Hi folks,

Booked a test drive in a 2007 panda 100hp on thurs and looking forward to it.

Currently own a supercharged MX5 (mk2.5 shape) and a stripped out track day mk1 MX5 (pop up headlights).
so i'm looking for a slightly more sensible run around, but still something fun to buzz round the Surrey country lanes.

Seen a highish mileage 56 plate, grey with black wheels, but wasn't inspired by the dealer, so did some more searching.

Will be reading through posts on here for info, and any advice on what to look out for when inspecting would be helpful.

I'm an active forum member on several MX5 sites, so I hope to find the same atmosphere and camaraderie on here too!

Welcome to the forum, i had a little try of a 100hp and had great fun, nice nippy little cars. Hope you enjoy it and find what your after.

100HPs of that age should have had a cambelt change.. shocks may well be trashed (you may want to upgrade anyway), so that's something to be aware of when test driving.

Paint is very thin, so check for chips / dents. Wheels can be difficult / expensive to replace, so check for kerbing.

It's a pretty straight forward car, so there's not much to catch you out.

Dan Friel said:

100HPs of that age should have had a cambelt change..

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Its done 28K miles which is quite low, so whats the service interval for a cambelt? (My MX5 is 56K miles)

Dan Friel said:

shocks may well be trashed (you may want to upgrade anyway), so that's something to be aware of when test driving.

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Been down that road before on current cars, running Gaz Gold Pro's but maybe with the low mileage....

Dan Friel said:

Paint is very thin, so check for chips / dents. Wheels can be difficult / expensive to replace, so check for kerbing.

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I had heard about the thin paint so I will check that out, thanks.
I have some 15" OZ ultraleggera's in the garage that are similar PCD/Offset to Panda, so might be an option, and they are nice and light for unsprung weight

Dan Friel said:

It's a pretty straight forward car, so there's not much to catch you out.

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Thanks for the info Dan.

Rooflessdriver said:

Its done 28K miles which is quite low, so whats the service interval for a cambelt? (My MX5 is 56K miles)

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Usually with Fiat its x amount of miles or x amount of years. I'd be willing to say 60k or 4 years. (personally id do it at 40k with a water pump)

Freebo said:

Usually with Fiat its x amount of miles or x amount of years. I'd be willing to say 60k or 4 years. (personally id do it at 40k with a water pump)

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Yes, that sounds about right. I did mine at 4 years at about 45k miles. With a water pump just to be sure.. Degradation over time being the most critical issue I guess, so making it every four years makes sense (and not hugely expensive either).

Dan Friel said:

Yes, that sounds about right. I did mine at 4 years at about 45k miles. With a water pump just to be sure.. Degradation over time being the most critical issue I guess, so making it every four years makes sense (and not hugely expensive either).

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Ok that's useful to know. Car has a full service history so I will check this out.
You say it's not hugely expensive, rough estimate?

Thanks guys,
Sean

Well, I am selling my Panda 100.....it has a turbo!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayIS...0&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123#ht_1588wt_922

Andy BB

Thought he said sensible

100HP's are awesome but check the leather on the steering wheel and the seats to ensure no excess wear

Lol! Yeah I have done my time with modfied cars (upped my MX5 from 146BHP to 242BHP). Fun but lots of knock on work, so looking for a 'sensible' car seems a good idea.

Will check the wheel and seat condition to see if it ties in with the mileage.

Rooflessdriver said:

Ok that's useful to know. Car has a full service history so I will check this out.
You say it's not hugely expensive, rough estimate?

Thanks guys,
Sean

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Cambelt / water pump change - less than £250 all in if I remember correctly...

Well I can say I am hooked on the 100HP!

Great fun test driving the car.
Checked with fiat dealer and the service manual and belt change is 72k miles but no mention of age requirements.

Only problem with this particular car is the front offside wing has been resprayed and looks much brighter than the rest of the car (Red). It does match the front bumper and wing mirrors though!
So it's a classic case of red pigment oxidisation on metal whilst plastics have stayed ok

Right, checked the manual. Cambelt is 120,000km (74k miles) OR 5 years (or 4 years if engine has been put through "demanding use")..

I wouldn't push these limits.. especially if you're planning on keeping the car (so it would have be changed at sometime anyway).

I have decided against that one, but found another 07 car.
Slightly higher mileage at 38k but looks decent and a friend knows the dealer,
So going too see what he can do on price and pre-sale service.

Out of interest, what kind of price are 07 100HPs going for? I picked mine up today, in electroclash grey 60K miles FSH £3800. I thought it was a fair price but had nothing to compare it to really

jonro99 said:

Out of interest, what kind of price are 07 100HPs going for? I picked mine up today, in electroclash grey 60K miles FSH £3800. I thought it was a fair price but had nothing to compare it to really

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Well I have gone and bought myself a Panda 100hp as well!

It was listed for £4995, but I got it for £4650, new mot n service, and 3months warranty.

Picking up next sat.

You won't be dissapointed, I'm not!

Got a few plans for it, just have to start saving again.

What colour, age & mileage?

I managed to get MOT, service, 3mnth warranty, mats & petrol thrown in

jonro99 said:

You won't be dissapointed, I'm not!

Got a few plans for it, just have to start saving again.

What colour, age & mileage?

I managed to get MOT, service, 3mnth warranty, mats & petrol thrown in

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Nice!

I think it's called New Orleans Blue. 2007 (07 plate) with 38k miles.
Previous owner must have had a dog, as its got a rear grill and a waterproof boot tray.

The Boot liner will come in handy. I was looking at getting a dog grill but looking at the price & the fact they are the 'out laws' dogs I'll not bother!

My dealer (mitsi) didn't know the car had bluetooth & convinced me it didn't, was very happy to find out it did.

It's a firm ride & I've found it strange getting used to the handling as all my other cars have been coupes & had a very low centre of gravity but it's a fun car to fling about. I'm getting about 43mpg which I've never experienced before but with the tiny tank I'll always be on the forecourt I reckon. The 'sport' button is a welcome little boost, the throttle response & steering is much crisper & reactive.

I'm sure you'll love it

My girlfriend has a 500, so I've played with blue & me before.

I know what you mean about the handling/lower centre of Gravity.
My MX5's can't get much lower, it does seem odd sitting so high up, but both are on uprated suspension on track settings most of the time, so I'm used to firm ride!

I currently get 24-26mpg, so going up to 40's will be a novelty too, and as i currently use VPower, it will be lighter on the wallet.

Worked out my trains to get there Sat, but this week is going to drag!