Why does my ford ka sometimes not start?

It use to have a shake when I first started the car (stupidly I just ignored it) and it gradually got worse, it now decides it doesn't always want to start.
Its not the battery I had a brand new one put in last week and tires were also new then.
It is 11 years old, it seems to be worse if I have driven it alot the day before, but then also if I haven't driven it for a day.
When it doesn't start I normally have to keep playing with it and it starts, the car runs perfectly after that. All lights come on as normal when I turn key, and it does attempt to start.
Any ideas?

How much can I sell my Modified Ford KA for?

I bought a ford KA a few months ago and I have done a lot of refurbishments to it.

Its a 2004 70bhp model
I have plasti' dipped it matte grey
Black tinted headlights/tail lights
Engine is mint condition
113,000 miles

Rough estimates please

What first car is good to buy?

I'm recently having driving lessons and I'm looking to buy a car in a few months. I'm just wondering what first car is good to get? Cheapest! I was thinking of a Ford ka, or a clio? Just wondering with inturence too!

Valve cover leak or head gasket?

I wonder if someone can help. I bought an 05 Ford KA on Saturday. The seller told me it was overheating and needed the thermostat changing. I drove it home (approx 2 miles) it was badly over heating. I left it parked up until Tuesday when I got a mobile mechanic to replace thermostat. He replaced it charged me £90 then told me the head gasket was gone and I may as well scrap the car. I have since seen on the internet that it may only be the valve cover but how would I know? I really don't have the money to take it to another garage to find out. I have read that there maybe stuff in the oil, but the oil has recently been changed and so there's nothing in there, the mechanic gave his reasons as the fan was cutting in too quickly when the engine was running but stationery, (although he was revving it high and for long periods) also that the pipes were getting too hot too quickly. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

What is the loading capacity on ford ka?

I can't find it anywhere on my car. But i'm worried cause i'm goin on a 2 hour journey with 3 people (4 including me, and the people are not exactly skinny) plus all the holiday luggage that we can fit in my small car. I'm worried that my car won't even make it as there will be so much weight