At least it's not a Cinquecento! (Ford Ka in general)

Name: debbie.rowe

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Product:	Ford Ka in general
Date:	05/12/00 (319 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Small for easy manouvering through town, and easy to park

Disadvantages: Hasn't got the same power as bigger cars

I am on my 3rd Ford Ka.

There are two reasons for this:

1: I can't afford to have a bigger car i.e. Ford Puma
2: I like the little things

Okay, so the Ford Ka 1.3 litre engine is not the most attractive 'bubble' car on the road, although it has a nice rounded, streamlined shape, and it can do 85-90mph quite comfortably, as long as it is not up a 7%+ hill, and it does not guzzle fuel like some of the bigger cars.

At first, I had the black one, because I had always wanted a black car. The non-standard paint job bumped the cost up, but I thought it was worth it. No-one told me exactly a black car gets when you're stuck in a traffic jam for an hour in the beating sun. But hey!

I changed the Ka over after a year, to take advantage of the free 1 years' insurance and free floormats, and this time I had one of the three standard colours - purple, or damsonberry as I have heard it described.

Not a lot had changed from one year to the next, apart from a new seat cover design. Again, I changed the purple car for a red car, and I still like the little things.

Although, I sometimes yearn for a bigger, heavier car, the power steering that comes as standard helps the feel of the drive. however, the power steering feels to me as if it works itself loose after about 8 or 9 months of driving, but that could just be me panicking about my old Escort - 3 of the 4 wheels fell off in one way or another, so I sold it before the 4th went!

The basic radio in the basic model works well enough, although it has chewed up some of my most favourite 1980's tapes, which shall remain nameless in case of lynching!

The seats are comfortable, even on longer journeys, and there is a lot of headroom inside, despite outward appearances. I have been told that space in the back is a little tight, especially if there is more than one adult, however for children, it is ideal.

Boot space is not
as limited as you think; a full week's shopping is easily accommodated as is a decent size suitcase. In the event of anything bigger, the rear seats fold down individually.

Mechanically, the engine is sound - the set up under the bonnet does not differ hugely from that of one of the older Fiestas, and oil and water for the radiator and windscreen washes are easily accessible.

Acceleration is good from 1 to 2, a bit slow from 2 to 3, especially if you are trying to get ahead of the flash so and so in the Mercedes next to you at the traffic lights, and good from 3 to 4 to 5.

All in all, this car is a little gem, and has saved me money on insurance for the last 2.5 years. Give it a go - you might be surprised!

Summary: