Brutally Honest FORD PUMA Buyers Guide & Review

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EVERYTHING You Need To Know if you're planning on buying a 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and onwards Ford Puma!
All common Puma problems / issues covered including the ecoboost 1.0.
Considering Subscribing? Whether you're buying a Ferrari or Ford our Buyers guides will make sure you know what to look out for!
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[@simonh870]

It was called the Fox because whenever one came in for repair mechanics would say "For Fox sake, not another".

[@mitchreeves1]

I just don't get them. If you want a small SUV, buy one that was designed to be one from the start. This is just another jacked up supermini, which in this case is a Fiesta. Why not get something like a used Suzuki Vitara? A 4 cylinder 1.4 turbo with the option of a decent AWD system and designed to be an SUV from day one in the design department. They've also somehow made it a hoot to drive. Plus they come with a 7 year warranty from new. Sounds pretty good to me! If i were to buy a small SUV thats based on a supermini, I'd get a Dacia Duster. Youd probably be able to get a brand new one for the same price as a 3 year old Puma. Also the new one is due out soon and it looks pretty awesome.

[@kipa170]

We have a Puma ST and it’s a great car. Had so many cars in the past, but this is superb. The noise is spot on, it’s just about right on power and handles like a dream.

[@poormanstrackframe]

Hello buddy, I wondered how is your consumption? I also bought ST but didn't made 1k km yet. They say consumption will will settle after 2 or 3k miles. Now it seems like 21 mpg even I checked for right tyre pressures.

[@d.e.2338]

I agree but the build quality can be terrible at some points. I had to replace the whole steering column because of a production error. The car has only 25000 km. But so far I still love my ST.

[@d.e.2338]

​@@poormanstrackframe I can answer that. I bought my ST barely used with only 8500 km. At first it needed around 8,4 l per 100 km. But this spring I changed the original wheels to much lighter ones. All around I saved about 4 kg per wheel which makes a notable difference in fuel consumption. On average it needs 7,8 l now. I was quite surprised.

[@stevemo3318]

Have you tested a full size suitcase in it yet? 😊

[@kipa170]

@@poormanstrackframe we get 31-35 usually mixed driving and recently got 43 on a long run

[@rossanderson7553]

Finished with ford's.thanks for the memories RIP

[@CarsofGlasgow]

not signing up for the Capri or Explorer EV?

[@karllelliott681]

Me too once my MK7.5 & MK8 FiST's have run their course.

[@rossanderson7553]

@@CarsofGlasgow precisely, 😆

[@boabm6522]

Had an ST line as a hire car and.... sh!te. MHEV, slower than a week in the nick and at 6'3" I had less room than in the wifes Fiesta. Slipping back into the trusty mk2 Focus ST was heaven.

[@CheapBastard1988]

The Mk2 Focus ST has always been fantastic! Great Volvo engine and Ford handling. Fantastic combination.

[@forresg500]

Great review. Nice looking cars but potential faults put me off and knowing that ford takes about 10 years to acknowledge faults i and now wet belt oil pump it a definite no from me.

[@AdamLeask]

Good review, however, not all of them have hybrid tech. I'm running a non-hybrid 2022 1L and the only major issue (aside from some screen issues that seem resolved by firmware) was when the 12V battery went low and then the powershift auto gearbox starts changing gears like a learner driver. A night at the dealer on charge and it's been good as gold since, so probably not too much of an issue for most buyers.

[@180del]

On my 3rd st version and they are cracking,handle well on a back road and enough power to feel nippy,nice throaty exhaust as well that's pops in sport mode lol

[@michaelpaul873]

Good post I know of lots of people who have this car and none of them have reported any problems with the oil pump belt but as u say the right oil must be used

[@rayfordham9230]

A friend of mine has just got their 2nd one after 3 years with the first which was so noisy in the back that at motorway speeds was so full of road noise thinking was a chore it was dreary in the cabin full of black plastic. I had a Kia 1.4 Rio for 13 years, no problems at all, no turbo so not as quick but a lot quieter more economical and smoother in fact after the first couple of years the Puma often shuddered when pulling away unless it was revved to a point the Rio would need for a start on an incline. I think the electric motor ( hybrid ) is a thing introduced by many companies to try and get these 1ltr jobs to get somewhere near the advertised fuel consumption, I only ever heard one reviewer comment on things like road noise and the drab cabin most others talk of the handling and performance. I apologise if I've ruffled a few Ford fanboys feathers no offence meant but I speak as I find and that is it's nothing special.

[@keithatkins7850]

Good accurate information! I have one of the last fiesta’s made, 125 MHEV and it’s been back to the garage 4 times with battery issues. Eventually Ford replaced the battery. It’s also had a gearbox rebuild again under warranty. I owned my previous fiesta for 18 years from new, a great little car but sadly this MHEV version is not living up to the Ford blue oval name.

[@Ewhurstlane]

Good informative video as always, just not sure about the tee shirt message!

[@Get-Native]

Still not a puma in my eyes, It's a five door Suv, not a 3 door coupe. It's got hybrid nonsense. Why didn't they base it off the (3 door) fiesta? We actually had to ban posts and photos relating to it in the owners club FB group. Im building a widebody FRP replica. That to me is what a real puma is. (edit*)

[@HIOP0]

You are also a founder member of the not terribly bright association. Given what you say you know, it should be clear to you that buyers crave and demand small and medium coupes and sporty cars, but... don't actually buy them. They actually buy... SUV's, because they have families or their employer does not allow the former even if they became available. So carry on ranting and raving you provide a welcome diversion and distraction from the ever present bad new headlines.

[@piglet5287]

​@@HIOP0yep, the world changes

[@Get-Native]

@@HIOP0 oh I’m sorry, I enjoy driving small little fun cars and I’m not part of your target market demographic. And I don’t really care about the headlines 🤷‍♂️

[@robsmall6466]

​@@HIOP0This is kind of a redundant argument. No one wants affordable coupes and yet nearly every manufacturer sold them from Audi, Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Toyota, Hyundai..... many, many more. If manufacturers don't build them then people cannot buy them. Simply it's easier for car manufacturers to make a one size fits all vehicle. The SUV. No need for a saloon, 4x4, estate, traditional hatchback or coupe. Easy to electricity because of the weight. It's manufacturer driven rather than consumer. Same applies to the death of the Fiesta

[@HIOP0]

@@robsmall6466 Cannot be bothered to read your... whatever. Redundancy should follow something becoming useless. In this case, my point made to a f001 who knew not of what he spoke. So its time seemingly not outdated quite yet.

[@robtt997]

Excellent . Thank you

[@peterrear2864]

Would not in a million years by a ford ,not had one since my mk 2 cortinas

[@alanpotter7988]

Got rid of my puma as it needed a new engine at just less than three years old, no catastrophic failure, just a strange noise from the top end and ford couldn’t get the parts, it also had a dash rattle from the passenger side dash ( airbag bracket loose) a few more minor niggles like a small bit of trim missing and a failed door lock module, some owners on the forum are reporting gearbox issues on early 155s , great car, but so glad I switched to Toyota

[@philmoffett366]

I’ve had a fair few cars over the decades and I can honestly say this puma ST is by far the best car I’ve ever owned absolutely a pleasure to drive and very good MPG! The one thing that does niggle me is when I’m reversing in car part space or garage it appears straight in the mirrors and camera while I’m reversing but when I get out it seldom is🤷‍♂️

[@karllelliott681]

Same with me and my Fiesta's but I have put that down to it being me after five years :)

[@cliftonian10]

Funny I hadn’t thought about the wonky parking using the camera issue until you mentioned it! I also have a Puma ST 1.5 and love it. My only niggle is a rattle from the red light reflector in the front passenger door, especially when the audio system is on. Not sure what to get next now the ST 1.5 has been canned because of the green blob. 😡😪😂

[@MalcolmKerr1963]

I had the original puma now have the 1.5 puma ST and the ST is Miles better with the limited slip differential it catapults you out of corners altho hand on heart I miss my 1995 escort Cosworth yes I’m that old lol

[@gryg666]

Thank you for the info. I've just ordered a blue one this morning. After driving 8 years with Jazz, I just want a little bit more excitement ;) (Also Jazz starts being rusty :( )

[@balance7866]

finally a valuable review..

[@AnthonyMcGowan]

I have a Puma ST Line 1. litre eco boost and I have only had it since the start of June so not long enough to get past the novelty of it but my one issue is rear visibility, thats a small rear screen and there is a huge blind spot either side. so far happy we shall see how long before it turns up something to annoy me

[@IMAN7THRYLOS]

Yes the rear view is atrocious. What you should have done is to order the driver assist package that has blind spot indicators. These are super helpful. I hope they become mandatory for all cars.

[@johns4875]

A lot of Puma owners are now reporting gearbox problems mostly from 2020 hard getting into 2nd, apparently synchromesh was built from cheese 🧀 in these models and are facing large repair bills as ford still not officially acknowledging them. 😠

[@Leehuss5582]

The MK1 Puma was I believe a beauty of a car..the lines were soft and flowed over very stylishly Although it was a Fiesta underneath, imo it came about very nice in the MK1...This version as a SUV loses the essence of the MK1.. 👍🤜🏽

[@madanto2394]

Another eco flopper that originally was a 3 door sport coupe but now something not particularly eye catching with dangerous laser lights.

[@stanthesteelguitarman8228]

You don't need specialist technology training to know that the "wet belt" will have a limited life span - just basic common sense is needed, which we all used to have before computer technology. Since then, common sense seems to have gone out of the window, both in industry and in government. Great video!

[@HIOP0]

@@stanthesteelguitarman8228 "Limited" is a relative term. I'll give you an Automotive related example. A particular car may be released as a "limited edition". This does not imply that it is has a particular number coming to market, nor necessarily that it will be available for a specific amount of time, rather, it may simply be produced until eg, the next LCI or brand new model might be introduced. OEM'S do not deliberately bypass extended test cycles which show shortfalls in component performance, costs too much in time, money, recalls and warranty work. However, as in all industries, mistakes are made... if you're so clever, show us you knew of this impending issue and what steps you took to prevent this from happening... Speak up now..

[@michacieslak3967]

Too bad there's no wet belt in this car, expert 😂

[@seamusspratt7205]

​@michacieslak3967 You need to watch it again the oil pump still runs on a wet belt not the valve gear 😮a wet belt for the most important pump on the car the oil pump will result in the same failure at some point utter madness by ford

[@normanstephens5391]

You did't mention auto box. Good or bad ?. Cheers 👍👍

[@CheapBastard1988]

If it's a Powershift transmission, it's rubbish. Those are robotic manuals with a dry clutch that wears down very quickly and blows up the transmission when it goes. There have been class action lawsuits about them in the United States in which Ford lost, but still ripped off their customers. The only recent reliable FWD Ford automatic transmission is the one in the Mondeo Hybrid. Because it uses an eCVT from a Toyota design built under license. It's similar to the system in a 3rd gen Prius. But unfortunately, the Mondeo has been out of production since 2022. But honestly, I'd stay away from any car with a wet belt in the engine.

[@chazsach6594]

How did it pass the testing stage, before going in to production?

[@User107D]

Why would you buy a car with wet belt even tho being oil pump belt?! Don't do it - I talk from experience, the extra money you will definitely pay are not worth giving!

[@afonsorodrigues3816]

Honestly im thinking about buying the mk8 fiesta are those good on the build quality ??

[@michaelpaul873]

Excellent cars make sure it’s the timing chain model tho

[@karllelliott681]

I have a MK8 edition (from new) so nearly 3 years old now and it has run flawlessly. Any pre '22 I would say were made without covid parts issues (gear lever not leather covered for example on later models, dropping electric folding mirrors in some cases on others). Only one rattle (when very hot) from the rear window, so not very often. I have added a few Mountune mods to it and as I say, no issues. Does 45MPG (has always done over 40 even from new). All in all, a great little car with enough (197bhp) power for most journeys.

[@Nicknonexistent]

This is not the new one why you uploaded now ?

[@EdgyNumber1]

Nope. I'm sticking with the IC for as long as possible.

[@minotaurthegreat]

The car seems like a good buy, but after I got sat in the backseat, it is a nightmare. I got back aches and I can't rest my hands nor head anywhere. The space is very little and for long journeys it can quickly become harmful. I do NOT recommend this car if you have a family! You're better off with a 2nd hand volvo, if you seek comfort.

[@neilleng9188]

It's a Ford, wouldn't be seen dead in one, ever.!! 😂😂

[@cedric1138]

It's not a puma! Also that wet belt is the daftest idea in automotive history. How can the engineers get it so wrong

[@SrdjanPoznanovic]

But for the god's sake, drum brakes 🤢🤮🤮🤮...I know, recuperation , but stilllll it's 🤮

[@ihgday6103]

Not sure why anyone would buy a Ford with an ecoboom engine. Clearly the infotainment is angled for left hand drive and Ford couldn't be bothered to change for RHD.

[@peteg8920]

If you're unsure , buy a Toyota.

[@Chris-yc3mm]

Going to be showing my prejudice here ........ this is another suv and as such is automatically a poor car imo. 😢