1999 Ford Puma: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Ford Puma?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Ford Puma than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Flexible brake hoses2.8× usual
  Ford Puma

  17% All 1999 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
  Ford Puma

  16.4% All 1999 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 4.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Ford Puma

  12.5% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Ford Puma

  13.1% All 1999 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust in key structural areas3.6× usual
  Ford Puma

  9% All 1999 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 1.7% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 1999 Ford Puma MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Ford Puma MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  25% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  22% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  19% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Ford Puma

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1999 Ford Puma as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Ford Puma as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1999 Ford Puma as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?