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I had a 1.2 Panda on holiday in ibiza. It was a fantastic holiday romance but should memories stay memories?
1.4 Pandas (07) are now circa 3.5k and tick the cheeky, nimble box however- on a 200mile ocassional drive? Bike duties?
Thoughts?
I've had them on holiday "relationships" as well. Used to take bikes around the alps and was a surprising success. I'am similarly tempted as a second car with primary duty being to take the bikes to the trails. Not sure about the 200 mile trip though.
whats the occasional 200 mile trip and how occasional?
If it's only once every few months then hire something big for the trip and live/love the small car?
I drove a Aygo from Manchester to Germany and back..
200miles each way once every 6 weeks. 60miles at weekends to trails but I prefer nimblessnsss far over normal Focus hatchness.
Had one a few years ago. Did Leeds-Devon in it no problem. You can get a bike in the back with the seats folded down, though if your planning on taking luggage then a rack would be a better bet. Used to average 40-45mpg. Great cars!
Mrs Pondo has an 08 multijet, takes us, the tent and a fortnight's camping kit to France every summer, including two bikes on a rack. It's a squeeze but does the job no probs, it's amazing how much you can squidge in! 🙂
Have a 100hp and its seats down and both wheels off for bike duties.
Definitely ticks the cheeky and nimble box and surprisingly good on longer journeys if the roads are smoothish.
Ours does regular 200 motorway miles Leeds to London. Annual trips to Scotland of 300+ miles. Weekend camping with big tent and child. Easilly takes two bikes and kit with the back seat down or one accross the back seat. Brings home two pallets at a time for the woodburner.
Costs 30 to tax and does 45 to 50 MPG. Not sure of the engine size.
hora - MemberFantastic engine- needs a rigid, proper oil/filter/guaze change though. I testdrove one and liked it.
Citroen petrols- aren't bad. I've done 6k since December in mine. [b]The only reason that I will be changing mine is when I find a decent Subaru. [/b]
Posted 1 week ago #
🙄
Have you looked at Renault Modus's?
Loads of space in those things and cheap now too.
Gary C looking at insurance now in my area/cost and I simply can't find a decent one within 50miles. I've been looking for months.
A Modus? 😆
No have another one 😆
Main thing with our one was road noise... DAMN it was a noisy sod... constant road noise... didn't matter what rubber it had fitted, it was just noisy...
Decent enough car though.
Weeksy even if you went up a profile tyrewise?
Main thing with our one was road noise... DAMN it was a noisy sod... constant road noise... didn't matter what rubber it had fitted, it was just noisy...
With a Panda? That does surprise me, they have massive profile clown tyres on. 🙂 Never noticed it in ours - but I bet it's all I can hear in it from now on... 🙂
A Modus?No have another one
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Nuff
I have a panda as my only car and it does a great job. Bikes will go in the back with wheels off and seats down, however I have roof bars and a rack for extra ease. You can fit a lot of stuff in the back of one, its relatively economical and, while you are never going to set any land speed records in one, its a perfectly ok car to drive about!
If I was going to swap it I would get something like a 207 SW small estate so there would be a little bit more space in the back.
You can fit a lot of stuff in the back of one...
Sorry to reiterate the point, but yeah, that upright boxy shape means there's tons of space back there. There's also an option for the rear seats to slide forward when folded flat, which gives you even more space. And being so comparatively tall and upright, visibility's good and it's easy to get in and out of if you're a bit stiff or sore.
The biggest issue with mine is that it is a struggle to gt my DH bike in the back of it. It will go in but it does require careful angling and some swearing. Its not the end of the world as normally stuff like that goes on the roof. My Ht and Full suss fit in no worries its just the longer DH frame makes it a bit awkward.
I considered pandas. Just too small! Got a Peugeot 206 SW. Previous owner had obviously been going to the alps and back no bother. I'd have another or a 207 sw no problem.
Will take a bulky armchair or 3 bikes easy peasy. or comfortable Camping gear for two, a kayak and a Tandem. Stick that up yer panda and smoke it! 😀
cbike I like slightly quirky, weird, nimble etc. The 206 isn't a bad car but it just seems too sensible in a lot of ways.
The Multijet diesels need a good motorway (30 mile-ish) run once a week, minimum, or you'll clog the DPF.
Apart from that, they're a fantastic engine - rev like a petrol engine, torquey and fun, plenty fast enough, very cheap to run.
One of those in a Panda would be bloody good fun.
Richard Cort in Bury are very good dealers.
They will source you a car for your budget, plus, you get a service and an inspection etc.
Eventually got our last two FIAT's for pretty much private prices from them. Lot's of haggling, but a good result!
I've had a Panda as a hire car as well and thought it was fine. If I was spending my own cash though I'd be more inclined towards a Honda Jazz, even if it was a bit older.
I've driven a few Jazz's- good cars. Too good. I want something that steers/drives alittle 'cheeky' though. Abit of character.
I think that "character" etc. will seem fun first the few days, but may well be less so long term!
Maybe but walking towards a Jazz I'll think 'whats for tea'. Walking towards alittle character I'll think 'helllo' (or more likely) 'some ****s scuffed my rear bumper'
im with cbike. 206sw is a winner. Tough buggers too in 2l HDi. I'm on my second, and only cause I "upgraded" my first one to bigger faster comfier, and regreted it. If you get a panda you MUST buy the rad little 4x4 one.
Nissan cube!
Just looked on autotrader, 2.0l 206sw "gti" going for 1650. 140bhp adds over 50% to my 90. Hmmmmm......
What about a Mitsubishi Colt? Lots of room with the seats down, and the 1.1 makes a noise like an angry wasp. Ours is a second car and I love it. Goes like stink too - 3 cyl Smart engine so bomb-proof...
Definitely ticks the cheeky and nimble box and surprisingly good on longer journeys if the roads are smoothish.
For shits'n'giggles:
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[/IMG]That is the 4x4, though, and if I had the money I'd be up my local dealer tomorrow! Seen a couple around recently, and they're neat little cars.
Great little cars so long as you don't expect too much from them. Plenty comfortable and decent enough for longish journeys.
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However, if you're looking for a nippy car that can munch miles and carry bikes - look no further:
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Fantastic little cars.
That's a woman's car though, right?.
Daffy you can pick up a good 100hp from 3.5k. How much is ^ compared?
In addition. Ive driven one of those frequently (bosses)- it feels cumbersome/claustrophobic and hard to see out the rear of (for my height!)
I prefer the 2001-2007 version.
I love our 100HP. In fact we were discussing the other day how we'll probably keep it until it dies - which should be ages 'cause it's well bolted together and low mileage.
We've had it about 3 years, but it still makes me smile when I look at it, and although I don't drive it all that often, it's a hoot when I do. The economy isn't up to much, the suspension is bouncy and the brakes are too sharp, but other than that I struggle to fault it. And it's got a sport button.
Going up a profile from 195/45/15 to 195/50/15 works better apparently (from an existing topic on pistonheads)
Depends upon spec, mine was £8.5k, but it's got a very comprehensive spec: Nav, Xenons, heated seats, pan roof, leather, Bluetooth, 17s, non RFTs, IPod, MF Steering, Chrome, spotlights, LED DRLs, full lED upgrade etc...
With the pan roof, it's lovely and light inside and it's less cumbersome than the Panda which has a woeful turning circle.
Modifying the suspension bump stops on the Panda makes the biggest difference.
But its a different proposition then. 8.5k can also buy a good Golf GTI etc!
On the bump stops- how? Linky??
Nobeerinthefridge - Member
That's a woman's car though, right?.
Yeah, that's right... 🙄
cbike I like slightly quirky, weird, nimble etc.
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daffy I had 2 mk2.5 MX5. I loved the jokes 🙂
If you want cheap quirky and practical get a Kangoo Trekka.
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4WD and seems most have a quite basic 1.9d so not a lot of speed but good pulling power and not a lot to go wrong.
Z4 3.0 convertible. I got all the hairdresser jokes too. I have a substantially thicker skin thanks to it.
The Clubman has been a genuine revelation. Cheap, solid, comfortable, surprisingly spacious, frugal, and pleasantly quick.
I went to a pre arranged appointment at Fiat main dealers yesterday. I think from now on I'll stick to buying private. Car was a nail and the service appalling.
You got the full Fiat experience then, nice.
End of month targets done? 20mins in their with salesmen avoiding eye contact. In Citroen- the opposite.
They're really good for city driving/parking:
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Daffy pity that you are over in Leeds. I'd love to have a spin in one first before driving 100m+ to commit to a decent one for sale.
I've always loved the looks of the 100hp, something just so right about it. Couldn't convince my mrs to go for one during a test drive, but now we are divorcing I may treat myself next year!
Also a big fan of the 4x4 version. Lots of car/fun for the money
Which dealer Hora?
Just so I know who to avoid.
Definitely worth replacing the rear shock absorbers on a Panda 100HP periodically. OEM units can be bought on-line for around £35 each. A new set absolutely transformed the rear of mine (35,000 miles / 5yrs). It's an easy DIY job to swap them out.
The quality of the stock units isn't great so they seem to wear quickly, and cause the (widely known) suspension rattle as the top bushes wear. Although some people use more expensive units the performance of the standard ones is OK, just they wear quicker than perhaps they should.
The Panda is a great little car, and the 100HP an absolute riot. Construction is a bit flimsy in places but parts are cheap. Fiat dealers are, however, rubbish. Lots of useful advice on FiatForum.
Which aftermarket shocks did you use?
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This was my old one... great fun, I'd have happily done long journeys in it... regular passengers may have had other ideas. I think it helps to have a steering wheel to hang onto 8)
Had a 100hp for 5 years and 55,000 miles.
Great car and very reliable. It was only when I sold it that I realised how much suspension and tyres I had bought. Noisy and bumpy but absolutely brilliant. Most cars are so efficient and dull. Would have kept it but children driving now means we have a new slow panda for parking, insuring and learning and something more interesting for me.
Do it, you can't lose
I had an 05 Panda for a few years. You could fit a tumble dryer in the back with the seats down which I thought was quite entertaining at the time.
Which aftermarket shocks did you use?
Sorry, I may not have been clear. I just replaced with new OEM units. Made a massive difference just having a 'fresh' set 🙂
Lots of discussion on FF about 'better' units, but I'm not sure how much difference it would actually make. It's arguable that the bouncy back end is also part of the character!
Panda 100hp Is a great car little car. They are pretty harshly sprung mind you - even more so than my abarth which shares the same basic platform. Things to look out for:
3rd gear synchro / selector rings on the 6-speed box. I have two of these sitting in my garage and have swapped them between the floor of the garage and my track day cinquecento regularly over the past 5 years. You won't notice it unless you drive it like it's meant to be driven. Usually manifests itself as graunching noises doing rapid downshifts from 4th to 3rd. One of my boxes is starting to do it from 5-4 as awell. Eventually it gets so bad that the selector dogs give up and you lose drive through 3rd all together. Rebuild is about 350 + 50 for the new synchro assembly. When they work properly the shift should be light, incredibly quick and positive.
Cam belt. Easy to change, just often neglected at 60k by so many people nowadays. Do the water pump and tensioner as well. Once you've learned that the redline is 7200rpm you'll want to use it every day on every drive.
Rear wheel bearings. If they're the same as on the abarth they'll be seemingly made by the same monkeys that supply raceface.
Rear ride. The problem with the rear ride is that the thing is so low it sits on its bump stops. You can easily fix this by replacing the stops with those for a fiat coupe. They'll need bonding in place but it's a dead simple task and transforms small bump sensitivity and ride in general.
Spoiler. The teeny tailgate spoiler is bonded to the boot lid. Sadly this means fitting a boot rack is pretty much impossible without breaking the spoiler.
Red key. It won't have one so don't panic if it doesn't. It will have a <<2 sign on the key which means that it's the second generation of the infamous fiat immobiliser system. They'd done away with the red key by then.
Dealers. As you've already seen, fiat dealers are shocking (I can say this with some authority having had fiats in the family for 40 years and about 20 different models. My future brother in law even works in one). They run on minimal staff training and are more interested in getting you to swap up to a new model than fix anything properly. Don't be put off then by a service history devoid of main dealer stamps. Probably means it's been well looked after.
If my 500 abarth didn't exist I'd definitely have one. A proper fun annoying (to others) little fiat. 😈