Ford Ka vs Vauxhall Corsa

kendie

My car has just been to the garage and it's come back as "terminal", i.e. not a lot they can do for it. Basically the engine is worn out and needs replacing but it's not worth repairing - it's an M Reg Ford Escort. It's still running for now but it's time to start looking for a new car.

Well just been having a look around and trying to way up the pros and cons of a Ford Ka vs Vauxhall Corsa. Not looking for a brand new one - perhaps 12/18 months old.

Any comments, suggestions would be greatly received. Thanks.

xycom1

The Ka is a much more compact, cheaper car than the Corsa. I have no experience of owning a Ka but I do of a Corsa (same age as what you're looking for (2003 53).

Mine has a 1.0i 12V engine, basic spec. For a 53 you'd be looking at £3000-4000, probably a bit more from a dealer. Fuel is about 100 miles to £10 with a heavy foot, car tax £105 or whatever it is/year and servicing (from a main dealer) is £130ish or thereabouts (20000 miles or 1 year). I've had a reliable one, only problems have been a replacement timing chain (recall) and replacement gear linkage (a well known fault with 2000-on Corsas, and mine went within warranty so was replaced free of charge).

The 1.2 engine is a bit quieter IMHO and smoother (not much more power though but a better choice for driving on country roads as opposed to mine which is used in the city).

tomstickland

Fuel is about 100 miles to £10 with a heavy foot,

That's pretty poor and just goes to show why undersize engines can be a false economy.

Ka vs Corsa. Ka was designed as a basic small car, but is definitely the favoured out of the two in terms of fun factor. Even motoring journalists like the Ka, whereas the Corsa is just another competent medium supermini.

TBH, either will suit your needs and will be infintely better than the Escort. I borrowed a friend's M reg Escort for a few days, and whilst the Hatchback was a lot better than his previous estate, I can't really think of anything good to say about it on any front.

HOWEVER, your car is not terminal if you want to pursue the cheapest options - source another engine and have it fitted. Could be done for around £1000. Hmmm, you could buy a complete Escort for that price. My friend sold his immaculate Escort for £1100 last year. So that's another option.

Also consider the Micra. Nissan have a superb reliability record and tidy Micras can be bought for £2K.

vansboy

Both of these are OK as small cats go, but not really comprable, in their own market areas.

Ka = 'city' car & Corsa 'supermini', supposedly.

Oddly enough they're both reaching the end of their production runs & again BOTH are actually to soon become Fiats!! So you might even consider buying NEW for not too much more than your budget - there are some EXCELLENT deals on them both just now.

The Ka will be based on Cincento replacement & Corsa the new model Punto. Just a few tweeks & a different badge.

At the age you're thinking of, this shouldn't affect future values too much.

The Corsa will be more practical as a longer journey car & more space & engine refinement will be apparent.

Out of the 2 I'd choose Corsa. It'll have been a more expensive car new, so makes better value for Moneysavers Money!!

Surprised you never mentioned Fiesta. Again bigger car & soliod enough build quality.

Check http://www.honestjohn.co.uk clik Car By Car Breakdown for good AND bad all makes n models.

VB

Throbbe

Suprisingly, I found the Corsa cramped, but the Ka spacious (more so than the Sierra it replaced). I should add that it was an older model Corsa, so that may well have changed. I'm over 6' tall too, which doesn't help.

Ka is a bit basic, and not good for rear passengers. Boot space is better than expected, but still not great. However, I'm with the journalists, it's the most fun I've ever had in a modern car.

kendie

Thanks everyone for helpful comments. Been and looked on honestjohn site. Very helpful ...

Will keep looking and searching for bargains.

Thanks again.