USED Ford Puma Coupe (97 - 02)

My car

I have a 1999 T-registered 1.7 three-door in black. I bought it when it was three years old and have had it for nearly four years, (touch wood) with not one problem.

It should be mostly complimented on its road handling and driver comfort, and the interior is stylish and well finished. I am ready for a change now, but I am hesitant to change due to it being such a reliable car for all these years - am I going to miss it as much as some other readers have?

I would strongly recommend this car to anyone.

My car

I owned the Thunder Edition (51-plate) for a year now. It's the best small coupe I've driven and in my opinion corners better than a Focus ST170.

It returns good fuel economy (an average of 31mpg), even when driven hard. It has a high specification, too, including front-loading six-CD changer, leather seats, and air conditioning. It cost £8000 for a three-year old version, which I thought was very good for what I got. The rear seats fit people of up to 5ft 8in in comfort. Its sporty looks always turns heads. and it has cheap running costs.

However, the refinement could be better - the road and wind noise is quite intrusive at motorway speed. It has weak headlights, too. Insurance is expensive (for me, a 24-year-old with a no-claims bonus was £915 fully comprehensive, and average quotes were over £1400). The car also lacks mid-range grunt (you need to be in the right gear with high revs for overtaking). Finally, the shape of the bonnet means it chips very easily.

My car

I have had my puma for three years now, it was love at 1st sight!!!

Great road handling, a gem to park! sexy to look at and very economical to run. Rear leg space is a problem for my 6'+ son and hubby but I'm usually out on my own so who cares!!!.

I have a real problem now thoough, as I want a convertible! The only thing I like the look of is the MGF softop but every one is telling me stay clear! It has been suggested that I get the puma converted, sounds like sex on wheels!! watch this space!

My car

I cannot fault this car in any way and as for the rear seats I have two kids - one of 16 and one of 10 - and both have quite adequate room in the rear.

It's a pity Ford stopped making the puma as it is by far the most sexy car Ford have ever created in my mind.