Ford Puma (1997 – 2001) Review

Ford Puma (1997 – 2001) At A Glance

Terrific, involving, sports-biased drive. Based on proven Fiesta mechanics. Now selling for a more affordable price.

Front suspension alignment is crucial and can easily be put out if you kerb a wheel.

Ask Honest John

Where can I get parts for a Ford Puma?

"I inherited my father-in-law's 1998 Ford Puma. It turned out to be very rusty throughout. Eventually, with welding and new front sub-frame, everything was fixed. However, I have noticed a hydraulic fluid leak. I tried in vain to get a replacement hydraulic pipe - steering rack to steering pump. The mechanic was able to do a temporary repair on the existing rusty pipe. However, I would like to replace it with a new pipe. Where can I get one?"

Parts supply can often be an issue with cars this age - too old to be looked after by the dealer but hasn't quite got the support of specialists and club members yet. That said, if you ask around you're bound to find someone with a shed full of spares. Have a look on some Ford-based forums or join one of the (many) Ford clubs. Alternatively, you could ask your local dealer if they having anything on the shelf... sometimes the part gets reused (e.g in the next generation Fiesta). Why not have a look on eBay or try suppliers like Euro Car Parts? How temporary was the repair? As long as it isn't held together by gaffer tape and hairy string it should be ok.

Answered by Keith Moody

More Questions

Ford Puma (1997 – 2001) Buying Guide

Good

Very good and highly recommended specialist: www.pumabuild.co.uk

Club for owners of all Fords, old and new: www.fordownersclub.com

Bad

Production ceased at end of 2001, though stockpiled cars continue to be sold into 2002. Could suffer similar brake problems to Fiesta.

Special bore linings of thinwall 1.7-litre Zetec S engines could be affected in a similar way as BMW M52s. Vital to use the correct oil and not to use the car for short runs from cold.

Watch

Rust, especially in the rear 3/4 over the rear wheel arches and in the sills.

Possibility of having been thrashed.

Check the oil level as well as the oil colour of 1.7s. 5,000-mile oil changes far more sensible than Ford recommended 10,000-mile intervals.

Don't switch to fully-synthetic oil as this may affect bore liners, and definitely don't used any old oil.

Misfiring 1.7-litre engine may be due to weeping core plugs leaking coolant onto spark plugs. Repeated heater valve problems.

Kerbing will throw out critical front suspension alignment.

Uneven front tyre wear should put you on your guard. Front suspension bushes have been prone to wear so if the front suspension clonks this is probably why.

5-4-2010: retired Ford engineer confirms that timing belt of 1.7 engine is genuinely good for 10 years or 100k miles, whichever comes first. This was an engineering requirement because the type of engine mounts used make the belt extremely difficult to replace.