Ford Model Is The Cheapest Car Among Reliable Used Ones And Yet Delivers More Than 15 Km Per Liter On The Road
Amid the skyrocketing prices of new cars, a model from Ford stands out in the used car market for its extremely low cost and surprising fuel efficiency. The Ford Ka first generation, produced until 2007, can be found for less than R$ 15,000 and still delivers up to 15.2 km/l with gasoline on highway stretches.
Despite being old, the Ford Ka has won a legion of fans for its bold design and fun driving experience. Now, in 2025, it earns the status of an affordable classic, ideal for beginner drivers, students, and anyone looking for a cheap car for daily use without compromising mechanical reliability.
Why The “Bolinha” Ka Became Cult

The Ford Ka was launched in Brazil in 1997 with a rounded design, embodying the “New Edge” philosophy, which broke with the traditional lines of the time. The look was controversial at first, but it has aged well and today stands out among used cars for its unique identity, nicknamed by many as “Ka bolinha”.
-
The 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar diesel shows 314,000 km and still draws attention for its reputation for durability; the seven-seater 4×4 SUV handles trails, but signs of severe use may conceal losses for used car buyers.
-
Peugeot publicly acknowledged the errors of the PureTech engine, which caused serious failures in hundreds of thousands of cars, and introduced the new Turbo 100 as a definitive solution, a 1.2 turbo tested for over 3 million kilometers that replaces the faulty belt with a more durable chain.
-
Automatic cars become ‘cheap’ in Brazil, and models from Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, and Honda appear for R$ 65,000 with up to 120 hp, CVT transmission, 482 liters of trunk space, keyless entry, and six airbags to tackle traffic without a clutch.
-
Honda revives a classic from Brazilian streets with a new name, TFT panel, and reprogrammed engine in the 2027 lineup; see the first impressions of the CB500 Hornet, which arrives with 49.6 hp, 4.5 kgf.m torque, 6-speed gearbox, 175 kg, and Showa suspension on Brazilian streets.
In addition to its style, what really marked the Ka was its agility. With a well-tuned suspension and compact structure, the model was compared to a go-kart for how it handled curves and narrow streets. This driving experience still attracts those who enjoy driving, even in an entry-level car.
Zetec Rocam Engine: The Most Recommended
Although the first Ford Ka models used the weak Endura-E engine, it was the arrival of the Zetec Rocam line in the 2000s that changed the game. This engine is the most recommended today, with 1.0 (65 hp) and 1.6 (95 hp) versions that offer good performance and reliability.
The Ford Ka 1.0 Zetec Rocam, especially from the year 2007, already brings significant improvements in its mechanical set, making it the most sought after in the used car market. Maintenance is simple, and parts are cheap and easy to find, which helps keep operational costs well below the average.
Weaknesses And Care Before The Purchase
Having a Ka with nearly 20 years requires attention to critical points:
- Cooling System: the biggest villain. Leaks may arise in the thermostat housing.
- Rust: common in humid regions, especially at the base of the windshield and on the floor.
- Interior Space: very limited, with one of the smallest trunks in its category (186 liters).
- Finish: simple and prone to internal noises over time.
To avoid headaches, it is essential to conduct a complete inspection before purchase, checking the condition of the bodywork, engine, suspension, and electrical system.
How Much Does An Old Ford Ka Cost In 2025?
According to the Fipe Table of July 2025, a Ford Ka 1.0 Zetec Rocam 2007 costs an average of R$ 14,850. Here are the main details:
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.0 8V Zetec Rocam (Gasoline) |
| Power | 65 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 8.9 kgfm at 3,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| Trunk | 186 liters |
| Urban Consumption (Gasoline) | ~11.5 km/l |
| Highway Consumption (Gasoline) | ~15.2 km/l |
| Average Price (FIPE Jul/25) | R$ 14,850 |
These numbers reinforce the good cost-benefit of the model. Despite its limitations, it delivers fuel efficiency, sufficient performance, and reliability — for a value that represents less than 10% of a new popular car.
Is It Worth Having An Old Ford Ka In The Garage?
For those who need a cheap, economical, and reliable car, the old Ford Ka is one of the best options in the used car market in 2025. With a Zetec Rocam engine, up-to-date maintenance, and no signs of rust, it can serve well in urban daily life, as a second family car or first vehicle for young drivers.
Its biggest advantage is the price: it is possible to find well-preserved units for less than R$ 15,000 — a value that is increasingly rare for a functional, economical car with good mechanics.
Would you dare to bet on an old Ford Ka in 2025? Do you think it’s worth more than an entry-level new car? Leave your opinion in the comments — we want to hear your experience with this Ford classic.

Tenho um 2009 completo, tem um defeito crônico na ignição que até hoje ninguém conseguiu resolver…. se alguém tiver alguma ideia, me ajudem….
Tenho um 2010 mecânica ótima.manuntecao em dia .
Tenho um Ford Ka 2010 muito bom