Ford Ka Rust

happy_as_annie

Hi,

Just after peoples opinions.

I have an 8 year old ford ka, about 73k on the clock. It has rusted quite badly around the petrol cap (which seems to be pretty common on these cars). Anyway, I've been quoted around £300 to fix the problem - by replacing part of the affected panel. I'm just wondering whether people think it's worth doing? Ideally I'd like to keep the car for another couple of years.

Thanks for your opinions

vax2002

They also have a tendency for the rear floor to turn in to a packet of crisps.
So have it all checked over first.

s_b

replacing part of the panel is a cosmetic repair only because first off they wont remove the tank and pipework to be able to do a proper effective weld in of this new piece that you can buy
secondly the reason it rots out is there is a foam like substance between this outer panel and the inner panel so it will rot again from day one
the final thing is if you get the car up in the air you will see that this inner panel will also be rotten and ive been able to put my fist through here on kas and its within 12 inches of the shocker mounting and so a mot failure

as said get a proper structural inspection done because if its rotten here then its usually rotten everywhere including power steering pipes

TrickyWicky

happy_as_annie wrote: »

people think it's worth doing? Ideally I'd like to keep the car for another couple of years.

We have a Ka and faced a similar issue this year.

What you have to look at is this:
Another car will cost you what... £500 - £1000 in the same category/price range. It could be a nail and cost you even more.

So.. whats cheaper, another car or a repair to the devil you know? - We chose the devil.

In your case £300 vs £500-£1000 no contest - which is lower?

newfoundglory

It depends whether there is more rust which will need repairing in the next 12 to 24 months. If so, it would not be worth spending 300 now - only to have to spend even more on rust work later.

I tend to think when rust sets in on a car its best to get rid of it, before it gets any worse.

verydeeppockets

You will never eliminate rust, once it's started, without a LOT of cash.
If you know the car, know it's history and have had it for a few years and know it's all good apart from the rust, then maybe repair it. But bear in mind if there's rust in one area, chances are it's somewhere else too.
If the car is new to you, get rid.

colino

Kas are unfortunately rust buckets, but fortunately still seem to attract a girlie following and are handy for first timers with their low running costs. When you have the early onset of the rust bug, petrol hatch panel and A pillar at the bottom of the windscreen - sell it!
The only way to cure from that point is prohibitively expensive so let someone else hide it and pass it on.

waynedance

Do not waste your money, as said these rust like mad. Of all the cars at my work that fail the mot due to rust and need welding it is the Ford KA near the top of the list.

Check out the sills they will be next, put money towards new car.

The_Biff

Why not get organised (Facebook etc) & demand compensation from Ford. Don't lie down & accept this substandard car. This rust is what happened to all cars in the 60's & 70's& 80,s.

All car companies were threatened with legislation to improve the rusting problem but they pleaded for self regulation & got it.

Also write to your MP asking for advice & say it is a safety issue.

NOTHING TO LOSE.

s_b

The_Biff wrote: »

Why not get organised (Facebook etc) & demand compensation from Ford. Don't lie down & accept this substandard car. This rust is what happened to all cars in the 60's & 70's& 80,s.

All car companies were threatened with legislation to improve the rusting problem but they pleaded for self regulation & got it.

Also write to your MP asking for advice & say it is a safety issue.

NOTHING TO LOSE.

er its 8 years old
and was designed to last 7:D