USED Ford Ka Hatchback (96 - 09)

My car

I have a little Bottom range KA 05. Fantastic little car absolutely love it to bits. But unfortunately it also annoys the hell out of me. I always avoid motorways and use country roads - it is loads more fun with the sharp steering but the main reason is the noise, vibration and other roadusers when doing a long trip down the motorway. I find the ka really spacious for such as small car - managed to move out into a flat in one trip!. And i love parking, being able to pull into a parking space with a couple of metres notice is great - love taking the spaces from the big cars right infront of them cos they've had to reverse. It is such a pity that other road other users in a slightly bigger car gives you respect - i get carved up by everything and have little under the bonnet do do anything about it. I do get to laugh when i fill up though, i don't drive particulary slow - usual 60 - 70mph, my average combined MPG is about 45. (what car for some reason think i should be only able to get 42.2???)

If you wont a good quality, cheap, city car or live in the country - this is the car for you. you will love it to bits although i'd advise on a high spec.

If you want a car with more road presence or use motor ways try the sports ka but i won't recommend.

My car

I had this car as a courtesy while my Peg 206 was in 4 repair. I had the Ka for 2 weeks and loved every minute and I was very sad to give it back (especially when I got my car back after repairs on electrical faults and then broke down the same day!)

It was very good on the fuel as long as you didn't take the revs over 2000revs. If I changed at 2000revs I got 50mpg! If I put my foot down and changed at 3000revs I got between 35-40 mpg!

The road noise got a bit too much after a while and it was very rattly but the ride and the fact that it was fun to drive more than made up for that.It was a dream to park. The boot's tiny but you can comfortably fit three passengers in. It handled really well (5 stars for handling.) For such a basic car and especially when you can get a good one for such a cheap price I think they're a very good buy. I would've bought one to replace my 206 but it was too small for me.

The one negative I have though is the fact that they rust really easily. When I was looking for my 1st car I looked at ones that were 1 - 2 yrs old and they had huge rust bubbles all along the sills. I have a friend with an 02 reg Ka and hers is rusting around the fuel cap, boot lock and along the sills. My Pug was 10 years old and had not one speck of rust on it.

Apart from that it's a wonderful little car and they have a good reliable reputation and I'd recommend it to anyone for a 1st car or if you just want a run around. LOVED IT!

My car

I bought my KA about a year ago on a 54 plate and I cant fault it at all!

The metallic black paintwork looks great and the colour coded bumpers look so much better than the standard unpainted ones.

Image wise as a 19 year old lad i do get a bit of stick - as its seen as a girly car but i dont care as i think its very stylish and tell people not to knock it till theyve tried it!!

The interior is very basic but it has everything i need and the seats are comfortable(ish) but the lack of support is felt on longer journeys. Theres a lots more space than you would imagine and i've never had a problem fitting things in!

Its a brilliant drive i love driving it out on the country roads the handling is superb and the ride is not bad either for such a short wheelbase. The 1.3 engine is nippier than it is given credit for and i live in valley and it has no problem going up the steep hills.

Its not as economical as you would expect for a small car but i do a lot of short journeys. I have not had to spend a penny except for the MOT and it runs perfectly

Overall i absolutley love my KA and i am disappointed to read the negative reviews as it is brilliant!

I would recommend it to all as a first car - guys and girls and to anyone who needs a cheap but very cheerful little runabout or second family car.

I would not hesitate to have another one and infact i am soon to be selling it and upgrading to the sportka!

My car

I bought a new '08 Ford Ka 1.3 Style Climate about 4 months ago. You can get an '07 or '08 reg 1.3 Style Climate for a very good price, and you'll have air conditioning, electric mirrors, CD/Radio with AUX port (for your iPod), and heated windows front and back.

Gear changes are very flexible and smooth -- but the transmission on this model is different to the Fiesta, so buyers may want to test drive both.

The interior styling in these models is slightly dated, as Ford did not change it for more than a decade. However, everything is in reach and easy to use. The equipment you get will vary with model - not even all Style Climates are the same. Mine does not have a passenger airbag (only driver), front fog lights and there's no rev counter.

On newer models, the engine runs quietly but is noisier on the motorway. This car was designed for the city. WhatCar say the boot is small -- My weekly shop fits in with no problem. Back seats fold down easily if you need to fit suitcases in.

The overall ride is smooth, until you come across a bumpy road because of its overall size and small wheelbase. For a basic cheap low-end city car, the suspension is good. Get a Focus or other large car if you want a smoother ride.

MPG is good on all models. It's nippy and great in the city. Averages around 45 MPG, but you may get 50 depending on your driving style.