Used Ford Puma Coupe 1997 - 2002 reliability

The good news is that the engines and gearboxes are largely trouble-free, and electrical faults aren't that common. In fact, any faults on a Puma will almost certainly be the result of abuse, not use.

For a start, watch out for any evidence - on the car and in the accompanying paperwork - that the owner has skimped on maintenance. A fully stamped-up service book is your target.

Pay particular attention to the oil level and colour, and inspect the tyres for even wear and the wheels for signs of damage. The Puma's suspension can easily go awry with careless knocks on the kerb.

Once you're out on the test drive, listen for suspension knocks, especially at the front, where the bushes are liable to wear. The brakes can wear quickly, too, so give them a thorough test.

Finally, watch out for signs of poorly executed crash repairs (uneven panel gaps, overspray, misaligned chassis legs) because the Puma does encourage enthusiastic driving.