Ford Puma (1997-99)

The **1999 Ford Puma** had a few common issues reported by owners:

1. **Brakes**: Some owners found the brakes to be poor, especially considering the engine size.
2. **Limited Space**: The Puma offers very little room for passengers due to its small size.
3. **Back-End Handling**: It can be back-end-happy, possibly due to the higher rear end.
4. **Headlights**: Headlights were considered very poor.
5. **Visibility**: Many blind spots, leading to poor visibility.
6. **Leather Steering Wheel**: Some experienced deterioration of the leather steering wheel.
7. **Rust**: Rust on the arches was also noted.
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Generations
The **1999 Ford Puma** belongs to the **first generation** of Ford Puma models. It was produced from 1998 to 2002. This sporty three-door coupé was based on the Mark IV Ford Fiesta platform and built at Ford's Niehl plant in Cologne, Germany. The Puma featured distinctive design elements, including swept-back headlights and a half-oval-shaped upper grille. Additionally, there was a limited-run variant called the **Racing Puma**, which boasted wide-arched bodywork, modified suspension, and a 153 bhp version of the 1.7-litre engine.
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Body Styles/Variants
The **1999 Ford Puma** was primarily available as a **three-door coupé** with four seats. Here are the key variants and body styles related to the 1999 Puma:

1. **Standard Ford Puma**: The regular three-door coupé model, featuring distinctive design elements like swept-back headlights and a half-oval-shaped upper grille.
2. **Ford Racing Puma**: A special variant tuned by Yamaha, equipped with a zingy 125hp 1.7-litre petrol engine. It boasted an excellent chassis, lightweight body, and a satisfying manual gearbox. The Racing Puma was one of the most enjoyable front-wheel-drive cars ever sold.
3. **Wider Track Racing Puma**: The Racing Puma had wider, lightweight aluminum front and steel rear overhangs, covering a substantially widened track at both the front and rear. It required longer drive shafts unique to this variant. The front featured an aerodynamic air splitter and a modified wider bumper with a sports grille.

These variants made the 1999 Ford Puma a daring and memorable vehicle in the late '90s and early 2000s!
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Trim Levels
The Ford Puma, produced between 1997 and 1999, was available in several trim levels:

1. **Standard Trim**: This included basic features such as cloth seat trim, front electric windows, and remote locking.
2. **Black**: This trim added features like leather seat trim, air conditioning, and metallic paint.
3. **Ford Racing**: A sportier version with features like air conditioning, CD player, and electric mirrors.
4. **Millennium Edition**: A special edition with unique features such as leather seats, heated mirrors, and special badging.
5. **Thunder**: This trim included additional features like leather seats, metallic paint, and a CD player.

These trims offered a range of options to suit different preferences and needs.
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Engines
The Ford Puma, produced between 1997 and 1999, was equipped with several engine options:

1. **1.4-litre engine**:
- Power: 88 bhp (89 PS/66 kW) at 5500 rpm.
- Torque: 125 Nm (92 lb·ft/12.7 kgm) at 4500 rpm.

2. **1.7-litre VCT engine**:
- Power: 123 bhp.
- This engine was developed in collaboration with Yamaha and was known for its high-revving nature¹.

3. **Tickford-tuned 1.7-litre VCT engine** (used in the Ford Racing Puma):
- Power: 155 bhp.
- This version had uprated camshafts, a new inlet manifold, and a tuned exhaust.

These engines were part of Ford's 16-valve Sigma engines, branded as Zetec-SE.
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Performance
The Ford Puma, produced between 1997 and 1999, offered impressive performance for a small coupe. Here are some key performance details:

### 1.4-litre Engine
- **Power**: 88 bhp (89 PS/66 kW) at 5500 rpm.
- **Torque**: 125 Nm (92 lb·ft/12.7 kgm) at 4500 rpm.
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 112 mph.
- **Acceleration (0-62 mph)**: Around 10.8 seconds.

### 1.7-litre VCT Engine
- **Power**: 123 bhp.
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 126 mph.
- **Acceleration (0-62 mph)**: Around 9.2 seconds.

### 1.7-litre VCT Engine (Ford Racing Puma)
- **Power**: 155 bhp.
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 137 mph.
- **Acceleration (0-62 mph)**: Around 7.9 seconds.

The Puma was known for its agile handling and sporty feel, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.
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Spares
If you're looking for **spares for your 1999 Ford Puma** in the United Kingdom and Ireland, here are some options:

1. **Autopartspro.co.uk**: They offer a wide range of original Puma spares, including brakes, filters, suspension components, electrics, and more. You can find parts like brake pads, oil filters, wheel hubs, and bulbs. They provide fast and free shipping.

2. **EU-SPARES Online Shop**: Their catalogue includes car parts specifically for the **Ford Puma Hatchback**. You can explore their selection of original parts for your vehicle.

3. **Motor-doctor.co.uk**: They have a variety of auto parts for the **1999 Ford Puma**, including brakes, water pumps, oil filters, and more. Reliable shipping and fast delivery are available.

Remember to explore these options to find the parts you need for your Ford Puma!
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND FORD SPECIALIST LIST**

Ford specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Services: Maintenance, repairs, pre-purchase inspections, full restorations.
2. ACSR Ltd
o Address: 24 Antrim Road, Crumlin BT29 4DX
o Phone: 028 9446 2841
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30
o Services: Servicing, repairs, spares.
3. TrustFord Ballymena Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 14 Larne Rd, Ballymena BT42 3HB
o Phone: 0343 317 9500
o Hours: Monday to Friday 07:45 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
4. TrustFord Belfast - Mallusk Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 31 Mallusk Rd, Newtownabbey BT36 4PP
o Phone: 028 9083 7700
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. NI Vans
o Address: Tandragee, Co. Armagh
o Phone: 028 3884 9777
o Services: Repairs, servicing, MOT, PSV for both Ford vans and cars.
2. McMullan Auto Services
o Address: Armagh
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Servicing and maintenance for all makes and models, including Ford.
3. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Armagh
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. TrustFord Belfast - Newtownards Road Ford Store
o Address: 391-397 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3LH
o Phone: 028 9065 4687
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
2. TrustFord Belfast Fleet Service Centre
o Address: 16 Maryland Industrial Estate, 286 Ballygowan Road, Belfast BT23 6BL
o Phone: 028 9044 9450
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:30
o Services: Fleet servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
3. The Motor Gym
o Address: 18A Balloo Avenue, Bangor BT19 7QT
o Phone: 028 9145 3310
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing and repairs, specialising in Ford.
4. The Dent Man NI
o Address: Bangor, County Down
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Dent removal and car body repairs.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Monaghan Bros
o Address: 1-3 Main Street, Lisnaskea BT92 0JB
o Phone: 028 6772 1147
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Servicing, repairs, and MOT for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. Desmond Motors
o Address: 173 Strand Road, Londonderry BT48 7PU
o Phone: 028 7136 7137
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, MOT, repairs, and maintenance2.
2. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd
o Address: 1A Drumahoe Road, Londonderry BT47 3SD
o Phone: 028 7130 1234
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Vehicle repairs, servicing, and maintenance.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in Londonderry
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.

Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.
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Racing
The Ford Puma from 1997-1999 did have a notable presence in motorsport, particularly with the **Ford Racing Puma**. This special edition was developed by Ford's UK engineering team and built by Tickford. It featured a modified 1.7-liter Zetec-SE engine, wider track, upgraded brakes, and a sportier suspension setup.

The Ford Racing Puma was primarily used in rallying and other motorsport events. It was designed to compete in the **British Rally Championship** and other national rally events. The modifications made it a formidable competitor in its class, and it gained a reputation for its excellent handling and performance.

The Ford Racing Puma, while highly regarded for its performance and handling, did not win any major championships. It was primarily used in national rally events and the British Rally Championship, where it competed effectively but didn't secure any championship titles.

The Racing Puma's legacy lies more in its engineering excellence and the respect it garnered among enthusiasts and competitors for its capabilities on the rally stage.

The Ford Racing Puma, while not securing major championship titles, made a notable impact in rallying, particularly in the British Rally Championship. Here are some highlights:

1. **British Rally Championship**: The Racing Puma was developed specifically for rallying and competed in the British Rally Championship. It was praised for its handling and performance, making it a competitive choice in its class.

2. **Engineering Excellence**: The Racing Puma featured a modified 1.7-liter Zetec-SE engine, wider track, upgraded brakes, and a sportier suspension setup. These modifications made it a formidable competitor on rally stages.

3. **Legacy**: Despite not winning major titles, the Racing Puma is remembered for its engineering and the respect it garnered among rally enthusiasts and competitors.

The Racing Puma's contributions to rallying helped solidify its reputation as a well-engineered and capable rally car.
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