad on ALL cars!!

& I posted this a week or so back, it's what the NEW Ka will look like - joint Fiat/Ford colaboration.

http://club.fiat500.free.fr/image/conceptcar.jpg


& before you buy a Ka, check out a Panda!! More versatile, more modern, more fun to drive!!
VB

aurora_borealis_2

vansboy wrote:

As mentioned, it's old engine from Fieasta, so reasonably robust.

It even caught Ford out, by stealing sales of Fiesta, itself!!

If you clik on Car by Car Breakdowns in http://www.honestjohn.co.uk you'll have all thats good OR bad on ALL cars!!

& I posted this a week or so back, it's what the NEW Ka will look like - joint Fiat/Ford colaboration.

http://club.fiat500.free.fr/image/conceptcar.jpg


& before you buy a Ka, check out a Panda!! More versatile, more modern, more fun to drive!!
VB

That new one is HORRIBLE!!!

bunking_off

We looked at them when searching for a run-around. They felt very flimsy...glove box seemed to be made out of tupperware.

You don't say whether you're looking for a new or older one, but if older IMHO you're far better off with a Nissan Micra....feels like you're driving a go-kart and is bullet proof.

madfrenchgirl

did not want t bash it too much to start with... but it is true that everything looks very tacky inside... and the trim is quite backdated

plus, i dont know how tall your upper body is, but i found it very hard to see past the door pillars in front and behind me, but this is to anyone's preference

if i was looking for a car, i would pick the following:

1/ fuel efficiency
2/ reliability
3/ practicality
4/ brand

my best piece of advice is to go on parkers.co.uk

the best supermini for fuel efficiency is the Citroen C1.

madmaz_2

bunking_off wrote:

We looked at them when searching for a run-around. They felt very flimsy...glove box seemed to be made out of tupperware.

You don't say whether you're looking for a new or older one, but if older IMHO you're far better off with a Nissan Micra....feels like you're driving a go-kart and is bullet proof.

Yes, due to finances it would be an older model I would be interested in.