Used car tests

Used Ford Ka Review

The Mk2 Ford Ka is reliable and fun. Are there any pitfalls of buying used?

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29 Jan 2013

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What to look for

• Many owners have had problems with the windows misting up in heavy rain, even if they’re using the air-con.• There’s no five-door option, which can make access to the rear seats tricky, especially when strapping in kids.• Despite the compact proportions, no version of the Ka has low enough emissions to be exempt from road tax.

With such a wide array of trim levels, it’s easy to get bogged down when choosing; we’d suggest aiming for at least a Style+, because the entry-level Studio is rather spartan. Don’t rush to buy a diesel model, either; the heavy engine spoils the Ka’s dynamics, and doesn’t rev as freely as the petrol alternative.

Naturally diesel versions are more frugal, but if you’re a low-mileage driver they could work out to be more expensive to run than a petrol Ka in the long term.

Recalls

The MkII Ka has been recalled only once so far. This was in February 2009, with the issue affecting cars built up to the end of January 2009. The problem centred on the rear brakes, where a bolt hadn’t been secured correctly on the production line. If it came loose it could fall into the brake drum, leading to damaged pads and perhaps even causing the wheel(s) to lock up. The solution was straightforward enough; dealers checked the bolts on recalled cars and, if necessary, tightened them up.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

Our view: The second-generation Ka has never appeared in our Driver Power satisfaction surveys, although plenty of other Fords have. The brand had a mixed record in 2012; best performer was the S-MAX, in 24th, with the Fiesta MkV 96th out of 100.

Your view: Lucy Jenkins from Ludlow, Shrops, owns a 2010 Ka 1.2. “Running costs are low and the car is great around town and very comfortable,” she tells us. “It also copes well with long journeys and has been reliable so far; it’s an ideal first car.”