Summary:
Problematic
Faults:
Car is now on its 4th alternator, and just had the computer replaced at a cost of £750.
General Comments:
Don't buy this car. Nothing but problems; speedo and rev counter not working, ABS, battery and engine management lights on dash.
Needed new computer after only 32000 miles.
Has now had 4 alternators.
Poor visibility, huge turning circle, poor fuel economy, small fuel tank.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd November, 2009
29th Jan 2010, 19:41
My StreetKa also had an ABS module failure after three years and only 12,000 miles - and my researches indicate that this is an all-too-common failing. The fault was diagnosed by a local Ford garage's diagnostics system, and fixed by me using salvaged parts (£45 instead of the £610 garage quote). The heater control valve also failed at around the same time (£25 for the part). Both these problems seem to be typical and indicate faulty components used by Ford.
In all other respects, I am very pleased with the car in terms of its design, build quality and performance. Yes, the turning circle is wider than average and the fuel consumption of 35mpg (measured over 12 months) is less than most equivalent vehicles, but you have to balance this against the reliability of an engine with an 8-valve chain-driven camshaft, which will outlast many of its 16v belt-driven contemporaries.