tallsteve

Having itchy feet at the moment, and could probably get 4K in trade for my current car. Want something reasonably nippy, but also fairly cheap to insure and run (only do about 6K miles a year now).

Was thinking I could get a 53/04 SportKa for about 4-4.5K or for the same(ish) money a 51 reg Puma.

I like the basic Ka, it handles very well and is very good "fun" to drive - but has a gutless engine. The SportKa is that bit more gutsy (still no rocketship) but I would imagine great fun.

The Puma has all the great reviews and would undoubtably be "fun" but I'm a bit worried about the Nikasil problems on the 1.7 engine. I've never driven a Puma.

What experiences do you lot have of either car? Evo rated both (Puma got the magic 5 stars!) pretty highly....

Thanks

Steven

AlexJReid

I had a SportKa from new for the then-missus to learn to drive in.

1.6 8v Duratec relatively torquey but an otherwise awful whiney engine. Quite slow. Decent gearbox - same as the Puma? Excellent handling around country roads. No more practical than a normal basic Kak.

I have use of a Puma quite regularly and this is by far the more fun to drive. The 1.7 engine is great fun.

Both are a bit girly, if that bothers you!

tallsteve

I'm 6ft 6 and currently drive a MX5... Surprisingly enough no-one calls me "girly".. At least to my face!!

I'm more tempted by the SportKa as it'll be slightly newer (and hopefully a more reliable proposition) - although I'm prepared to be swayed by experiences to the contrary!

LG John

Puma

BigAl024

Puma mate - My mate had a 1.7 before he got his WRX Wagon, says he preffered the handling of the Puma!

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

Neither - They are both crap IMO, and could do much better with the money

MooseRacer

Puma. As mentioned above the engine in the Sportka is still a horrible thing

Steve vRS

Puma. The only car I really miss.

Steve

Red_WRX_Paul

both homosexuals cars you big wankshaft

The Zohan

Puma 1.7 is a great car and one of the best handling FWD cars i have ever driven, used to get 40+ MPG out of a car theat is very rewarding to drive.

Jenny put 40K on our whilst we had the Scoob, some mornings i would get up to find she had taken the scoob to work instead of her daily driver, not bothered the Puma was just as much fun to drive!

we only got rid when we had kids

fatherpierre

Puma.

Great cars.

Kas are a bit ****

JTaylor

Puma. Mother has a silver 51 plate 1.7 with 28k on the clock - absolutely stonking drive and is on the market for £4k. No bias, but the car is fantastic! I'm even considering robbing her blind with a silly offer and using it as a daily hack!

Scotsman

iTrader: (3)

I had a 1.7 Puma when they first came out and I loved the car. Room inside was fine for me and I'm 6'4".

Superb car.

tallsteve

Thanks for the responses so far - keep 'em coming (although it does look like a resounding victory for the Puma!) any more experiences of the SportKa?

I'm pretty sure I'll fit in the car, even if it's bound to be "snug"!

JTaylor - where are you based, I might be interested in the car if it's fairly close to me (SE London / Kent / Surrey borders)

The Zohan

Good choice Steve!

Oh and try to get one with the Lux pack, includes aircon, quick clear front screen, check the front screen works - haggling point!

JTaylor

It's Plymouth I'm afraid. She and her partner may be prepared to meet you half way, but you'd need to have that discussion with her.

Link PM'd.

samcowrx

There is a sporting puma for sale at the ford garage in abingdon, oxford, £5999, and it looks absolutely mint, buy it!!

mrtheedge2u2

As stated above.... the Puma 1.7 is a magic little number..... the only car I would consider owning twice....

CrisPDuk

Puma, every time

Chassis are identical between the two, the Puma engine is far and away superior, the motor in the Ka is a glorified Ford Anglia unit.

I wouldn't worry about the Puma being older either, being German, the build quality on them is way better than the Spanish built Kas, the 01 Ka we had started rusting through on the doors and tailgate before it was even eligible for MOTs

JTaylor

Sold to first test driver, at asking price within 48hrs, for what it's worth.