Best driving experiance, superb control

HI friends,

I am using Ford Ikon 1.3 ROCAM for past 1.5 years. I own a 2004 model (50,000 Kms done). While choosing my first car, online reviews have helped me a lot. Thus thaught of writing a first hand feedback on this car. So far my experiance has been fantastic. The car is easy to drive and control. very sturdy (thanks to comparatively small height) even at the speed of 150kms/hr. The pick up is quite impressive (people say its comparable to bigger cars). It has been consistently giving fuel efficiency of around 14kms / ltr on highways and 12 kms /ltr in city (with AC on). Its very much suitable for city drives as well as highway drives thanks to compact design and powerful engine.

Large boot space, narrow width and lower height are few things I realy like about Ikon for good carraige capacity, ease of city drive and sturdy performance on highways respectively. Interiors are way better than TATA Indigo or MAruti Esteem. The engine noise is little bit high (this can be further improved), however I understand thats common amongst all FORD vehicles. Gears are little harder than Hyudai vehicles but may be because I am comparing 2004 Ford model with 2008 Hyundai model. 

I have not come across any major trouble except for once fuel pipe got damaged, once stearing belt broke off and once thermostatic switch (controling auto operation of cooling fan) failed.  ( I think these are normal wear and tear after 3 to 4 years). However this put together did not cost me anything more than Rs.12,000. My overall expense on this car in past 1.5 years including regular servicings has not been more than 20,000 out of which around 12,000 mentioned above was only one time. (I maintain my car at a private mechanic).

If any body is thinking of buying a second hand car then this can be realy great value for money car. (Check out availability of Ford spare parts in your city though you may not need them frequently) I think one should always consider this car while choosing any Maruti / TATA products and then take an informed decision. With own experiance of driving GetZ, Indiac, Indigo, Accent and Ford Ikon, I think I will vote surely to Ford Ikon. I have been fully satisfied with my choice of FORD.

Vikram