BUYING GUIDE

Within this section I will try and provide some tips on buying a Ford Puma, whether this be new or secondhand.

Ford Puma Unfortunately you can no longer buy the Puma from new, but this section provides a useful guide to the available specifications.

The Ford Puma was launched in June 1997 and helped to promote Fords new edge styling. The Puma came with a 123bhp Zetec-SE engine, ABS and power steering. See tech spec for more details. Since its launch the Puma has proved very popular with its good looks and high fun factor. Due to its popularity there is great demand for the Puma with second hand cars holding their value extremely well.

Colours

Moondust Silver

Colorado Red

Panther Black

Medium Steel Blue

New Prices
(prices do not include options)

£12295 for the 1.6

£12995 for the 1.7

Engine

There were three engine sizes available for the Puma, the 1.4, 1.6 and 1.7. The 1.6 was launched to replace the previous 1.4 engine.

Options

The following options were available:

Front Passenger's Airbag
Air Conditioning
Luxury Pack - Electrically-operated and heated door mirrors, 'Quickclear' heated windscreen and stereo radio/CD - Model 6000N RDS EON
Platinum Stereo radio/CD
Metallic Paint

Buying Second Hand

The price of second hand Pumas has fallen recently, especially the first Pumas that rolled off the production line in 1997.

To give you a good idea of current market trends go to Autotrader and search for the Ford Puma or look at the classifieds on this site.

Things to Look Out For

As well as all the usual checks you would undertake when buying a car look out for the following that are specific to the Puma:

Cambelt Change. The cambelt is due for removal every 5 years or every 80,000 miles, whatever comes first. The cost of a cambelt change is around £250 and often the Water Pump also requires changing at the same time, which would add just over £60 to the cost.
The front suspension bushes will perish after a while and will need replacing, this is a potential MOT failure. Powerflex upgraded bushes are recommended replacements.
Rust. The main area suseptible to rust is around the rear arches, even a well cared for car can be affected. In most cases the corroded area will need to be cut out and new metal welded on.
Check for spare tyre under the boot, will be a steel rim and not alloy as standard.
Check for jack and towing eye. This is located inside a pocket on the left handside of the boot.
Check that you get at least two keys, full remote and manual key, third would be a 'T' bar key.
Set of Ford manuals including audio key code, any missing manuals can be purchased from Ford.
If a 98 or earlier Puma, check that the electric seats work and that the seat tilt and slide mechanism works OK. Also check to ensure the seat locks when returned to normal position