Ford Ka (1996 - 2008) 1.3i Style (70ps) 3d (Climate) Owner Review
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In their own words
After finally passing my driving test, I was all over the place looking for a car. My first thought was to get a Toyota Corolla, but the insurance was stupidly expensive, so that wasn't an option anymore. Then I thought of getting a Punto Sporting. I encountered the same problem. I then began to think more sensibly, and that lead me to the Mk1 Ford Ka. Small, very cheap to buy, very cheap to insure, and the possibility of finding a very nicely equipped car. And then, in late August, 2019, I found a very nice looking '08 Ford Ka Style Climate in Panther Black. It had a dent in the right side just behind the driver's door, but what the hell, right? The interior was very clean, and it felt like it should on the test drive. I bought the car for only £580. My only gripe with my little Ford is the rust around the fuel filler, which has now also started eating the filler's neck. I have started treating my Ford with duck oil and by cleaning out the dirt trap near the filler, and the rust has definitely slowed down. The underside is completely rust free, which I'm very happy with. Apart from a rusty filler cap, I'm very happy with it as my first car. The simple fact that my Ford Ka has working Air Con is already reason enough for me liking it, especially when my friend's 15 plate Corsa doesn't have Air Con. Then, there's the way it drives. If you are a young petrolhead like myself, genuinely consider the Ford Ka as your first car like I did. You may not be the biggest fan of the styling, but if you take it down a twisty road, you won't car about the way it looks, because the way it drives is what matters. Whenever I'm feeling down or I want to relax, I take my Ford for a drive down some back roads and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. I only wish that it had a little more power at times but then again, this is my first car.
How reliable do you find the car?
So far in my short amount of time owning it, the front left sidelight bulb blew and I needed to replace the all the wipers, since the previous owner was only using this car as a cheap daily. Everything else just works as it should. The A/C compressor still blows ice cold in the summer.Does the car do everything you expected it to do?
This little Ford has really opened my eyes to what a car should drive like. The steering provides you with very good feedback, the car feels very planted, and when you push it, the levels of grip are immense. The engine is actually very nicely tuned to respond in the mid range. Accelerating on the motorway from 50 to 70 obviously could be quicker, but it doesn't take a century. For only 70 bhp, this little engine is very good. As for fuel consumption, it is very much average. Ford claim it will do 46 Mpg, but I put that to the test and my Ka returns about 43 Mpg. Parking this car is the easiest thing ever. If you can't park this car, consider returning your license to the DVLA. Although the turning circle isn't that good. The amount of room in the cabin is also surprising, especially when you get out of it and take a step back to see how tiny it is. Being 6 foot myself, I fit in the Ka with ease, while still having a good amount of headroom. I have had a full house of passengers for a 50 mile drive on board and everyone was comfortable. That said, this isn't a car designed for long drives. On a 110 mile drive, my lower back was aching as I was arriving at my destination.About their car
- Fuel type Petrol
- When purchased August 2019
- Condition when bought Used
- Current Mileage 69,000 miles
- Average MPG 43 mpg
