Ford Bantam?

[supersunbird]

I'm thinking of getting the 1.3i no frills Ford Bantam new. I drove my friends one to the WWE this weekend (the 1.6) and the driveability is similar enough to my required ergonomical requirements (as in indicator lever is on left side, I can sit my tall frame in it comfertably, etcetera).

Are there any known problems or nigles with this vehicle?

[web]

Good little cars, although the 1.3 battles a bit. had one for 6 months was fine for what you pay for it.

[Toxin]

1.3i Base model is a nice vehicle. Got one myself. You get what you pay for. Only niggle I had was a rattle in the roof. Loose wire as it turned out. Since it's only a 1.3i it does battle a bit uphill but only if you want to speed up. It can keep it's speed going uphill.

[supersunbird]

Bet its better than my Uno...

[web]

Bet its better than my Uno...

Yes ssb that kind of a given :D

[dotVIBE]

nice little bakkies. Not exactly boy racer stuff, but as long as you are happy to stay within the legal limit of 120 km/h there is not much wrong it.

[supersunbird]

nice little bakkies. Not exactly boy racer stuff, but as long as you are happy to stay within the legal limit of 120 km/h there is not much wrong it.

Well, I do fail to see the return on investment for paying some metro counsil a bunch of money for their drinks budget, so I wouldn't mind that bit...

[dotVIBE]

Those are solid little bakkies SSB, you won't be disappointed with a buy like that.

[kris860911]

the ford ikon is like exactly the same car, jsut without the back thingee. I got a 1.3 ikon. its pretty sweet. nice to have a new car. and it wasnt that expensive

[kingrob]

Are there any known problems or nigles with this vehicle?

It's not exactly the thing you want to park at the front door when picking up a hot babe. :sick:

A big boerie might make up for it, which you'll of course buy her at the local boerie-roll stand. :)

[kris860911]

lol. just be hot, then she wont mind. works like a charm for me.

[kingrob]

My concern here is that SSB might have misunderstood the slogan for the Bantam - 'help building the nation'.

He might have thought that with a Ford Bantam, 'help building the nation' meant that he will be able to 'make our nation more', whereas Ford meant that he will be able to deliver cement, sand and bricks to building sites with a Bantam.

[supersunbird]

It's not exactly the thing you want to park at the front door when picking up a hot babe. :sick:

A big boerie might make up for it, which you'll of course buy her at the local boerie-roll stand. :)

I dont base my life around babes (hot or not) anymore, much happier and richer that way...

And my wors is more than big enough lol

[kingrob]

I dont base my life around babes (hot or not) anymore, much happier and richer that way...

I do... :)

[supersunbird]

The king is the slave of women?

[dotVIBE]

I dont base my life around babes (hot or not) anymore, much happier and richer that way...

And my wors is more than big enough lol

uhm..., but that means.... eww!

[supersunbird]

uhm..., but that means.... eww!

huh? :confused:

Anyway, I like the looks much better than the Corsa Util. Most people seem to rather want that one though.

[MyDraadloos]

Great little vehicle ......... you can't go wrong.

Don't listen to the King, it's been a while since he scored anything driving a V-Dub tractor.

[supersunbird]

I want a white one, and not the ones with the black plastic strips on the side so I'll get the cheapest one, only thing I want them to fit is the tonneau xover (the clip in one, not the rope one, its so cool). Radio (need a shuttle, frontloader = :sick:) and rubberising of loadbox and mags I can have done on my own...

[dotVIBE]

hmm, check out the mags, it is sometimes cheaper to have the dealer do them, as they should give you a discount 'cause they keep the steel rims.

[Jarrod]

I have the 1.3i with all the extras, the only regret i have is not getting the 1.6i Will have to wait another 3 years before i trade it in for the 1.6i
You have to rev the hell out of the bakkie to get performance and the fuel bill aint realy cheap considering you sitting at 4000rpm in 5th wile doing 120km/h

Btw i have aircon in it and i recomend you look at getting it factory fitted by ford - that way its coverd by ford's warrenty and you can relax wile driving at 100km/h in our hot South African sun

[MyDraadloos]

Get the 1.6, the 1300 is a bit limp wristed.

[supersunbird]

Just cant see myself spending R13 000 just for 300ml of engine volume...

As to aircon, I'll just tint the windows and use the fans and open window, if you cant stand the heat, stay out of the africa hehehe but really, if the Fiesta is anything to go by it would be R8000 additional cost so no way...

[supersunbird]

But I can see the black sapphire being worth R710 over the satin white, mmm decisions decisions...

[Freshy-ZN]

I had the 1.3i and hated its lack of power. Not that I wanted to race but just when overtaking, uphills etc. The corsa is a much better buy IMO.

[supersunbird]

Besides that its fugly, why would i want to buy a vauxhual/opel? From all the moaning I've heard about Corsa hatch engines and stuff, rather not...

[Freshy-ZN]

Well buy the flippin Ford then if youre so set on it.I have owned both and my OPINION is that the corsa is the better half tonner. If its looks that are the deciding factor and you go dont like the Corsa then get the 1.3 Ford.

The 1.3 bantam is really plain and horrible, not to mention tired.

[supersunbird]

Checking out the financing and seems that if I can put down 20% deposit I can afford to get the 1.6i base..

[kris860911]

As to aircon, I'll just tint the windows and use the fans and open window,

Now thats a combo :D

[supersunbird]

Now thats a combo :D

:rolleyes: The tinting would be for when the car is parked lol

[kingrob]

I made myself a promise when I got back from England after five years, that the first car I buy back in SA, would have airbags, aircon, power steering & a proper radio/cd player.

So I bought the VW Polo 1.4TDi and was extremely happy with it, it did a lot of trips between Centurion to Cape Town, without any hassles.

One of the best cars I ever owned.

[kris860911]

:rolleyes: The tinting would be for when the car is parked lol

oh

[The_Librarian]

Aircon is a must, especially when driving around lots between clients on a hot summers day.

Take it from me. :D

Hope it won't give you problems for a long time... and do drive carefully! :)

[thedoc!]

SSB

I bought a white 1.3xlt 2 months ago, brand new, and it has 1200kms on the clock. While I like the car (generally use it to go to the airport and park it there for weeks at end) I wish it had more power.

While on 120kms / hour the engine is running at 4000 RPM!

It takes a bit of getting used to, but I thought the inside was a bit too plasticky for me, the remote controlled door lock /unlock has a range slightly bigger than a banana and thats a bit annoying.

I have a toneou cover and a towbar - let me know if you want to take mine over, ill get the 1.6xlt...

Cheers
/doc

[a-person]

Dude if you buy a Bantam the deal states that you get up to R8000 free accessories... meaning if you spend the extra 13k on the 1,6 you'll get R8000 to spend for fogol!

[supersunbird]

Aircon is a must, especially when driving around lots between clients on a hot summers day.

Take it from me. :D

Hope it won't give you problems for a long time... and do drive carefully! :)

My Uno doesnt have aircon. And I managed to drive it around north of Pietersburg and in northern KZN in december without dying.

Its R6000 (aparently) for aircon vs 2 x Samsung 22" LCDs? I know which one wins... :D

[supersunbird]

Dude if you buy a Bantam the deal states that you get up to R8000 free accessories... meaning if you spend the extra 13k on the 1,6 you'll get R8000 to spend for fogol!

Yeah, but the deal says till 30 Sept and I will only be able to get a new car in around Jan or Feb 2008

[supersunbird]

SSB

I bought a white 1.3xlt 2 months ago, brand new, and it has 1200kms on the clock. While I like the car (generally use it to go to the airport and park it there for weeks at end) I wish it had more power.

While on 120kms / hour the engine is running at 4000 RPM!

It takes a bit of getting used to, but I thought the inside was a bit too plasticky for me, the remote controlled door lock /unlock has a range slightly bigger than a banana and thats a bit annoying.

I have a toneou cover and a towbar - let me know if you want to take mine over, ill get the 1.6xlt...

Cheers
/doc

If it didnt have those ugly plastic sidestripes I might have taken you up, but alas I like the cleaner look. The electric windows would be lovely though...

[Summoner]

I have two of the 1.3i's. The door rubbers keep coming loose. Other than that, I've had no problems.

[supersunbird]

Hah, my friend also has the door rubber problem! Wonder why it does it...

[bodhi]

Super little bakkies.

Mine has 200 K on the clock - never had any probs.

Ford Bantam is money well spent.

[kingrob]

My Uno doesnt have aircon. And I managed to drive it around north of Pietersburg and in northern KZN in december without dying.

Its R6000 (aparently) for aircon vs 2 x Samsung 22" LCDs? I know which one wins... :D

SSB, you might know a lot about computers & software, but I'm afraid to say this - you sound like a real p0ephol when it comes to cars.

[supersunbird]

No, im just real picky, cant buy a toyota, cause the indicator lever is on the wrong side hehehe

[MyDraadloos]

SSB, you might know a lot about computers & software, but I'm afraid to say this - you sound like a real p0ephol when it comes to cars.

Sounds like the King needs a jumpstart for his V-Dub tractor ;-)

[supersunbird]

lol

[kingrob]

Sounds like the King needs a jumpstart for his V-Dub tractor ;-)

I'm fine, thank you, got VW Road Assist. ;)

[supersunbird]

"Clear!"

ZAP!

"Its alive!"

Now were where we?

Ah yes, so I might be able to get a nice 2007 1.6i base with aircon and 30 000 km for R89900 (and in white, like I want).

I wonder how much more petrol the 1.6 uses over the 1.3. How can I find out?

[fskmh]

Perhaps a mod could move this into Motoring and Transportation cos it'll stay visible for longer there... and I'm kind of interested in the answer to SSB's question too :D.

[supersunbird]

Yeah, this thread is pre-Motoring and Transportation hehehe

From a CAR article from 2003 with a 1.6 Bantam:

FUEL CONSUMPTION (litres/100 km):
60km/h - 4,85L
80km/h - 5,20L
100km/h - 6,65L
120km/h - 7,81L
*Fuel index 9,31 litres/100 km
10,7 km/litre
Estimated tank range 580 km
(*Calculated overall consumption)

I dont know what that fuel index thing is.

[supersunbird]

So, I'm going to Eagle Ford after work to testdrive the 2007 Bantam and if I like it, I sign and am on my way :)

[The_Librarian]

Good luck, may it deliver up to your expectations! :)

[Pitbull]

So, I'm going to Eagle Ford after work to testdrive the 2007 Bantam and if I like it, I sign and am on my way :)

Saw an advert, the 1.6i is now for sale at R 89k some promo or something

[supersunbird]

I've been driving my current Uno since 2004 and the one before that since 2000, I needed something new BAD...

[The_Librarian]

I've been driving my current Uno since 2004 and the one before that since 2000, I needed something new BAD...

That bad?

Still driving my Corolla from 2000 :D

Seven years of good luck :cool: :D

[supersunbird]

The one i'm getting for R88900 is a 2007 1.6i Base with A/C and Radio and tonnue covert and towbar with 30 000km on it.

[Brawler]

Currently driving the 1.3i (wrk car), as mentioned its not very powerful at all. Been very reliable so far (touch wood). Need to get my own vehicle at the end of this month, might get one for myself or a Corsa Util 1.4i.

[Cox491]

I have read through the thread so i gather that the Bantam 1.3 suffers from lack of power (esp uphill) im an getting a 1.3 xl does it come with power streering and alarm? It will be for business (light duties) it has a 143 000km on the clock 2004 from Newcastle (corrosion of under body?) for R40 000 is it a good buy? From the test drive (1.3base) today i can also comment that it does need you to give more revs for it to go anywhere but i doubt it really sucks when it gets to fuel comsumption 8.78l/per 100km combined annual consumption 6.32l/per 100km highway. When i look at the figures they really not that bad for a work horse (pony) 12.9secs to 100km/h that is about 1.6secs behind the VW Velocity 1.4 a sporty yuppies car but it does'nt feel that way though, maybe could be i was driving a Bmw 328i Motorsport the whole day. I like the body it's not to bad it's and it's proudly South African. I forgot to mention that it makes a hell of a noise from 2000revs upwards unusual and i got the feeling that it is quite dangerous without the power steering.

[Freshy-ZN]

Im renting one currently and I dont like the 1.3 ?Bantam at all. In fact I dont like bantams full stop.

[supersunbird]

I have read through the thread so i gather that the Bantam 1.3 suffers from lack of power (esp uphill) im an getting a 1.3 xl does it come with power streering and alarm? It will be for business (light duties) it has a 143 000km on the clock 2004 from Newcastle (corrosion of under body?) for R40 000 is it a good buy? From the test drive (1.3base) today i can also comment that it does need you to give more revs for it to go anywhere but i doubt it really sucks when it gets to fuel comsumption 8.78l/per 100km combined annual consumption 6.32l/per 100km highway. When i look at the figures they really not that bad for a work horse (pony) 12.9secs to 100km/h that is about 1.6secs behind the VW Velocity 1.4 a sporty yuppies car but it does'nt feel that way though, maybe could be i was driving a Bmw 328i Motorsport the whole day. I like the body it's not to bad it's and it's proudly South African. I forgot to mention that it makes a hell of a noise from 2000revs upwards unusual and i got the feeling that it is quite dangerous without the power steering.

Unfortunately I know nothing about if thats a good price or not. They all come with power steering, alarm would be a add on.

[supersunbird]

Im renting one currently and I dont like the 1.3 ?Bantam at all. In fact I dont like bantams full stop.

Do you have a specific problem I could look out for in mine?

[BigBear]

As far as i know they don't give big problems and the small problems are quickly fixed by a good ford garage.

I know of a couple of places that has some nice performance upgrades for the 1.3/1.6 Rocam, they currently supply a guy that races a sportKA in europe.

The engine is virtually bullet proof, nothing can go seriously wrong if it is properly maintained.
Only other problem is they're interior design is abit old, but still very functional and easy to live with and extremely easy to modify.

[Lino]

As far as i know they don't give big problems and the small problems are quickly fixed by a good ford garage.

I know of a couple of places that has some nice performance upgrades for the 1.3/1.6 Rocam, they currently supply a guy that races a sportKA in europe.

The engine is virtually bullet proof, nothing can go seriously wrong if it is properly maintained.
Only other problem is they're interior design is abit old, but still very functional and easy to live with and extremely easy to modify.

Had my 1.3 Ford Bantam since November last year. Yes it was one of those brand new ones on special. So far it has done about 13000KM's and no problems.

I am very fond of the vehicle, no problems what so ever.

Although I do worry about my fuel consumption though.

[essop1@gp]

Just a question, has anyone hear owned or have the Bantam 1.8Di or am i the only one thus far?

[BigBear]

We only have the rangers and had some experience in the Bantam 1.3,1.6 with my friends who has them.

How is the d?

[supersunbird]

Just a question, has anyone hear owned or have the Bantam 1.8Di or am i the only one thus far?

The D is not so common as the very plentiful 1.3 and they totally killed them when the new facelift came around. No experience with it except I saw only one for sale in my looking around.

[essop1@gp]

We only have the rangers and had some experience in the Bantam 1.3,1.6 with my friends who has them.

How is the d?

Pathetic i must say in normal everyday driving, the lack of the turbo is a killer, the fuel consumption is very bad. I've had it since 2004 it was 2 months old. But when it comes to pulling a load its very impressive.

[essop1@gp]

The D is not so common as the very plentiful 1.3 and they totally killed them when the new facelift came around. No experience with it except I saw only one for sale in my looking around.

I think in all my time driving it i only saw 2 others on the road and that is in a space of about 4yrs. I wanted to trade it in for a 1.6 but at the time i only had it for a few months and was even prepared to pay in the extra on the finance deal, but the sales exec told me to rather take it to SAC to fit a approved turbo for about R14k, that i was not prepared to do.

[SlyFly]

The 1.8D was cancelled long before the new facelift (I think when they added power steering they got rid of it) The reason was because the 1.8's fuel economy was on par with the 1.3/1.6 or sometimes even worse...

Seeing as that is what most people want from a diesel it didnt sell well (Thats why you dont see them really)

Ive got the 1.3 if I drive 120km/h I get 13.2 km/l but normally I get around 11km/l... Those rocam engines are as tuff as nails!

[BigBear]

Don't go to sac, some say they are good some say they are horrific.
The guys @ duigan brothers in PTA, Piering Street, Elardus Park are very good and can setup a turbo + intercooler properly form scratch by taking the egine characteristics of the engine into account.
They have alot of experience with ford and also sell awesome brake(Powerbrakes) and other performance upgrades, thy're work is also top notch.
They even did an Turbo install on Lumina UTE V8.

[Toxin]

The 1.8l D wasn't good at all I'm afraid. Don't know why they even built them in the first place.

There are plans for a 1.4l TDCi Bantam. I know the Ford plant in Pretoria have already built one or two. Don't know when they're gonna start selling them, probably near the end of the year.

[essop1@gp]

I get better fuel consumption from my 330. For now i just want to sell it.
Anyone here interested:D

Why this version was put into production is beyond me, did they actually drive it over a lond period to see how it will perform, i think not.
And then they tell me to put the turbo in, why didnt they do that in the first place.
I think their claimed 44KW's is highly over rated:D

[BigBear]

The 1.8D was cancelled long before the new facelift (I think when they added power steering they got rid of it) The reason was because the 1.8's fuel economy was on par with the 1.3/1.6 or sometimes even worse...

Seeing as that is what most people want from a diesel it didnt sell well (Thats why you dont see them really)

Ive got the 1.3 if I drive 120km/h I get 13.2 km/l but normally I get around 11km/l... Those rocam engines are as tuff as nails!

Our Ford Ranger 2500TD XLT Supercab with Canvas Canopy/4x4 Cage gives between 10-11 Km/L and the little extra weight of the canopy makes the ride alot better comparing to stock, still beter than any Izuzu or Toyota.
It has an 82L claimed tank, but we have never filled more than 75L. Tank Range is about 650-750KM on 65-75L.
Only reason i didn't get a bantam is that there is alot more metal between you and a truck or something than in a Bantam or any other small car.

BTW it is for sale check in the Classifieds.
http://mybroadband.co.za/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/5176/cat/500

[essop1@gp]

I am jealous, the last time i filled the Bantam, i got about 400km's from that. But i am not sure what the tank size is though.

[SlyFly]

Bantam has a 54liter tank... Or my 1.3 has...

Thats really good fuel usage you get with your ranger :/ Hows the engine? Ive heard they arent the best and the new 3.0l is probably the best on the market atm... Although the Ford Ranger is really ugly, rather go with a Mazda BT50

[essop1@gp]

54lt x R12.11 per litre(diesel) = R654 to fill the tank :sick:

[BigBear]

Bantam has a 54liter tank... Or my 1.3 has...

Thats really good fuel usage you get with your ranger :/ Hows the engine? Ive heard they arent the best and the new 3.0l is probably the best on the market atm... Although the Ford Ranger is really ugly, rather go with a Mazda BT50

The engine is perfect, not using any oil between services @10000KM.
Yesterday was the first time that it needed a 500Ml topup-was only half way between max and min-, but it is also close/within it's service time 38900Km's.

On 1 tank we got something around the 12KM/L / 8.2L/100KM.
Ours is the 2006 SuperCab 2500TD XLT 4x2 Previous Model/shape.

I just wish that somebody would buy it @ a decent price, the finance/month along with all the other cars is getting too much. Otherwise we would never have sold it is really the best bakkie i have driven, feels alot more powerful than some of the others i have driven.

It depends on each guys taste that is why they built 2 versions using same ford engines and suspension+chassis.
I don't really like it that much, only thing i would like is the 3.0TDCi engine, it is not only a Strong engine the gearbox is perfectly matched never ever need to downgear in 5th @ cruising speeds 100-120 and pulls strong all the way.

[Turiko]

Yesterday was the first time that it needed a 500Ml topup-was only half way between max and min-, but it is also close/within it's service time 38900Km's

Using oil already at such a low mileage? That's not good!

[nepellew]

Hi there im looking for a Ford Bantum 1.8Di workshop manule if any one could help me or direct me to one im a little short on cash at da mo hah

[nepellew]

Great bakkie was wondering if any one had a workshop manual for a Ford Bantum 1.8Di if any one could please help thanks a ton