Next car ideas

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Shade

Original Poster:

91 posts

169 months

Thursday 20th January 2011
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Hi all,Currently I'm 19 and I drive a 98 1.4 Ford Puma, that I paid £300 for. Since I've had it (Sept 10) it's had a new engine, cambelt & water pump, rear bearings, and today new wheel cylinders and bushes.I love it to bits but it's clear I'm the only owner in 13 years that's put the money and effort in (well over £500 spent in 5 months & countless hours), and I did want to modify it, but the chassis, axles and arches are so rusty and worn, it's gonna cost several times what I paid to fix. Along with some crap welding I can't see the point.So I'm looking for ideas for something new. I would definitely not say no to another, well loved Puma, but I'm open to pretty much anything (except Vauxhalls). I don't mind doing some work (trainee mechanic w/ access to proper garage), but nothing stupid.I want something that matches the fantasti feel of the Pumas, and I could probably insure up to a 1.6/7.Thanks for any suggestions.

wackojacko

8,581 posts

191 months

Thursday 20th January 2011
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Sticking with the Ford theme, what about a 1.6 Mk5 Zetec-s I looked at 1 for my first car but decided on a 1.8 Astra bertone coupe.

The Mk5 has a great
chassis and relatively nippy (100bhp If I remember right)
Ignore any boyracer comments as it's down to personal taste. Pretty easy going on Insurance aswell which is a bonus, also the ZS has a big following in terms of Owners clubs and forums so you're never far away from
friendly helpful advice on most things you need to know.

Edited by wackojacko on Thursday 20th January 17:36

thebigmacmoomin

2,801 posts

170 months

Thursday 20th January 2011
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The ZS as above, but if you like the Puma so much, got for the 1.7 or the later 1.6.

Twincam16

27,646 posts

259 months

Thursday 20th January 2011
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MG ZR of some description? Fast, fun, simple and would seem to be a good base for modification given that they're popular with rally drivers. They don't have much of a rust issue, the 1.4 isn't as prone to head gasket failure as the 1.8 and there are many improvements that you can carry out yourself with Xpart spares (mild steel head gasket, coolant temperature gauge and low coolant light/buzzer).

Very active owners club too if you fancy racing, rallying or tracking it.

Shade

Original Poster:

91 posts

169 months

Thursday 20th January 2011
quotequote all
Twincam16 said:
MG ZR of some description? Fast, fun, simple and would seem to be a good base for modification given that they're popular with rally drivers. They don't have much of a rust issue, the 1.4 isn't as prone to head gasket failure as the 1.8 and there are many improvements that you can carry out yourself with Xpart spares (mild steel head gasket, coolant temperature gauge and low coolant light/buzzer).Very active owners club too if you fancy racing, rallying or tracking it.
I have considered a ZR, can they be gotten for tidy money, say ~£2k? Also considered a Zetec S but at the time couldn't afford the insurance, I can now. Later Puma is also very tempting!

Max M4X WW

4,800 posts

183 months

Friday 21st January 2011
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1.7 Puma for me, Or a Mk5 with the Puma engine.

If you can live with the colour, Milenium's have really nice seats.

Edited by Max M4X WW on Friday 21st January 12:50

Diabolik

1,222 posts

162 months

Friday 21st January 2011
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I'm 19, come from a Ford Focus 1.8 and just picked up at 106 GTi. Still unsure on French cars but its supposedly a hoot to drive.

Shade

Original Poster:

91 posts

169 months

Saturday 22nd January 2011
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I've just noticed a college friend (trusted) is selling a black 51 plate Zetec S for 700. It needs a new bonnet, slam panel & wing but is road legal and MOT'd atm. Are the parts listed the same as a normal fiesta? Cos I'm very tempted AND had a £800 offer on my Puma. Opinions?

wifiwupding

176 posts

162 months

Sunday 23rd January 2011
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Ignis Sport
Lupo GTI
Polo GTI
Yaris T Sport
Saxo/106
Ibiza Sport
Fiesta Zetec S suffers same rust problems as Puma

I went for the Ignis Sport i love it

Mr Gearchange

5,892 posts

207 months

Sunday 23rd January 2011
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I feel your pain - my Puma is now beginning to triggers broom (check my profile).

I just can't bear to part with it - partly because I have put so much money into it and partly because it's so good to drive when it's working.

When I do chop it in it'll be because it's completely died - and it'll probably be of either a 330i or god willing an E46 M3 - so i'm not going to be much help.

The Focus is a good shout - very entertaining cars to drive.

Caruso

7,442 posts

257 months

Sunday 23rd January 2011
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wifiwupding said:
Ignis Sport
Lupo GTI
Polo GTI
Yaris T Sport
Saxo/106
Ibiza Sport
Fiesta Zetec S suffers same rust problems as Puma

I went for the Ignis Sport i love it
I've heard very good thing about the Ignis Sport too.