1999 Ford Puma 1.7L Petrol · H9 RUX

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance profile characterized by a significant regression in structural and mechanical integrity. While the most recent test on 19 February 2026 at 90,000 miles resulted in a pass, the inspector flagged a severely deteriorated offside front drive shaft CV boot. This follows a pattern of instability seen in early 2024, where the vehicle failed multiple tests. Although the immediate roadworthiness appears stable following recent repairs, the history suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to maintenance. The recorded mileage of 90,000 miles over approximately 27 years averages roughly 3,333 miles per year. This low annual usage is consistent with the data, showing a gradual increase from 87,189 miles in January 2024 to 90,000 miles in February 2026. Such low mileage can often lead to component degradation through inactivity, such as perished rubber parts or seized brake components, which aligns with the recent CV boot and brake pipe issues. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and structural mounting points. The January 2024 failure identified serious corrosion affecting the structural strength of the offside rear and nearside rear near cab and body mountings. Even if these specific areas were addressed to pass subsequent tests, the presence of such significant corrosion on a vehicle of this age indicates a high risk of further degradation. The tester should check for any signs of recent welding or structural repairs that may have been used to rectify these faults. The braking system and suspension also require close scrutiny. The January 2024 test revealed severe brake inefficiency, imbalance across both axles, and a worn nearside front suspension bush. While the 2025 test noted a corroded nearside rear brake pipe, the recurring nature of these issues suggests the braking hardware may be nearing the end of its service life. Inspect the condition of all suspension bushes, drive shaft boots, and the integrity of the brake lines to ensure the vehicle is truly fit for purpose.