SOTW: Ford Puma 1.7

In the worry-free world of Shedonia, different rules apply. We aren?t looking for ultra-rare specimens or primped show queens: we?re looking for sub-?1k cars that will give decent service, plus a smidgen of PH style, while incurring minimal ownership costs over and above the purchase price. Even the most cynical Shedman wouldn?t expect a super-clean vehicle in exchange for such a small amount of cash, but this Puma could be the exception that proves the rule. It looks right, the spec is right, and if you press your hooter right up against the monitor, it even smells right. When a car?s as clean as this one seems to be, liking or disliking the make and model becomes almost irrelevant. You?d snaffle a car like this on condition alone.

Happily, it?s a win-win situation because there?s plenty to like about the Puma. It was launched on the back of a brilliant TV ad featuring Steve McQueen. This 2001 car will be one of the last ones off the line at Cologne. Read into that what you will about build quality; if nothing else, the shutlines still look tight.

Shed fondly remembers his first Puma-helming experience. The pumped-up Racing Puma got 155hp from its motor versus the standard Puma?s 125hp, but you won?t feel short-changed in the regular car as the excellent chassis encourages full use of what power there is. All the 1.7s came with traction control, which was much more of a talking point then than it is now.

The Nikasil-linered 1.7 engine is picky about what it?s fed by way of lubrication, and if its oil?s overheated, or not enough?s been used, it?s liable to throw a bearing ? knocking or tapping noises are a giveaway sign, and a good reason to steer clear. Core plugs (sited near the spark plugs) can leak coolant, but if the engine is running too hot or too cold it might just as easily be a busted thermostat. The cambelt and tensioner are changed on a five-year/80,000 mile schedule; this one?s been done.

That old favourite the coil pack features on the list of potential electrical problems, as does the exhaust oxygen sensor, a particular weakness on the 1.7. Poor idling or hesitancy will signify failure of either, or both. The earthing strap connecting the back of the engine to the bulkhead can get rusty, along with the bodywork itself of course ? a general Ford trait that Shed?s tame mechanic will grumpily confirm. Wheel arches, door edges and sills are all hot spots for rust. Perished wiring grommets in that bulkhead will allow water into the driver?s footwell, while a loose aircon drain pipe will dampen the passenger carpet. The heater controls are as dodgy in the Puma as they are in the Fiesta from whence they came; the heater producing either no heat or too much points to a heater control valve, while a fan that doesn?t work in certain positions suggests a duff resistor pack. Both are reasonably cheap fixes, though.

At the back end, tailgate struts get tired, and the parcel shelf can fall into the boot space, but that?s easily fixed by wrapping tape round the locating pins. Electric windows are known for sticking, especially if the car?s been in any sort of shunt.?

For someone less thick-skinned than Shed, the metal gearknob could be painfully cold on a winter?s morn, but that?s nothing that a piping hot mug of builder?s tea lodged in the crotch ?cupholder? can?t put right.

Overall there?s nothing much to dislike here. The worst thing about the Puma, if we?re being really picky, is working out what it is. It?s not really a four-seater, a two-seater, a sports car or a family hatch. The fact that it was succeeded by the truly horrid StreetKa emphasises its identity crisis, but none of this matters to we Shedly folk who simply want a robust drive spiked with a spot of personality. Buy with a smile on your face and, if the weather doesn?t improve soon, a glove on your hand.

Here?s the ad:

FOR SALE IS MY FORD PUMA 1.7 16V 125BHP MODEL. ONLY 83000 MILES
ONLY 3 OWNERS

IT HAS FULL SERVICE HISTORY WITH CAMBELT REPLACED AT 71000 MILES.
IT HAS 2 KEYS AND ALL THE ORIGINAL BOOK PACKS INCLUDING SERVICE BOOK.

IT HAS 12 MONTHS MOT
VERY CLEAN TIDY CAR WITH NO BUMPS,SCRAPES,DINGS OR DENTS.

THE COLOUR IS PACIFIC GREEN AND THE PAINT IS IN GREAT CONDITION.
THE INTERIOR IS IMMACULATE WITH NO RIPS IN THE SEATS AR CARPETS.
THERE ARE NO WARNING LIGHTS AT ALL ON THE DASHBOARD.

THE SPEC IS;
ALLOY WHEELS
REMOTE CENTRAL LOCKING
HEATED QUICK CLEAR WINDSCREEN
ELECTRIC WINDOWS
ELECTRIC MIRRORS
AIR CONDITIONING
SPORTS SEATS
POWER STEERING
ABS
AIRBAGS

THE CAR DRIVES 100% WITH NO KNOCKS,BANGS OR CLUNKS.
IT IS VERY RELIABLE AND SMOOTH TO DRIVE,PLENTY OF POWER AND STRONG GEARBOX AND CLUTCH.
ITS GOT A BRAND NEW CLUTCH FITTED AND ALSO AT THE SAME TIME HAD A GEARBOX OIL CHANGE.

VERY RELIABLE SOLID CAR.

OVERALL ITS A VERY CLEAN TIDY PUMA THAT DRIVES 100% AND EVERYTHING WORKS ON THE CAR.
GOOD TYRES AND BRAKES.

ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK ? 07790673171

?890

Source: http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=27435.htm

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