Used car buying guide: Ford Puma

The Puma was offered with no fewer than four engines during its short life. The launch unit was by far the most popular and, therefore, the one you’re most likely to encounter: a 1.7 16v VCT (variable cam timing) four-cylinder. It was joined in 1998 by a more insurance-friendly 89bhp 1.4, which was replaced in 2000 by a 102bhp 1.6 16v.

The fourth engine, an uprated version of the 1.7 producing 151bhp, was reserved for the Racing Puma of 1999. Converted by Tickford and with a widened track, stiffened suspension, 17in alloy wheels, a strengthened gearbox, an optional limited-slip differential, race-spec brakes and Sparco seats, the Racing Puma is rare and the best start at around £13,000 today.

It’s the cheap-as-chips Pumas we’re interested in here. Standard trim included sports seats, anti-lock brakes and traction control. If you can find one, a fully loaded Puma Thunder is the one you want, withits leather and air-con. Word on the street is that the cleanest, least rusty Pumas have classic potential. It could just be worth a punt.

How to get one in your garage: 

An expert’s view, Simon Crosby, Puma enthusiast - “Even though I own two Racing Pumas, my favourite is still the 1.7 Thunder.

I bought my first Puma in 2000 and instantly fell in love with its free-revving engine and nimble handling. It’s a great car to go racing on a budget with. You can spend what you like but a lot of people do it on the cheap, ripping out the seats and carpet and installing a rollcage for around £250. Rust is an obvious problem. A very few 1.7s had bore problems but you can pick up a secondhand engine for around £150, so it doesn’t have to be terminal. If you fancy splashing out on a Racing Puma, visit racing-puma.co.uk for guidance.”

Buyer beware...

ENGINE - It will be rare to find one with a service history, so check oil and coolant levels and colour. Look out for sundry oil weeps, poor starting and exhaust smoke. Bore wear due to leaky injectors can be a problem on the 1.7. Listen for misfires caused by coolant leaks on the spark plugs. There may be no record of a timing belt change but the recommended interval is every five years or 80,000 miles. The 1.7 can go to 100,000 miles.

GEARBOX - Check for smooth changes and that the clutch isn’t slipping.

BODY - Front suspension bushes wear badly so feel for looseness, listen for clonks and check for uneven tyre wear. Wheel alignment is very sensitive to kerbing.

ELECTRICS - Inspect the condition of the tailgate contacts that power the rear wiper. They’re usually corroded but can be easily cleaned.

PAPERWORK - Cross-reference the VIN and engine numbers on the car with those on the V5 document. Ensure it’s the right engine since there’s no badging. There may be a sticker giving the enginesize on the left side of the engine cover. Check mileage against old MOT certificates. Check it’s not a write-off.

EXTRAS - Ensure there’s a spare wheel with tools, including towing eye; also, an alloy wheel locking key, manual and remote ignition keys, and an operating manual.

Also worth knowing:

Want to replace your Puma’s rotten rear wings? Genuine Puma parts are almost impossible to source these days but front wings from a Peugeot 206 are still available and can be adapted to fit the Ford by a skilled bodyshop technician. Remanufactured Puma sills are available from parts supplier Ex-Pressed Steel Panels.

How much to spend:

£250-£599 - Tatty early 1.7s up to 100,000 miles; runners with some service history.

£600-£849 - Nicer 2002-reg 1.7s, still high mileage but in decent condition.

£850-£995 - Well-maintained 1.6s and 1.7s start here, including a 2000/W-reg 1.7 with 60k miles and full history for £995.

£1000-£1500 - Low-mileage (around 45,000) 2001- reg 1.7s for around £1200.

£11,500-£19,500 - Range of 2000-reg mint-condition Puma Racing models.

One we found:

FORD PUMA 1.7, 2002/02, 88,000 MILES, £750

The dealer says there’s light rust on this car’s rear arches but reckons it’s otherwise tidy and drives well. He usually sells high-end cars but thought this part-ex was worth taking a chance on. It has a six-CD changer (remember those?) and parking sensors.