USED Ford Ka Hatchback (96 - 09)

My car

Pros: Good overall with pretty good economy.

Cons: Brakes are very slow to respond. The biggest blind spot I have ever come across caused by the front pillar.

Approaching roundabouts, you can lose anything from a cyclist to a car in it!

It's a bit uncomfortable for long journeys.

My car

A surprisingly accomplished driver's car. Those who bemoan the lack of space, so-so equipment and refinement are missing the point.

For a city car, the Ka's driving dynamics are superlative. It handles with such finesse that you can easily gloss over some of its more obvious faults. Even the aged Endura E engine seems thoroughly acceptable and actually suits the character of the car.

I've had the pleasure of driving several courtesy Kas and have never failed to be won over by the direct steering and composed chassis. Its talents are worthy of far more expensive machinery.

It must be said that equipment levels are pretty sparse and that the driving position could do with some more adjustability but hey, the car is built to a budget and I reckon Ford spent the money in the right places. It's a hoot.

My car

I absolutely love this Dinky little smurf-coloured car!

The interior is perfect for me... the headroom is fantastic, especially as being only 5ft2 I have to have the seat right under the steering wheel, in other cars my nose was almost on the window and the visor couldnt come down as my head was in the way!

The dash is curvy and has funky details like the 'ball' air vents and clock, there are so many spaces to stuff things, cupholders, cubbyholes and bin are strategically placed, although the glovebox can really only fit a pair of gloves in as it is so titchy!

My boyfriend is over 6ft and finds there is plenty of room, the backseat is roomy as it only has two seatbelts. The boot is really rubbish though... girls like to shop and there is hardly any room for a couple of bags, and a baby buggy wont even fit in at all.

It handles so well on turns and country roads and gains speed quickly and smoothly on motorways, in fact its raised my confidence since I bought it as I hated motorway driving. It's cheap to run, tax and insure, looks good with its body-coloured bumpers and wing mirrors and is comfy to drive long distance.

My problems have been few, but the main one is the dealership. I have found them rude and they have not lived up to my expectations since I handed over my money.

In conclusion, I love my Ka. If you are looking for a fun, comfortable and inexpensive car then I recommend the Ka style, especially if you are a short female with a sense of humour!

My car

When I took out the Ka for a test drive the first thing I noticed when I got inside was how tacky the interior was. I found it difficult to reach for the seat belt and my dad struggled to get in the back seat (admittantly he is 6'' 2) and couldn't wait to get out.

The drive was not enjoyable at all and it was slow to brake; a little worrying if you need to do an emergency stop. Due to the shape of the car, I did not feel safe because it is very enclosing.

For the money you would pay for a three-door non-metallic Ka inclusive of a cassette radio, no central locking and wind down windows, I would agree that it would be more cost effective to not buy the Ford Ka! The Kia Picanto gets my vote.