[elliot]

Hello,

I am 17 in september and am looking a getting a 1.7 puma for a first car, ive got quotes from quinn direct for 1300 which is manageable. What do you lot think about about having a 1.7 puma as a first car???

From Elliot

[grayfox]

First off - WELCOME TO PP

If its not going to really put you in dire straits insurance wise.. GO FOR IT! I would say start off with something worse so you really know the difference when you strap yourself in a kat but lifes too short, good luck with getting one!

[happy-kat]

any car could be either too much or not sensible as a first car, the Puma really fits both brackets.

It is a very capable car, your driving experience wont be, which may mean you get yourself into a situation more likely then a car more often used as a first car.

As a design the car has some really bad blind spots. You must learn these. Use your mirrors, and look around the blind spots, such as the A pillar. It is all to easy to say 'I didn't see you', translates into, 'I didn't look'.

If you do get one make sure to look after it mecahnically, you have to keep an eye on the oil level (closely!) and the tryes etc.

Be aware of your limtations and level of experience and be aware of the Puma constraints

Enjoy

in the Wiki is a buyers checklist and other articles on models, options and the bad things to know

[pumanurse]

Welcome to the forum. To be honest I'd say that a 1.7 Puma is not a good first car. I think you need experience in something with a bit less 'go' and better all round vision.

However, I can understand you wanting one, and if you do get one, take care and enjoy the car

[Crystalpuma]

Sorry to rain on your parade even more but personally I'd get something you don't mind bashing a bit as you are bound to make a silly mistake at some point and scratch or dent (or worse) your new car - rather it was a run around to practise in than a Puma!

Then again if a Puma is not your dream car it doesn't matter so much so go for it

[elliot]

Hello,

Thanks all for the helpful responces, im looking for one that is just over 1k so i dont really mind about the small dents and scratches because as you all say i will probally add a few of mine. If im sensible at dont over do it and use my mirrors and double check everything, i think i could use a puma as a first car?

[happy-kat]

only you can say whether you can use it as a first car
first things first, need to pass your driving test not long now till you can

[elliot]

Nope i cant wait :-) and id love to become a member here with a black 1.7 puma :-)

[happy-kat]

just look for a Puma in Black The Puma Black is an insurance group even higher.

[Midnight Blue]

Hi - welcome to PP.

I think you would be better to get some experience in a car with less power and more all round vision. However, it is your choice so if that is what you intend to do, don't try to run before you can walk and don't allow yourself to be egged on by mates who could push you into situations you are unable to get out of. The Puma might be quick off at the lights but the brakes aren't as quick to slow you down .... you need to drive within their limits and not rely on them if you are daft enough to tail gate at speed!! That said, good luck in your search for your first car, be it a Puma or something else

[elliot]

once again thankyou all for the information, yer i am looking for a puma in black instead of the puma black because of the insurance issues. I believe i am quite sensible and not the sort of person that will be stupid enough to do the things said in the last post

[Midnight Blue]

Glad to hear it

[cgandps]

welcome along

Claire

[panyg]

I agree that you would be better off getting a less powerful car and one with better rear vision. I passed my test in November and my Pooma is my 1st car. I was learning on a Corsa and I certainly felt a huge difference with the Puma! I have reversed into 2 lamp posts and touched bumpers with 2 or 3 cars too! Reversing is hard as a new driver due to the rear visability.

So I would advise getting a Fiesta 1st, then getting a Puma a year later when you are more experienced. The Puma is based on a Fiesta so when you change to a Puma, it will be like driving a faster, sporty Fiesta anyway!

Good luck with your lessons!

[dockertrigger]

Whats wrong with finding a Puma 1.4?, looks the same so no one is any wiser and still goes like a rocket and handles on rails.
Plus the insurance will be cheaper.
Think about it, it makes sense!

[JopieBK]

That's a good point made above - why not get a 1.4 instead?

Cheaper and easier to run, and the only difference being a bit less power. Still not slow by some standards.

[Murphy]

Get a 1.4.

Doesn't matter how good a driver you THINK you are. Everyone else on the road are a bunch of arsehole!

When the insurance is over 1k and the same value of the car, its not really worth it. You're paying for your car twice in a year. Where is the sense in that?

My 1st car was a 1.25 fiesta zetec and that was more than quick enough for me. I ended up driving that for 4 years. At 17 you don't need a 1.7 its a waste of money not on the car but on the silly insurance costs.
Build up no claims and get used to driving 1st before getting quicker cars.

This post has been edited by Murphy: 22 July 2008 - 03:25 PM

[serpentinesleekness]

being a biker first i dont understand why they dont do a resriction on the engine size like they do for bikes after you've just passed your test. i've been on the road since i was 16 then at 18 i got my biiig bike.gsx-600.most of my mates got their car at 17 and at the time i didnt feel safe in the car with them, right from going round corners too fast to simple not being able to park properly. most of them have points on their license now too. like people have been saying, the 1.4 is ample for a first car. like the saying goes, just because you can, doesn't mean you should!

[Dom36]

I must agree with the 1.4 idea...same car, just different engine.
Am I right in thinking the 1.4 is nippier also as it has a shorter range gearbox?
Atleast that way you have a puma and also saving money over the 1.7 also

[shinigami]

I'd agree with the above on the 1.4 and possibly a fiesta as a 1st car.
My first car was an old 1.1 fiesta popular plus and i think it helped me settle in to driving before I stepped up into a 1.4 SI fiesta which was a little quicker and sportier, then a 1.8 Escort Ghia which looked pretty nice and went quite well, then finally the FRP which I'm mighty happy with and don't really need much more on todays roads in terms of power.

The above spans the course of 4 years (6 now I've had FRP 444 for 2 years)
and I think that building up on my experience in less powerful, easier to use cars first certainly helps no end when moving up to a faster car with less visibility. It also helps build up them no claims bonuses for that special car when you come to insure it.