What should I know about Ford Ka 2009 before buying

[RemonC]

Hi,

I'm buying this Ford Ka in Finland. I would like to know what are some of the things I should be aware before buying this car. This would be my first car. Are these cheap to fix? Are they reliable? When should the cambelt be changed? Any other things about maintenance I should be aware of? 

Thanks. 

[Almussafes]

Do you know if it’s a MK1 or a MK2? If it’s a MK1 you won’t need to worry about a cam belt as they don’t have one.

[RemonC]

I don't know if it's a mk1 or mk2 but this is the information I have about the engine @Almussafes

Engine

Drive Gasoline

Volume 1242 cm3

Maximum net power 51.0 kW 

and these are some of the other information I got from the register

Model designation KA Multipurpose vehicle (AF) 2 door 1242cm3
Color Blue
Product number WF0UXXLTRU8S05842
Variant AAAA1U
Version 4AAAHA
Type approval number e3*2001/116*0280*01

[TomsFocus]

That's a Mk2.  Cambelt interval 5 years or 62,500 miles.

[RemonC]

@TomsFocus it was changed in 2017 at 90k km, current meter reading is 169k km, so can I drive it another 21k km or change already as it past 2022? 

[TomsFocus]

22 minutes ago, RemonC said:

@TomsFocus it was changed in 2017 at 90k km, current meter reading is 169k km, so can I drive it another 21k km or change already as it past 2022? 

Should have been changed again in 2022.  It's always the first one from time or mileage.

[RemonC]

@TomsFocusshould I then immediately change it after buying? How much does this service cost? 

[TomsFocus]

Just now, RemonC said:

@TomsFocusshould I then immediately change it after buying? How much does this service cost? 

The cambelt interval is a recommendation.  You can choose to have it done at any time.  The longer it's left, the bigger the risk that it'll break.

Personally I would have it done immediately.  But it is your choice.

This is quite an easy belt to change.  In the UK I would expect around £300-£400 for the cambelt change.  Prices may vary in other countries, of course.

[Jonathon1]

My wife has had a Ka Mk2 2014 since new. Absolutely brilliant and she loves it. It has done only 65000km and we recently changed the cambelt for €550 (euros in France) Apart from that in 10 years only expense has been servicing and break pads, nothing else!