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

Cheap and cheaply made fast-ish car that is a lot of fun until it rusts to bits. Everything about this says entry level shopping Fiesta - except the performance. Interior is a bit nasty, switchgear is flimsy and non-intuitive, seats are uncomfortable. Plus it is as ugly as an ugly duck from the rear. Various design flaws including instruments a person of normal height can't read, a fancy aluminium gear knob that is untouchably cold in winter, boot door that tips rainwater onto your luggage, and a rear seat release mechanism that was designed by one of nature's born troublemakers. Visibility is appalling. And it rusts. Most manufacturers had solved rust by 2000, but not Ford. It is supposed to be a 'future classic' but it will die of oxidation long before then. On the other hand it is cheap to run. Reliable, so far. Minor solvable problems with central locking. Electric window switch failed (£3.25 on eBay). Many cheap S/H spares available due to interchangeability of parts. Replaced cambelt & water pump at 75k and it looked like that was not a mile too soon. The real reason to have this car is bargain performance. The Yamaha/Ford 1.7 engine is a rev maniac. Handling on the bends is fabulous - low, stiff suspension and a very concise close ratio gearbox makes it a total go-kart. Steering is a bit flaky at higher speeds, but otherwise it feels much, much better than it ought to. £650 for all that? One of the few remaining bargain basement cars that are a pleasure to drive. When this one goes I'll get another.