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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

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."

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.

It's difficult to rule out any Puma as a potential purchase, because even the entry-level 1.4-litre versions are entertaining to drive.
We'd recommend the smaller-engined model to young drivers, as they stand to gain most benefit from its lower insurance rating. Otherwise, the 1.7 gets our vote. It's that bit more lively than lesser models and exploits the Puma's fine chassis to its best effect. The rare Racing Puma is great � if you can find one.

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1 Comment

just got a puma 1998 1.7 overall i am well pleased, normal complaints, dip lights, just upgraded light bulbs and fitted spots, no probs seeing now!! great little motor.

By tattooman on 5 December, 2009, 1:25pm

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VERDICT

    It's difficult to rule out any Puma as a potential purchase, because even the entry-level 1.4-litre versions are entertaining to drive.
    We'd recommend the smaller-engined model to young drivers, as they stand to gain most benefit from its lower insurance rating. Otherwise, the 1.7 gets our vote. It's that bit more lively than lesser models and exploits the Puma's fine chassis to its best effect. The rare Racing Puma is great � if you can find one.
 

OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation:4
Running costs (ppm):40-45p
Insurance groups:10-12

HISTORY

    1997: Ford Puma launched, with 1.7-litre fuel-injected engine exclusive to the model. All come with alloys, ABS, traction control, electric windows and sports seats.
    1998: Entry-level 1.4 joins range, using Fiesta engine. Among the benefits are cheap running costs and insurance. Not as lively as the 1.7, but still a delight to drive.
    1999: Millennium special edition unveiled in lurid yellow, with black leather trim and distinctive alloys. Only available with 1.7-litre engine. 2000: The restricted production Racing Puma appears, with wide wheelarches, bodykit, a specially trimmed interior and 153bhp. The ultimate model, but not cheap. 2001: Puma Black special edition arrives with leather trim, racing-style alloys and metallic graphite paintwork only. Puma 1.6 joins line-up as the new entry-level model. Powered by Fiesta Zetec-S engine. 2002: Production ceases in March.
 
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