First Puma

Just picked up a 97 puma with 68k for £700.

Only previous ford was an escort estate. Most recent car was a perodua nippa! which was a £300 buy to tide me over when my Saab 9-5 blew up. Had been waiting for the perfect car, but the weather has forced me to get a car that is watertight again. Nearly bought an 06 Volvo S60 D5, but took a punt on this as it is fun, and they seem to be holding values slightly better now. Also I needed a car for tommorow, and this was available straight away.

Well documented service history until 09, and then mechanic owned/maintained. Little rust, and age is still a slight concern.

After market 17" alloys (which I have already bloody marked). Might switch back to original wheels this week?

I live on the Isle of Man, so de-restricted b roads aplenty. I use my car for work, and do about 1k a month. Needed a balance of grunt, fun and economy.

First impressions are good, condensation doesn't bother me too much, but a hole in the front bumper does. Looking for a replacement at the moment. I will give it a service this week. I may also upgrade the brakes as they are fine but not amazing.

Few questions: Any essential/suggested mods or checks that I should do?
With the service I have heard mixed things about oil choice. I normally use fully synthetic, but I have heard there can be an issue? Do people tend to prefer newer or older cars from an enthusiast standpoint? And finally, are these ideally project cars or best left stock?

My mechanical skills are not great, but I will be doing most things myself. I have basic tools, an obd scanner, a soldering iron, and a search engine...do I need much else?

Hi and welcome. I have used Castrol Magnatec A1 5W30 in both my Pumas since 2006 with no problems.

Awesome. I know magnatec is a little hard to classify, but having read a bit more I can't see an issue with using my stockpile of Castrol edge. I am quite regular with my checks.

welcome aboard!

Welcome to the club

Welcome to the site, it sounds like you have most things covered.

In terms of what enthusiasts prefer, it's typically just their own car. There's differences between earlier and newer but nothing extensive (Newer ones had slightly bigger brakes, a second oxygen sensor, a bit slower, no electric driver seat, digital milometer, amongst some of the variations)

As for places to start, get all the basics checked / done, perishable items such as suspension bushes, top mounts, drop links, brake pads, discs, tyres.

Good luck!

Hi,

Did you buy it on the Island? I have commented before that the ones we see when we visit seem to be in good nick compared to those on the mainland.......

As a lot of parts are the same as a Fiesta then Ocean Ford should be able to supply any bits you need.

Yes I bought it over here. One local owner until 09, and a mechanic until present.

It can be hit and miss over here... No mot, lower driving age, and de-restricted roads can mean a lack of care. An elderly population can result in a different kind of abuse. Sea air is not great either.

Lower mileage is guaranteed, but none of it is motorway, so lots of b-road thrashing and town driving are not great either. I would take 100k UK over 75k here any day.

Sometimes you can get a steal as no one wants certain marks, but price. Compared to the UK is generally high.

Lots of second cars though, and I think something like a puma is a decent bet here.

Does anyone know where I can find a front bumper? See a few on eBay, but not the right colour. Are all fittings the same?

Hi drl.
Welcome to the site and I hope you enjoy your Puma.
I cant think of a better place to drive on IOM`s roads are amongst the best.

As for bumpers. They are all the same. (fittings)
I do urge you to hold out for one in the correct colour. Every resprayed bumper (and bonnet) I`ve seen has chipped with the original colour shining through!
What colour is your car?
There is a great Breaker on this site named IanG who could possible help you (he`s only in Liverpool too)
The problem in finding a replacement bumper is that most have a little damage on them by the end of the donor cars life.. And selling a damaged item is not worth bothering with.

Thanks for the reply. It is Melina blue, and as such I am finding it tricky to get the right one. I would consider a slightly damaged one for touching up if it was the right colour, but seems to be far more in black and silver, or for the rear of the car.

It is a shame, as it has very little rust, and is extremely presentable.

I do go to Liverpool a fair bit, and in fact I am over with work on Tuesday for a few days, but don't know how much time I will have free.