2002 Ford Puma 1.7L Petrol · MJ02 UBY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding structural integrity. While the most recent test in July 2025 at 55,909 miles passed, it revealed a repair to a nearside rear suspension component mounting covered in underseal. This follows a critical failure in December 2023 where the tester found significantly reduced rigidity in the inner and outer sills. Although the repair has addressed the immediate safety failure, the presence of active corrosion indicates that the chassis is reaching an advanced stage of environmental degradation. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,330 miles per year. The data shows long intervals between tests, for example, only 427 miles recorded between January 2024 and July 2025 tests. This low frequency of use suggests the car sits for extended periods, which often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and accelerated corrosion due to moisture retention on the chassis. This pattern likely explains the age-related surface corrosion noted in the 2023 and 2024 tests. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underside, specifically focusing on the nearside rear sill area where the structural repair was performed. The underseal should be carefully probed to ensure the corrosion is not de-lining or bubbling beneath the surface, as the underseal often masks ongoing decay. The front suspension also requires scrutiny; the 2022 and 2023 records flagged worn control arm bushes, which should be checked for further play or perished rubber. Additionally, the persistent minor oil leak noted in 2023 and 2024 should be monitored to ensure it does not escalate over time.