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

What does this car say about you?

Most of the wider public will note the driver as either female or a hairdresser - the inner being will note it as an owner who has an eye for cars that handle well!

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

All liked it - appealed to males / females alike.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes; if ever the opportunity arose to buy a second car, or something as a toy, then the Puma would make the shortlist. Find a good one (they do exist!) and they're great machines - but 14 years after launch, theres plenty of duds out there.

What are you likely to buy next?

Ford Fiesta Zetec S - Purchased in Jan 2011 for company car reasons (better CO² / newer).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,000

When did you buy the car?

March 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a relatively good deal at the time. Mine came with A/C, heated front screen and the CD player - all of which were decent options. Was a very clean and tidy car for the money.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a relatively sporty, 3 door car which went well and looked half tidy; the Puma ticked all of these boxes.

What was the dealer like?

Typical independent; stubborn until a potential deal fell under his nose, then he played ball. Haggled and lopped money off and included tax into the deal.

What's it like to drive?

Excellent. Its no motorway cruiser (70MPH @ 3,250 RPM) but thats not its game. Get it out on a B-road, or blasting about town, the Puma excels. The 125BHP unit is enough in this car for spirited driving, the gearbox is very slick and the steering precise with plenty of feedback.

What's it like to park?

Not the greatest - large C-pillars lead to blind spots, and the bootlid sits high, which leaves judging exactly where the back of the car is down to guesswork.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Rear drivers side wheel arch had just started to be affected by the dreaded tin-worm when I traded it in (10 years old at this point). Remote key fob button broke, which meant a new fob. Small cooling issues when a tiny piece of plastic warped in warm weather, throwing the hoses off. Nothing untoward for a Ford that was approaching 10 years old and had covered 80k.

What's most practical about your car?

Although the boot is an odd shape, its relatively deep and spacious. Front passenger space is generous.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Fords brilliant patented heated front windscreen.