Ford Puma (1999)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 922 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,561
£213/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1679cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.
70% of MOT tests on Ford Pumas from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 922 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 82,933 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,933
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 1999 Ford Puma had 82,933 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1999 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Ford Puma by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1999 Ford Puma
The 1999 Ford Puma is a family car. Our records list a 1679cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 922 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 82,933 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.
1999 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 £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 Ford Puma?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Ford Puma Reliability Trend
Newer Ford Pumas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 1999 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 27 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 83k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1999 Ford Puma stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Puma(1999) | 70% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561 |
| Toyota Yaris(2001) | 71% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£408 |
| Ford Focus(2001) | 68% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428-£133 |
| Mazda MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328-£233 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1999) | 71% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561same |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 1999 Ford Puma
Is the 1999 Ford Puma reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1999 Ford Pumas ended in a pass, from 922 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1999 Ford Puma cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Ford Puma?
70% of 922 MOT tests on the 1999 Ford Puma ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 263rd of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom half).
Which year Ford Puma has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Ford Puma has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1998 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1999 Ford Puma?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Ford Puma is 82,933 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Related Ford Models
Explore other Ford cars or similar models in the same category.
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Toyota Yaris
2001 · 1299cc Petrol
Ford Focus
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Mazda MX-5
1999 · 1600cc Petrol
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