1999 Ford Puma 1.4L Petrol · T288 EGB

The most recent MOT record shows a failure on 18 January 2023 at 36,283 miles, yet no defects were listed against that test. That is an unusual entry; a failure with an empty defect list generally points to a data omission or an aborted inspection rather than a clean mechanical result. The preceding pass on 14 January 2022 at 36,052 miles was also defect-free. With only two entries spanning a single year, the maintenance trend cannot be judged as genuinely stable or improving. The record is simply too sparse, and the unresolved failure means the car's current roadworthiness is effectively unverified. The mileage pattern is remarkably low. Between January 2022 and January 2023, the car covered just 231 miles, which is consistent with occasional weekend use rather than regular commuting. Over its 27-year life, the 36,283-mile total works out to roughly 1,344 miles per year. That is light, but it also means the car has likely spent long periods stationary. Crucially, no MOT has been recorded since January 2023, which leaves a gap of over three and a half years to the current date. A car that sits unused for extended stretches often develops problems not captured on the test sheet. Because the failure record lists no specific faults, the buyer must inspect the car physically rather than rely on documented history. Look closely for corrosion in the sills, floor pans, and suspension mounting points, a known risk on 1990s Fords. Check the rear suspension bushes and coil springs for cracking or perished rubber. Brake discs can corrode badly from standing, and binding calipers are common; pay attention to whether the car rolls freely and brakes evenly. Tyres may look new but could be date-stamped old, so check the sidewall codes. Finally, ask about the 2023 failure directly and request evidence of the repair before purchase. A clean advisory-free record from a decade ago is no substitute for a current, verifiable test.