Puma gearbox query

[macp]

Afternoon all

Just been to look at a 1999 V plate 1.7 Puma with 59,000mls and 2 prev owners.Car appeared very clean for 1700 quid except for a small amount of bubbling on one arch only.There were only 3 stamps in the service book but quite a lot of bills.Engine sounded fine and clutch and gearbox felt ok on the test drive.However there seems to be a fair bit of transmission noise when accelerating through the gears.I would describe the noise as a muffled gravelly noise not loud or excessive but something Im not used to hearing.The problem is I dont know Ford`s very well and this could be totally normal for all I know.What do you all think ?

Many thanks

[Mr Gearchange]

You shouldn't be getting any tranmission noise that's noticeable above the engine - I'd probably walk away - there are plenty out there.

ETA - you sure it was transmission noise and not a wheel bearing?

Edited by Mr Gearchange on Friday 26th February 15:30

[macp]

Mr Gearchange said:

You shouldn't be getting any tranmission noise that's noticeable above the engine - I'd probably walk away - there are plenty out there.

ETA - you sure it was transmission noise and not a wheel bearing?

Edited by Mr Gearchange on Friday 26th February 15:30

Pretty certain it wasnt a bearing as it was only noticeable under acceleration.When cruising in top there was no bearing or gearbox noises.

[Mr Gearchange]

I only ask as mine has chewed up both rear wheel bearings in the last 12 month (which is expensive as when they properly go they kill the ABS sensor which are expensive. Ans they seemed to make significantly more noise under acceleration (and cornering) than when cruising at motorway speeds for some reason

Unless you are 100% I'd walk there are loads of them about. Oh, and make sure that by the time they have done 50K they have had the cam belt changed otherwise you are looking at another 400 quid.

I'd also check the oil level on any car you drive - the 1.7's tend to use a bit and nicasil liners mean the engine is very sensitive to low oil levels. If it's been properly looked after then the oil level should be at the correct level.

[macp]

Cheers

All sounds a wee bit scary maybe I should just go look at something else.

[Mr Gearchange]

No no no no no!
Puma's are absolutely fantastic cars - I absolutely love mine to bits. For the price there is nothing to touch it.

The handling is fantastic - proper go cart stuff
The steering is sublime in it's purity - easily the best steering of any car I have driven.
The gearbox is fantastic - as the risk of sounding trite it really is like a rifle bolt.
Whilst not a 'fast' car they more than punch their weight and keep up with far faster and more exensive kit over a twisty b road

At the amount they cost there is nothing to touch it. Mine puts a big smile on my face every time I drive it. Put it this way - I also run a 3.0 Legacy spec B with more than twice the power and fully loaded. The Puma is the car I jump in every morning.

Just get one with all the stamps in the book and that have had the belt done - there are hundreds of them about. You won't regret it.

[macp]

Cheers for the response.

Went to look at another today and the gearbox noise sounded very similar in that car too.Extra good news is that swmbo is onboard too now and really likes the car.