Ford Puma

We have few bad things to say about the new Ford Fiesta - other than it killed off one of the best-handling small cars on the road

Auto Express Car Reviews

July 2002

The stylish Ford Puma was based on the platform of the old Fiesta, and now that model is going out of production, the striking baby coupί¿½ has gone with it. But while we've waved goodbye to a legend, there's still plenty of choice out there for those seeking second-hand Puma thrills.
You can pick up good examples now from as little as GBP6,000, and if you're looking for a car that's practical, great to look at and even better to drive, nothing runs it close. Future classic status is guaranteed.
Puma checklist
* Engines are generally tough, but high-mileage 1.4s can suffer cambelt problems. A few owners have reported ECU faults, but these are rare.
* The near-perfect handling can be spoilt by out-of-line suspension geometry, so check for uneven tyre wear, signs of kerbing to the wheels and evidence of underbody damage.
* Brakes are from the Fiesta, and can't handle hard use. Pads and discs wear quickly, but are cheap to replace.
* The Puma's popularity makes it a target for thieves. Get an HPI check, and make sure the car is legitimate.
Glass's view
This Ford is loved by trade and public alike, making it a superb second-hand buy, according to trade bible Glass's Consumer Values. Steady residuals mean you won't lose too much money over three years, and the car should be easy to sell.
My Ford Puma...
When Barrie Goldthorpe chose a car in which to cover more than 40,000 miles a year, one criteria was more especially important.
"It had to be something that would be fun to drive," said the 30-year-old account manager from Manchester. "If I was going to be travelling up and down the country, I needed a car that I would enjoy spending time in."
Barrie's Puma 1.7 was a year old when he bought it in March 2001, and it has since covered nearly 50,000 miles. The car has has never failed to start, with the only niggles being a faulty parcel shelf and driver's window.
He loves his Puma because of its lively performance and handling. "I'm a driving enthusiast," he said. "The Puma really shines because of the way it goes round corners. It's good on fuel, too."