Ford Puma, undervalued and bloody brilliant.
Discussion
I'll be honest, I've always detested the looks of these things. I didn't get what they were supposed to be at all. I presumed it was just a Fiesta made to look a bit better by making it into some kind of small coupe-like thing.
However, over these past few weeks i think i really want one. I've never driven one but i love the idea of having one as bit of a project but a daily aswell. They look like a hoot to drive and i was stunned on just how cheap they are.
I'm still not sold on the looks, not from the rear anyway. But the front looks nice enough and it's not enough to completely put me off. It's more about the driving experience anyway. I've always wanted something to tinker with as a bit of a toy and maybe finally get some track days done in it.
Rust seems to be the biggest problem but there's seems to be one or two with little or none present. I had a KA 1.3 as my first car and it was pretty damn slow but it never let me down over the 3 years i had it. Always liked my Fords too so i can only imagine these little things with the 1.7 must be a riot.
I think i'd upgrade the brakes as stated on here, get some 30-40mm lowering springs, uprated exhaust possibly, aftermarket air filter and maybe some Fiesta Zetec S alloys and just enjoy it on top of normal maintenance etc.
Just ordered a new Audi A4 on one of the cheap lease deals they're doing for when my Scirocco goes back next month but not sure if it's just gonna bore the pants off me. Plus, could do with the extra cash for when i move out soon. Decisions...
However, over these past few weeks i think i really want one. I've never driven one but i love the idea of having one as bit of a project but a daily aswell. They look like a hoot to drive and i was stunned on just how cheap they are.
I'm still not sold on the looks, not from the rear anyway. But the front looks nice enough and it's not enough to completely put me off. It's more about the driving experience anyway. I've always wanted something to tinker with as a bit of a toy and maybe finally get some track days done in it.
Rust seems to be the biggest problem but there's seems to be one or two with little or none present. I had a KA 1.3 as my first car and it was pretty damn slow but it never let me down over the 3 years i had it. Always liked my Fords too so i can only imagine these little things with the 1.7 must be a riot.
I think i'd upgrade the brakes as stated on here, get some 30-40mm lowering springs, uprated exhaust possibly, aftermarket air filter and maybe some Fiesta Zetec S alloys and just enjoy it on top of normal maintenance etc.
Just ordered a new Audi A4 on one of the cheap lease deals they're doing for when my Scirocco goes back next month but not sure if it's just gonna bore the pants off me. Plus, could do with the extra cash for when i move out soon. Decisions...
Never owned a Puma, but do own a Mk5 ZS, absolutely love it, can't bring myself to sell it despite not having driven it for 2 years.
It's a great base, coilovers, polybushes, ST150 front brakes, and what I was meaning to do - 1.7 engine and gearbox (or even FRP ratios by mixing the two boxes together). Along with the low weight make it feel a lot quicker than it really is, and superb fun on our roads even at legal speeds, thanks to a planted front end with a rear that likes to lift.
It's a great base, coilovers, polybushes, ST150 front brakes, and what I was meaning to do - 1.7 engine and gearbox (or even FRP ratios by mixing the two boxes together). Along with the low weight make it feel a lot quicker than it really is, and superb fun on our roads even at legal speeds, thanks to a planted front end with a rear that likes to lift.
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