Debbie

Hi There!

I'm new here and definitely NOT a techi..lol

I am thinking of trading in my VERY BORING Corsa for a VERY SEXY Puma. I've ALWAYS wanted one, but not been in a position to go for it before....UNTIL NOW!!

However, before I plunge headlong into Puma heaven, could anyone give me any advice about their reliability, quirks, probs, etc??

Any advice very muchly appreciated!!!!

Debs

Wardy257

Check out:

www.pumapeople.com

Pumas are great little cars, make sure you go for the 1.7 as VCT is very effective. The main thing to watch out for is when the cam belt was last done. It should be 80k miles or 5 years whichever comes first. They do break so make sure it has either been done, or haggle the price down so you can do it. Try and avoid cars that have done lots of short journeys as the 1.7 engines don't like it. It should handle to near enough perfection, if it doesn't check for worn suspension. Apart from that common sense should see you right.

The Puma is way better than a Corsa, you will love it.

Debbie

Hi There Wardy! (if it's ok to call ya that??),

Thanks for the reply. I tried to check out the Pumapeople web site earlier, but it doesn't seem to be working. Just keeps coming up with an error page .

To be truthful, I was looking at a 1.4 Puma..mainly due to the insurance cost and petrol consumption, cos I'm not sure just how efficient the Pumas are on petrol. Don't want to not be able to afford to zoom about when ever I feel like just because the juice is too costly!!

I am a bit of a dunderhead when it comes to acronyms..so not sure what the VCT is??? lololol Totally NOT car term literate!!

If the 1.4 is still gonna blow the socks off a Corsa, then that will be the baby for me! For someone like me that loves driving, but is not a besotted car enthusiast - just a car lover - do you think the 1.4 would still hit the spot???

Thanks again for your help with this!

Debs

Wardy257

I have not driven the 1.4 so can not comment, the chasis is exactly the same though.

VCT it Variable Cam Timing which allows for better low down torque than a normal 16v engine. It makes you think you have a bigger engine than a 1.7.

The 1.7 will do 30-35 mpg and insurance can be quiet low if you shop around.

Anything is better than a Corsa!!!

Debbie

Ok...am convinced!!!

I will be swanning off down to my local car showroom tomorrow!

I would like the 1.7, but Priscilla Practical is my alter ego...lolol...and the thought of syphoning off my hard earned wages to the taxman via my local petrol station doesn't fill me with delight!

So will probably go for the 1.4..boo hiss..lol.

AND...YES I couldn't agree more - ANYTHING - is better than a Corsa. I would NEVER, EVER, NOT IN A MILLION...buy another one. It's been the worst car I ever had. No end of problems and recalls.

Right..unless anyone else has any other HUGE big ideas on why not to go for the 1.4...I'll be splashing the spondoolies first thing tomorrow!

Many many thanks for your help with this. I think I just needed the nudge..cos I really really wanted to go for anyway!

Debs

AdamB

honestly, go for the 1.7 you wont regret it...

insurance really wont be much extra (especially as you're female) and the efficiency is really good.

Wardy257

Adam makes a good point, the economy difference will be very small. At motorway/dual carriage way speeds the 1.7 will probably be more economical than the 1.4.

Debbie

Hi Again......

I don't know whether to do this or do this...

I am ashamed - Priscilla Practical has gone and done it again!!!!

Went to the car show room to trade in the crappy Corsa. Searched in vain for the Puma....as shown on the companies website. Nowhere to be seen!!!!

So....well...er....I...err.....

OK..am gonna just SPIT it out!! I bought a Zetec.

I know..am ashamed.... very miffed with myself.

BUT, I do have a mini, minor excuse. I didn't realise that my MOT ran out yesterday.... and I had to get RID quick smart..so, no time to hang around waiting for my Puma baby to turn up and take me away from all this!!!

1.4 Zetec - I know its not even in the same league..but I will just have to manage. Will keep it for a year then search again for my baby Will just have to manage without it for now. Am SO sad....

Thankyou for your help..honestly. Was very kind of you all.
Just wish my dream had come true..but it was not to be....

Bye for now.

Debs