really thinking about getting one of these as a daily to save the cossy getting used all the time and to save me money on fuel lol !! be llooking at around a 2000-2001 model my questions is are they anygood noticed alot about for arouund 1k mark>?

 

Not bad cars, although not alot of people on here seem to like them.

I think you get a good car now for the money.

 

They handle very very well as standard, if the suspension is still in good nick.


Cheers,
Grant

 

i like the blue ones imperial blue i think it is not sure if thats right wouldnt be looking to do anythhing to it unless i buy one already tarted up abit its just to smoke around in but still staying ford

 

great cars, phase 2 have the darker trim and boot release button to wow you lol!!

They do rust, especially on the arches and around rubbers.

The engine can go tits up if they haven't been serviced, seems to be around the 50k oddly from what i have seen over the years - symptoms will be burning oil then the dredded knock.

Also look out for the spring in the gear stick going, this is a box out job as it is inside, although driveable still.

In general though they are very nippy little relaible cars, basic but good fun and still look good. Just try and get one that has been well serviced to avoid engine failure.

I have had three
silver with 50k on the clock and never failed me
red with 100k on the clock and was a belter, drove like the 50k car
Blue with 80k and was a little tired but still great and reliable.

check out www.zsoc.com for some bargains.

 

I forgot what it's like driving a standard one lol

Imp blues are nice. Look for one with a good shell as most are starting to rust now if they haven't been looked after or treated.

 

dont think you can really go wrong with them im looking for one for a replacement to my 1.25 want a red one an with std wheels but white :-/

 

cheers lads wont be at the minute but ive got my eye on them and when the moneys there ill take the plunge

 

I had one from new and loved it,great cars.rust wise for some reason known only to ford,black under the bonnet tend to rust less than the grey under bonnet models,wierd eh?

Rear arches are the rot areas but being ford check everywhere!!!great handling,good on fuel and pretty reliable,I really like them.

 

As it says in the back of EVO magazine, more fun than you'll ever believe, but no-one will ever believe you

Theres just something about a good one thats proper fun, spins through the revs and has the sweetest gearchange. I really really mis my mildly tweaked one.

However, a poorly maintained one is awful

 

well i have had one for the last 3 years and i think they are very under rated cars to be honest. handle well, quite nippy for a 1.6 aswell. i would recommend one to any one who was looking for one,

 

This. They're not the fastest in a straight line, but they're just fun. And everyone who's sat in mine has gone 'I want your gearbox' it just feels right Agreed on the poorly maintained point, mine was, but after silly money in parts and a new engine, it's finally running right (just needs some new shocks/springs and it'll be sweet)

*Awaits 'Escy' to come along with some drivvle about them being shit and the engines being shit.*

 

I'd definately consider one. I have on a few occassions to be honest, but I'm not sure if you'd get much of one for Ł1000-1500.

I don't think the engine can take abuse like some Ford lumps, they seem to need good servicing, but they feel pretty willing considering the modest power output.

Handle very well from what I remember of driving one, and feel very solid compared to rivals (VTR etc), trim all feels better quality, as does gearshift and brakes.

Was a shame they didn't fit the 1.7 from the factory, that would have been a neat little VTS rival, but I think they're good little cars.

 

Soo much fun for a slow car. They just put a grin on your face when you throw them about.

 

Great cars if you can find a straight one that hasn't been "max powered" by the chav generation. Great value now as well.

That's because all the 1.7s went into the Puma after Ford signed a contract with Yamaha for 100,000 engines with no car to go in after cancelling the intended coupe. They then took the Fiesta, tweaked it and it became the Puma with said engine.

 

as said, at a grand your talking a roughun in the main, but at Ł1500 you stand a chance of getting a tidy enough motor with a bit of searching.

 

Great car, I bought an X plate imperial blue 1 4 years ago...had 29K on the clock, its got 105K now and is still not had a cambelt changed. Cant fault it, great on the track aswell, better drive than my A3.

 

My Mum has one, they're a great laugh

 

Cracking little cars

 

Saves me typing it...

 

 

What is the fuel econemy like on one of these?

 

I love mine. Its got a puima lump, and 300mm front breaks and fully pollyd. Its quicker thank my girl friends st, stops beteer and hendles better. Rev it of the clock every day, I change the oil every 3k to keep it sweet. Returns a combined 28mpg (my206 gti returned 22, lead foot). I had to change one arch due to rot (always go on drivers arch). Every one who drives it is very surprised and loves it. Much better thjan any of my rs turbos just lacks the turbo buz.

 

http://norwich.gumtree.com/norwich/90/66380290.html

cheapies pop up too

they do eat engines but then you drop in a puma lump!

ive had loads with busted bottom ends

 

Bottom ends go if you let oil level drop low, they're not as tollerant as some engines oil wise. But run them with enough oil and they're fine. I run min just under the max mark on the dipstick (phase 2 lump)

 

A Puma 1.7 lump is even less tolerant of oil starvation.

 

but its faster!

 

thanks for all the info lads,but a mate that ive new for years has just told me that his nanna has an orionsitting in her garage for the last 10 years ive been round there loads and never new anything about im going to have a look tommorow if its anygood ill just get that never new id get my own little barn find haha

 

And far less common than the mass produced 1.6.

Only ever 100,000 Puma 1.7 engines made and delivered from Yamaha and 99% of them went in the Puma. Ford have no spare engines now.

I'd not have a 1.7 again knowing how fragile they are.

 

pff i know of plenty

 

And running a Puma club, and owned a blown up one, so do I mate.

My opinion is that I wouldn't have another. You by all means do what you like.