2003 Ford Ka Lux review from UK and Ireland

No faults have been experienced to date.

This is an extremely competent car and has more than exceeded my ownership expectations.

The car looks cheeky, is lively, responsive, corners on rails, easy to drive and is good fun.

It can accommodate 4 full size adults with excellent front seat comfort.

Refinement and noise levels in daily driving are entirely acceptable although not class leading.

BUT THE BEST PART is running costs:

44mpg (calculated over 30000 miles) during short daily shopping type usage = Real World which is in excess of the published overall DoT figure.

Front brakes are currently only about 50% worn.

Tyres (4 off) will require replacement at 32000 miles. Worn extremely regularly with no shoulder wear etc. I feel as though I have had my monies worth 165/70-14 Conti.

CD, PAS, A/C, central locking, heated screen work well.

Gearbox is sometimes a little sticky into 1st/reverse when things get hot, but has survived two learner drivers and numerous hill starts.

Build quality is cheap and cheerful and well chosen/durable. Everything works as it should, but don't expect BMW style soft finishes and extremely close gaps. WYSIWYG sums it up.

Residual values speak for themselves. What better value car is there?

However, there is one problem that FORD must address. Spark plugs weld to the head and can easily break off during replacement. This is not a garage mechanic problem. It's a design issue. If a plug breaks it will necessitate the cylinder head to be removed. Ensure that the spark plugs are removed at regular intervals. If you buy second hand ensure this check has been done prior to purchase. You have been warned!

Be aware my "other" car is a Mercedes S Class. Horses for courses.