Discussion
hi all,
the GF is looking for a half decent KA at the moment, i'm trying to help her but I have no real clue about them.
what should I look out for with these when viewing? any common problems? are they reliable (factoring in she will probably not take that good care of it)? was there a facelift?
I have tried explaining that milage isn't everything, but she is adamant it should be under 40-45k ish
she is looking to spend around 1k, looking on autotrader there seem to be quite a few about for under this that seem half decent.
any advice would be appreciated, taa
the GF is looking for a half decent KA at the moment, i'm trying to help her but I have no real clue about them.
what should I look out for with these when viewing? any common problems? are they reliable (factoring in she will probably not take that good care of it)? was there a facelift?
I have tried explaining that milage isn't everything, but she is adamant it should be under 40-45k ish
she is looking to spend around 1k, looking on autotrader there seem to be quite a few about for under this that seem half decent.
any advice would be appreciated, taa
You need to convince your GF that mileage isn't everything. A car that's lived it's life in 1st and 2nd gear stop start traffic could be in much worse mechanical condition that one that's been getting properly warmed up on the motorway every day.
Go and look at a few and she'll soon realise that condition is much more important than mileage. KA's do suffer from rust, mainly on the A-Pillars, rear wheel arches and around the fuel filler. Check the heater works and that the car brakes in a straight line.
Engines can sound a little tappety, especially the 59bhp cars (pre 2002 I think) but that's fairly normal.
Loads to choose from so you can afford to be picky.
Go and look at a few and she'll soon realise that condition is much more important than mileage. KA's do suffer from rust, mainly on the A-Pillars, rear wheel arches and around the fuel filler. Check the heater works and that the car brakes in a straight line.
Engines can sound a little tappety, especially the 59bhp cars (pre 2002 I think) but that's fairly normal.
Loads to choose from so you can afford to be picky.
Wife currently on her second.
As above, rust is probably the most important thing to check for, as being cheap cars I thing that rust protection leaves a lot to be desired. In addition to the items noted above,check the sills.
I would also advise going for one with body coloured bumpers as the others tend to fade and look c**p over time.
Check for creaking suspension, front lower arms tend to need replacing, and broken springs.
Also check the wipers front and rear, these always seem to be a weak to me.
As above, rust is probably the most important thing to check for, as being cheap cars I thing that rust protection leaves a lot to be desired. In addition to the items noted above,check the sills.
I would also advise going for one with body coloured bumpers as the others tend to fade and look c**p over time.
Check for creaking suspension, front lower arms tend to need replacing, and broken springs.
Also check the wipers front and rear, these always seem to be a weak to me.
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