An eye opener while looking for a classic

[3xpendable]

Thanks for the input all, I have looked at other sites yes but realise that my budget isn't going to get anything decent, but I actually came across a Ford Puma that I quite like....

[rich.]

not being nosy, but whats your budget?

[JPB]

Thanks for the input all, I have looked at other sites yes but realise that my budget isn't going to get anything decent, but I actually came across a Ford Puma that I quite like....

Well why not. You like it, that's what counts and they do have a certain charm to them. Barry Boys is this way....

[TerryG]

My aunt has had a 2000(W) plate puma from new. She always comments how much fun it is to drive. The 1.7 is a sweet little engine and the 2.0 (from the focus, the mondeo one needs different anciliaries and sump) fits perfectly if you want more power, it also takes to turbo charging really nicely.
If you like it, find one and take it for a test drive. There is also the Cougar, the Pumas big brother which is more or less a better looking 2 door Mondeo.

[3xpendable]

not being nosy, but whats your budget?

Not at all. I was looking at about £2500 but I've quickly realised that for that I'm not going to get anything that doesn't need bodywork repairs which I don't have the facilities to do and I wan't something that at least looks smart. My daily driver is a bit scruffy in places so if I were to buy something scruffy I might as well just carry on with the daily! I also need a 5 speed or overdrive for motorway work if I want to make the 100 mile trip back to my parents to work on the MG.

Well why not. You like it, that's what counts and they do have a certain charm to them. Barry Boys is this way....

Yeah I've always liked the Puma, don't know why but I have. I think its definitely a future classic too. Oh god no, I'll not be joining the chav's!

My aunt has had a 2000(W) plate puma from new. She always comments how much fun it is to drive. The 1.7 is a sweet little engine and the 2.0 (from the focus, the mondeo one needs different anciliaries and sump) fits perfectly if you want more power, it also takes to turbo charging really nicely.
If you like it, find one and take it for a test drive. There is also the Cougar, the Pumas big brother which is more or less a better looking 2 door Mondeo.

Thanks, I've driven a few Fiestas from the same era and they are a hoot to drive (as you know the Puma is basically a Fiesta floorpan etc) and with the 1.7 being quite nippy it must be fun. I'm going to test one on the weekend if I find any localish. A lovely one came up on eBay today, but closer inspection shows lots of rusty wheelarches, blueergh.

[TerryG]

They start to go in all the usual fiesta places so wheel arches and around the fuel filler. If you find one that looks good, you should remove the wheelarch liners, clean out the crud that collects behind them, rust treat the inevitable surface rust you will find and give them a blast with stone chip.
As I previously mentioned, there are kits available to up the power output so you can show the local body kit and big exhaust owners what a hot hatch really is.

[kstrutt1]

Pumas are superb to drive, the early ones are the purest, there were some changes made around 2000 commonising more parts with the fiesta the other bodywork lasts pretty well but the oldest ones are now getting on for 17 years old so check all the places mentioned above. The other thing to check is the service history, changing the cam belt is a pretty big job, they also need 4 good quality tyres which match to get the best out of the chassis.
Given the way sporting fords have gone up in value, get a good unmodified one and you could have a good investment as well as fun car.

Kevin

[3xpendable]

So would you say earlier or later is better? I know post 2001 they had uprated brakes, but is it a huge difference?

[3xpendable]

I've got one Am picking it up Tuesday so more details then. 40,000 miles 1999 model, looked after and very clean bar the usual rust on the arches. 11 months MOT and 5 months tax, brand new heater valve though it needs a timing belt, all for £800. He even is putting 1/2 tank of fuel in it for me!

[TerryG]

Congratulations
No ragging it until you get the belt done! (then drive it like you stole it)