FORD PUMA (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 71 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
71
Avg Mileage
64,687 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1997 FORD PUMA reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 27 years old, 77% of FORD PUMAs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 71 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 64,687 miles.
How does the 1997 FORD PUMA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 FORD PUMA has 64,687 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a FORD PUMA?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1997 sits between the two at 77%.
How much does a 1997 FORD PUMA cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD PUMA by Year
Checking a specific FORD PUMA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 FORD PUMA
The 1997 FORD PUMA is a family car with a 1679cc petrol engine. 71 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 64,687 miles at 27 years old, FORD PUMA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1997 FORD PUMA Fuel Costs
The 1679cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 FORD PUMA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD PUMA Reliability Trend
Newer FORD PUMAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 FORD PUMA
At 27 years old, the FORD PUMA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 71 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 FORD PUMA
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-4%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-6%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+12%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-7%) from 6,792 tests