Ford Puma (1997 - 2002) 1.7i 16V 3d (2001/X) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I have no idea, never even thought about it!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They like it. It's the first car I've had that I've been complimented on!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Possibly, unless I found something I wanted more. It's practical but fun, powerful but fairly economical for a 1.7, plus it looks gorgeous! I'd definitely recommend it. Unfortunately Ford stopped making Pumas in 2002 so it's getting harder to find them in good condition with low mileage.

What are you likely to buy next?

I haven't given it much thought as I tend to keep cars for several years. Much as I love my Puma, I do sometimes miss driving a hatchback so if I changed cars, I'd get something like a sporty Honda Civic (if I can afford it!).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,000

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think so! The car was in good condition and had low mileage (36K). The dealer also got it MOT'd for me.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted something fun but cheap to run, so I looked for a Puma. This particular car had low mileage and was in good condition.

What was the dealer like?

A bit unreliable. I had to phone several times and wait an extra week before I could pick up the car because he hadn't got the MOT. Also, there were few things he'd agreed to do which in the end he never did. TBH, I wasn't sure I was even going to get the car until the day I picked it up. All in all, a bit stressful.

What's it like to drive?

Sporty and fun, it's definitely a car you want to take out just for a drive! It's best on long, twisty 'A' roads with no traffic where you can put your foot down. It corners brilliantly and turns on the proverbial sixpence. Good on motorways too. It's worst of all on bumpy roads or over potholes - the suspension is quite stiff and you really feel every bump. In first and second gear it feels quite heavy so it's no fun in slow traffic. But it more than makes up for it when you can get out and really drive!

What's it like to park?

Okay but a bit heavy and the visibility through the back window is very limited (I'm used to driving hatchbacks though) which doesn't help.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not yet!

What's most practical about your car?

It's a very practical car all round - it has central locking, a remote boot release, heated rear and front windows, the interior lights come on as soon as I unlock it, it even has electric mirrors! Really good seats too - they feel hard at first but they're great over long journeys, especially if you suffer from back ache. Lots of room in the boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The air con and the heated front windscreen (although I haven't used that yet).