2002 Ford Ka 1.3

Summary:

Any 'cheap-materials' concerns blown away by handling and economy - brilliant little tool

Faults:

The only thing that needed attention was the power steering rack, it needed replacing. I discovered I needed a new one when it was leaking fluid onto the exhaust below - things got a little tense for a while there! This was at 15,000 miles and was thankfully covered by the manufacturer's warranty. In the car's defence, I really did hammer it that year with very little regard to it's longevity.

General Comments:

Looked great (and still does after what must be ten years after production started?).

Really simple technology so very little to go wrong.

1.3 engine in mine was really quick (helped in part I guess by the fairly sparse design of the Ka - lightweight). That engine was well tested in earlier fiestas I understand, and it shows as I never had a problem with it.

As with most Fords everything felt pretty cheap, even the paintwork which scratched really easily and was difficult to match when touching up using the touch-up kit Ford sell you. By 24,000mls the cabin had 'loosened' and would crash/rattle a bit over the bumps. but like I said I really drove it hard and the roads it was used on are by no means the norm in terms of a smooth drive (very, very rough) so in that respect I guess that little car stood up to the pounding really well.

Noise insulation wasn't that good at higher speeds, and on a longer journey (1 hr+) wasn't that comfortable (cheap seats).

Lots about so when I came to sell it I really had to drop the price, making depreciation over the 20months I owned it around £2500.

Fuel consumption was great - 50mpg approx. Insurance was nothing.

Handling and responsiveness were enough to make you smile if you worked it a bit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st April, 2006

2002 Ford Ka 1.3i Endura-E

Summary:

Cool, Quick and Funky!

Faults:

Nothing so far.

Well I have only had the car for just over a week. Fingers crossed for its long-term reliability though.

General Comments:

This is one of the best cars I have ever driven.

It pulls away at junctions rapidly and without fuss.

Cabin is imaginative and logical, looks smart on the outside (mine is metallic panther black)

Space is very suprising, I'm 6foot 4" and have no problems getting comfortable and there is evan a good amount of room for a couple of people in the back.

Boot is a good size also.

The KA is basic, but I don't think it matters because its fun to drive and its driving abilities are excellent.

I strongly recommend this car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2006

8th Feb 2006, 12:35

Glad you are enjoying your KA. I am thinking of buying a KA, can anyone tell me what the potential reliablility issues there are with these cars?

8th Oct 2006, 07:23

Just an update on this KA:

Its now been 9 months since I got my KA and has done another 13,000miles! in this time the steering rack failed which I believe is a common fault, cost £250 to replace which was cheap judging at what others have paid! Also its had 2 new tyres, new brake pads, service (just routine stuff) and a suspension bush and coil for its MOT which came to £75. I still think the KA is great and don't think its needed that much work.

4th Jun 2007, 07:33

Update:

My Ka is now on 41,000miles! so has done a lot more since I wrote the review,. The clutch was making a clattering noise- but still worked, resulted in a new clutch and the steering rack failed again, but this was due to a faulty manufactured part so was replaced free of charge. The car hasn't let me down and never fails to start.

25th Feb 2008, 17:28

Update:

The car is now at 55,000miles and since the last comment has had its MOT which require £140 worth of suspention work to pass... not bad all things considered.