my mums decided to upgrade her fiesta for a puma

goin for a 1.7 or a later 1.6

what are the commin faults problems things to look out for

 

wife bought 1700, a red one about a month ago,it had a comprehensive service history so touch wood its going to be a nice reliable car,ive seen a few about now and have noticed if theres going to be a problem its with bubbling on the rear arches and sure enough theres a little bit starting to come though,still not a problem as a body shop will sort it and fill the inner arches so it shouldn't happen again......

 

had my puma for about 3 years now. the only problem i have had is when it rain it filled the drivers side foot well with water. all sorted now but worth checking if looking to buy one.

 

Go for the 1.7. The 1.6s aren't a particularly strong engine, I munched 2 of them in my first focus in just over a year!

 

common problems with pumas (not only puma but also mk4/5 fiesta as essentially same car.
rusty/rotten rear arches and sills, sometimes a-pillars too.
worn wishbones
worn anti-roll bar bushes/link arms (wishbones and roll-bar/links generally show as clonking over bumps and worn front tyres)
sticky heater control valve/temp control. stays either hot or cold. if cold try unplugging it, it should heat up, if hot then either valve is sticky (can be rebuilt) or faulty control dial.
DONT EVER LET THE OIL RUN LOW!!! it will very quickly cost you an engine. rebuilding is possible, but expensive, as are second-hand engines. a common trait with the zetec-se engine.
rear beam bushes,
check cambelt. 80k or 10 years whichever is sooner!!!
faults with tailgate electrics due to contacts in tailgate/boot lip.
clutch slave cylinder (always replace when fitting a new clutch (its so much easier to do then).
these problems are mainly general wear and tear items after lots of use/abuse, but if looked after pumas are pretty good and reliable and cheap if they do go wrong.

 

couldnt agree more, the 1700s are built like a real engine should be. proper shells and rods. 125s 14s 16s may as well be cardboard. ive lost count of how many ive rebuilt or replaced.

 

 

sister has a x plate 1700 has 135thou on the clock drives mint still puts out 121 bhp as said rear bushes and bottom arms other than that there a strong little car

 

sweet that list was helpful aswell yer im lookin at 1700s, lookin on millage and body condition, thanks for all the help