Looking at a Ford KA it’s easy to forget that its design is now 7 years old, because whilst the more recently introduced Ford Focus is being replaced by a new model next year, the Ford KA needs no such enhancements to continue selling well.

 

With prices for Used Ford KA’s starting from as little as £2,000 making it the perfect antidote for post Christmas wallets battered and bruised from all the expensive of the festive season.  

 

If you can remember driving the original Mini you will enjoy driving the Ford KA. The light but precise steering, slick gear change and ‘give me more’ chassis provide lots of low speed grin factor. The group 2 insurance and 50 mpg economy shame many of its newer rivals and its diminutive dimensions make it second only to a Smart car for easy town driving. Parents will also appreciate the 96mph top speed, more than enough if you’re newly qualified son or daughter look like getting their hands on the keys.

 

Ford originally offered the KA in three trim levels, the base model, simply badged ‘KA’ and the KA2 and KA3. All cars came with 5 speed manual gearbox, drivers’ airbag and a split fold rear seat but it was June 97 before the base model boasted power steering, an important feature for a car destined for tight parking spaces and town driving.

 

KA2’s proved most popular with buyers as central locking, electric windows, drivers’ seat height adjustment and power steering all came as part of the package. Fewer buyers were as keen to shell out for the relative luxury of the KA3 with its air conditioning, alloys, CD player and metallic paint.

 

But today the shrewd second hand buyers can take advantage of the fact that despite a KA3 costing £1,800 more than a base KA when new, second hand you’ll pay just £500 extra. Money well spent when you consider the extra equipment it buys.

 

During its life the Ford KA has built a good reputation amongst owners for reliability but the car does have some common faults that should be checked out carefully before parting with your cash. Central locking relays and electric window motors can pack up and provide an unexpected bill that isn’t protected by the car having a complete service history. Brake pads are also prone to wear and should be replaced ever 15-18,000 miles to avoid the more expensive job of new discs. But most common are engine rattles a feature of wear to the camshaft followers, which whilst not a desperately big problem is one that will cost about £250 to remedy.

 

By definition most superminis are most comfortable with just 1 or 2 occupants but the Ford KA does provide reasonable space for rear seat passengers if the need arises. The standard split fold rear seat also gives the car a surprisingly capacious boot space with lots of height for tall objects. The cars extremely short overhangs also make parking a doddle and the high roof line gives the cabin a good sensation of space.

 

Revisions to the range in February 2000 saw the deletion of the KA2 model, which was replaced by a series of limited edition models including the ‘Sun ltd edition’ that came with an electric canvass sunroof. Similarly the KA3 ceased production, replaced by the ‘KA luxury’ which now came with a chrome tail pipe and ruffled leather seats. But fundamentally the range remains similar to that which Ford originally introduced, as is often said, ‘if it ain’t broke don’t mend it’.

     

 

Check the following

 

• Wheels – alloys standard on KA3 models

• Engine – listen for rattles, a sign of worn cam followers which will cost £250 to renew

• Air conditioning – reliable system is usually free from problems

• Stereo – KA3 comes with CD player as standard

• ABS – an option on models after Feb 1997

• Bumpers – large single piece bumpers absorb light parking knocks well

• Brakes – brake pads need replacing ever 15-18,000 miles

• Airbags – Since Feb 2000 the optional ‘reflex’ pack, adds side and passengers airbag to the standard fit drivers air bag

• Safety – Ford KA scores 3 stars in the EuroNCAP tests

• Sunroof – KA Sun Collection model, introduced March 2001, comes with electric canvass sunroof

• Gear box – 5 speed manual on all cars

• Insurance – group 2 on KA, KA2 and KA3 models

• Servicing – due every 10,000miles or 12 month, which ever is sooner

• Dealers – with 700 nationwide it’s easy to look after your Ford KA

 

The one to buy 

 

• Ford KA 3

• 2000 ‘X’ with 40,000 miles

• Pay £4,425 at a dealer with a 12 month warranty    £3,850 privately

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Jason Dawe Productions Limited March 2004