Ford Puma 1.4 Advice - Worth it?
Discussion
I opened a thread a while back regarding 1.7 Pumas, but I have come across a local one that I may be buying and was wondering if you have any advice.
Does anybody know much about the 1.4 versions of the Puma? it is priced at 350, and has about 90k miles on it, and some rusting on the arches.
My main concern is the power - are they still and enjoyable drive?
Does anybody know much about the 1.4 versions of the Puma? it is priced at 350, and has about 90k miles on it, and some rusting on the arches.
My main concern is the power - are they still and enjoyable drive?
Nickp82 said:
I wouldn’t do it, the 1.7 is just such a gem of an engine you will be robbing yourself of the full experience!
I can’t imagine there will be any cheap ones left (depending on the area/region etc) if the OP is struggling to purchase a half decent one...Can’t speak for the 1.4’s “performance”, but at that price it’s cheap as chips. So could be tempting?
We had one many years ago as at the time my g/f couldn't afford the insurance on the 1.7
I've driven both the 1.7 and the 1.4, the 1.7 is obviously the better of the two but the 1.4 is still very much fun to drive.
It's not "quick" in a straight line but it's not particularly slow either, 10ish seconds to 60 and a GPS verified top speed of 118.
Awesome round a twisty road and can be thrown in with abandon. The relative lack of power with great handling means you can drive it flat out.
The engine thrives on revs and the gearbox is sweet. Brakes are OK. I personally felt as if the ABS was overly sensitive and needed to be a wound back a notch as it seemed to trigger early.
Real downside to the 1.4 is that it's slower than the 1.7 yet gets near as dammit the same mpg as the 1.7.
Other downside is that it won't pull 5th until you're doing about 60, this makes it somewhat annoying on the motorway in the typical 70-50-70-50-70 (but to be fair no more so many other cars).
In summary, if you have a choice go for the 1.7 but the 1.4 isn't a bad car. My order of preference would be 1.7,1.4,1.6.
I've driven both the 1.7 and the 1.4, the 1.7 is obviously the better of the two but the 1.4 is still very much fun to drive.
It's not "quick" in a straight line but it's not particularly slow either, 10ish seconds to 60 and a GPS verified top speed of 118.
Awesome round a twisty road and can be thrown in with abandon. The relative lack of power with great handling means you can drive it flat out.
The engine thrives on revs and the gearbox is sweet. Brakes are OK. I personally felt as if the ABS was overly sensitive and needed to be a wound back a notch as it seemed to trigger early.
Real downside to the 1.4 is that it's slower than the 1.7 yet gets near as dammit the same mpg as the 1.7.
Other downside is that it won't pull 5th until you're doing about 60, this makes it somewhat annoying on the motorway in the typical 70-50-70-50-70 (but to be fair no more so many other cars).
In summary, if you have a choice go for the 1.7 but the 1.4 isn't a bad car. My order of preference would be 1.7,1.4,1.6.
scot_aln said:
Out of interest how come the switch from Tigra or Yaris last week or just looking at what you can get for a few hundred pounds.
Was going to say skip up a size and do Celicas and Cougars next then realised Cougars are almost extinct.
Funny you should mention it I was looking at Celicas, and also them Hyundai Coupes.Was going to say skip up a size and do Celicas and Cougars next then realised Cougars are almost extinct.
I always liked the Pumas as a kid. I saw a few Tigras but none of them have been a good enough deal that I've seen anyway.
My situation is I want to keep my motorcycle, but I just want to get a decent cheap little run around. I am aiming for around 500-ish, just with it being my first car to practice on, but also so I can justify keeping my motorcycle and car. I know I can't expect a minter for 500 but there are decent deals that do pop up, it's just a case of being patient and picking the best of the bunch. I am looking for something with a decent MOT on it though.
On a separate note, I did view that 1.4 Puma today, and unfortunately it had a bit more rust than they lead on. Honestly I have seen decent condition pumas go for 3-500, but I think the 99 Puma that I looked at had a little bit too much around the sills for my liking, and with only 1 month MOT I would not be prepared to potentially ti fix all the things that might be wrong with it and frankly, I'd rather be a bit more patient and keep an eye out for a 1.7...The rust gets to me a bit and honestly I can't be arsed staying on top of it all the time - that combined with looking after my motorcycle will just eat in to my time and costs.
Nickp82 said:
I wouldn’t do it, the 1.7 is just such a gem of an engine you will be robbing yourself of the full experience!
yeah I kind of had that in the back of my mind too...coming from 1300cc motorcycles the chances are I would definitely notice the difference from a 1.4 car too.Integroo said:
It's 350 quid. If that's your budget you cannot afford to be fussy!
I am budgeting about 500-ish for my first car. It is the only way I can really justify keeping my motorcycle and having a car. I am not too fussy tbh, but I don't want to do anything in haste either and get myself a car without an MOT that could potentially end up costing me 200-500 extra if I'm not careful about what I buy.I'll find something eventually.
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