1998 Ford Ka 2 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Occasional slight ticking noise from the engine when accelerating.

Handles like a dream, especially on corners.

Very nippy until you get to 70, after which the acceleration is bit lack luster.

Great for city driving and comfortable for long trips.

Very comfortable inside and all features are easy to use.

The only major gripe is the boot is very small and doesn't have a light.

Lots of fun to drive.

I'm very interested about the intermittent ticking noise mentioned. My wife's recently purchased a KA2 that has these symtoms, sometimes quite severe but it never effects performance.

Is it a problem with the pre-programmed ignition or perhaps one of the associated sensors? Can anyone help me here please? She is getting desperate and the local Ford dealer she purchased it from hasn't a clue what to do about it.

It only ever happens after a couple of miles running (warming up) and usually when accelerating gently under load. Stops immediately you release the accelerator.

Re. ticking noise- I have just bought a 1998 Ka with exactly the same symptoms, I.e. a slight ticking when accelerating gently with a warm engine. The noise doesn't seem to be affected by road or engine speed. Very mysterious... I did suspect that it had something to do with the screwdriver bit that I recently lost down the engine bay, but I'm not so sure after hearing of others with the same problem.

My Ford KA bought in April 2002 has the same intermitent loud ticking noise from the engine when running at very low speeds or on tickover. This is always after its been for a long or faily fast drive. Its so noisy at times I've had people give it weired looks. I know another owner who has the same problem and I have heard it on another KA. Strange? Any clues?

The ticking could be the valves needing adjustment. as this is a push rod engine inherited from fiesta/escort tribe. A good engineer can resolve. But it may be just a worn engine.

Just purchased a 51 reg Ka and the ticking noise described above is extremely noticeable when accelerating - am going to get it checked out by local Ford dealership and will advise of results.

Tapping is caused by worn tappets. a sign of old age and wear in these prehistoric ohv engines. it was a problem with fiestas and escorts too, for which ford offered the "solution" of a better insulated rocker cover so it wouldn't be so noisy.

Tapping does not necessarily indicate worn anything. The Endura-E engine has old fashioned adjustable tappets which need checking and usually adjusting at every service (10,000 miles). This is a doddle of a job, needs no parts, and can be completed by any competent mechanic in less than half an hour.

Despite its archaic spec, you will not find a better city car engine elsewhere in my opinion. It's torquey at low-medium revs (unlike anything with a 16 valve head), robust, reliable, frugal (ours did 40-45 mpg in all conditions) and is reasonably relaxed for longer journeys. 80 mph on a motorway in a Ka is a much nicer experience than in a Peugeot 106, or a Citroen Saxo for example.

I've found that my Ka has been nothing but trouble. The brakes are the main fault. They don't stop the car even with the pedal down. I've had it serviced and the brakes are fine; it's the build of the car! It's been a waste of a purchase. It's pokey, small, stiff, and the handling is the only good feature.

And a word of warning: my Ka has been kept in good condition and driven with only 59000 miles on the clock, and THEY ARE NOT BUILT TO LAST. The KA has an expiration date of about 7 years. This car is not built to last, and DON'T buy one if it's over 6 years old; seriously!

I have a 10 year old, S Reg Ka. Its done 74,000 miles.

OK, so it may be in need of a tune up (sounds like a diesel and won't go over 80!)

I wouldn't swap it for the world, its nippy and fun to drive.

Few rust patches appearing now, but considering its age, body looks in good nick!

Highly recommend it to the girl about town!