• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    A person who likes to combine practicality with style. And that I'm female!

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    They can't find any flaws!

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    I would like to, but as this version is no longer manufactured I probably won't find one in such good condition when I'm looking to buy again.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Fiat 500 or a Mini. :).

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £2,000

    When did you buy the car?

    November 2015

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes, two owners but only 24k mileage, came with full service history and all previous MOT certificates plus owner's manual. In very good condition inside and out, plus the dealer offered a new full service and MOT when I bought it.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Ideal for a small first car.

    What was the dealer like?

    Very good. No pushy sale at all, gave me the key right away and left me to inspect the car for as long as I wished with no one watching over me. I took my time, checked everything, and when satisfied asked for a test drive. Dealer suggested a route (due to location some of the roads had national speed limit, so I had the chance to test it at a good speed range). The rear tyres were cracking and replacement advised on the second-latest MOT, which the dealer offered free of charge. All in all a very pleasant and easy experience.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Excellent all round. Love the steering, so responsive. Great fun on roundabouts! It has everything required for a pleasant and comfortable drive, and I'm not sure what else one could want from a first car. I bought it right after passing my test and was very nervous about driving a new car alone. But because it's so simple and straightforward I felt at ease very quickly. Less than a week later I drove it for nearly four hours on the motorway on a very wet day. A pleasant experience, and though I kept to the speed limit it certainly didn't feel like it would struggle to go a lot faster.

    What's it like to park?

    Dead easy. The steering is very precise and the Ka's size makes it a doddle. If you can't park this car, you can't park. :).

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Ageing battery (Ford own), which lead to the car struggling to start after two weeks of not being driven. That aside, all else is in great working order. AC, heaters and radio all work.

    What's most practical about your car?

    It's size and simplicity. Also, depsite having only three doors, an average-sized adult male can sit very comfortably at the back for log periods (tried and tested). The boots a little small but the rear seats fold down for extra room if needed.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Being a Ka it doesn't come with bells and whistles. My favourite option is the electric door mirrors, really handy when practising parking in a bay!