1998 Ford Puma 1.7L Petrol · R432 VFJ
1998 Ford Puma (1.7L, petrol). First registered 01 Apr 1998. Recorded mileage 8,589 miles. MOT expired on 25 Feb 2016. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- FORD PUMA
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Feb 2016
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 8,589 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.7L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R432 VFJ Key Findings
- 17 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/02/2015
- 8,589 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 7 historical MOT failures
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (35 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R432 VFJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
17 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Ford Puma (R432 VFJ) between April 2006 and February 2015.
The record contains 10 passes and 7 failures.
The most recent test on 19 February 2015 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 7 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (35 issues), Lighting (23 issues), Suspension (17 issues), Tyres (10 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 68 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt e”; “Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped (3.6.B.1)”; “Offside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)”.
R432 VFJ Mileage History
- 22/04/200659,707 mi
- 19/04/200764,871 mi+5,164 mi
- 12/01/200868,923 mi+4,052 mi
- 14/01/200868,928 mi+5 mi
- 11/02/200974,327 mi+5,399 mi
- 11/02/200974,327 mi
- 26/02/201085,348 mi+11,021 mi
- 26/02/201085,348 mi
- 05/02/201195,414 mi+10,066 mi
- 08/02/201195,414 mi
- 06/02/2012394 mi-95,020 mi
- 11/02/20132,764 mi+2,370 mi
- 11/02/20132,764 mi
- 24/02/20145,332 mi+2,568 mi
- 26/02/20145,332 mi
- 19/02/20158,589 mi+3,257 mi
- 19/02/20158,589 mi
Average of roughly -5,789 miles per year across 17 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Ford Ford Puma (First Generation)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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FORD PUMA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1998 model year cars.
- Structural Corrosion (Rear Arches, Sills, Floorpan)Serious
The Puma most infamous fault. Rear wheel arches rot from the inside out, and sills, jacking points and the boot floor are also susceptible. Fresh underseal may be hiding serious corrosion.
- CV Joint and Driveshaft WearModerate
The Puma front CV joints and boots deteriorate with age, leading to clicking on full lock and eventually joint failure. MOT testers often flag deteriorated or split CV boots.
- Engine Management and Oxygen Sensor FaultsModerate
The 1.7 VVT engine is sensitive to a failed heated oxygen sensor causing rough running, hesitation and poor idle. Coil pack failures and HT lead shorting from coolant leaking onto them via failed core plugs are also common.
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