Ford Ka (1996 - 2008) 1.3i 3d (2002/02) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I like to keep things simple?! Yes women do seem to make up the majority of owners but why should a car so light and nimble and easy to drive be the exclusive preserve of the fairer sex?
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
It goes from A to B.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No way Jose. The third power steering rack in 8 years and associated expense has put me right off Ford
What are you likely to buy next?
Probably a far-eastern (Korean/Malaysian) car with a 7 year guarantee and suspension springs that don't snap and rip through brand new tyres after 7 years...
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£6,000
When did you buy the car?
June 2002
Did you get a good deal and why?
Full Leather trim included
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Leather trim included
What was the dealer like?
Regular Ford Dealer
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
A breeze. It is nippy and will race up to and hold 80 on the motorway no problem. I treated it with some 44K petrol treatment from Kwik Fit which supposedly de-cokes it and it does seem to have given it that little extra edge in performance
What's it like to park?
Easy peazy lemon squeezy if you're a man of course - coz woman don't do reverse do they?!!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Power steering rack (x3) AND front suspension bushes (x3) AND all 4 suspension spring failures. My third power steering rack in the 8 years I've owned this car says it all. As with the suspension bushes which barely last 2 years, it's the rubber seals and sliders in these components that deteriorates, not the mechanics. As for all 4 springs failing, 1 of which ripped and ruined a near new front tyre, I SHALL NOT forgive Ford for sloppy materials. The suspension springs should last the lifetime of the car IMHO. Oh, and let's not forget the onset of rust in all the usual places. I'm most concerned about the body flaking around the fuel grommet. Car bodies should be made of fibreglass (a la Reliant Robin/ Scimitar) and they'd last as long as the engine or sub-frame...
What's most practical about your car?
Folding/Split seats. On the plus side, after 8 years from new, the original exhaust and battery are still functioning.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Natty clock on dash! I never opted for the Panasonic CD player at the dealer and regretted it as the cassette tape player sound dynamics are abysmal. Sounded all warbly. Eventually, bought the new dash facia, connecting gubbin's and JVC CD player and the standard Ford speakers did the new set-up proud.
