Ford Puma (1997 - 2002) 1.7i 16V Ford Racing 3d (2000/X) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Practicality and cash be damned!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Still got the 'hairdresser' comments first experienced with a standard Puma. Still didn't care.
Would you buy this car again and why?
If I had the money, definitely. Awesome toy, but heartbreaking as an every day driver.
What are you likely to buy next?
Standard Puma again?
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£5,000
When did you buy the car?
December 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not bad considering the condition
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted one for ages
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Excellent. Don't expect the extra 20 or so BHP over the standard model to make any real difference, but the handling is sublime. Twisty roads are a joy. I found a nice wide roundabout to test the limits of the handling; my nerve gave way before the traction. Most importantly; this car is NOT a cruiser! Being short-geared it absolutely gulps petrol on the motorway (if for some reason you want to go above 70...)
What's it like to park?
You can't see any corner of the vehicle, as with any other puma, so its a nightmare. A bigger problem being other people's parking; the flared arches are magnets for other cars' doors/shopping trolleys etc.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Aircon went almost straight away, but was fixed with a 20 pound part from ebay. Tracking appeared to be off, despite new bearings and balancing. In the end, the mechanic decided that the steering was so sensitive laser corrected alignment was the only (expensive) option. I didn't bother!
What's most practical about your car?
Absolutely nothing; but that's missing the point of a FRP!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
All the usual; aircon, remote central locking etc. Mine had a DVD player which was cool but very dangerous if you're easily distracted...
