Hi

I collected my Panda about 2 weeks ago now, returning to the marque after some considerable time away. My FIAT history is as follows:

Cinquecento (L reg, from new)
Cinquecento Sporting (M reg, from new new)
Tempra Station Wagon (ex-demo car)

I think I chopped in the last one just over 15 years ago now, so its been a while!

Anyhow, onto my new steed.

Its a 2006 (06 Reg) yellow 4x4 with 35k miles. So far, I'm very pleased with the car and even my Mrs seems to borrow it all the time at weekends...

I have a whole bunch of questions, if I may:

What is a '4x4 Climbing' as opposed to a straight '4x4'?

Were they supplied with 185/65 or 175/70 tyres from new?

Can the blue-tooth unit for the Blaupunct radio be retro-fitted?

Do they chew cam-belts, as a rule and what should i expect to pay a dealer to change it? (The handbook tells me every 5 years or 120k km.)

How is the gear-knob actually attached? (is it a push / friction fit, is it glued, or does the shaft cut a thread into the sleeve of the knob?)

How long do clutches last?

Ar there any mechanical worries to look out for or things to have the dealer check when its in for the cam belt?

Any advice and feedback would be very gratefully received!

Thanks in advance

4x4Panda said:

Its a 2006 (06 Reg) yellow 4x4 with 35k miles. So far, I'm very pleased with the car and even my Mrs seems to borrow it all the time at weekends...

I have a whole bunch of questions, if I may:

What is a '4x4 Climbing' as opposed to a straight '4x4'?
Sticker on the body work - I think technically other than the Cross it was only the climbing sold in the UK, but not 100% sure.

Were they supplied with 185/65 or 175/70 tyres from new?
Not sure.

Can the blue-tooth unit for the Blaupunct radio be retro-fitted?
I believe so, but probably better swaping the unit for a aftermarket unit with bluetooth.

Do they chew cam-belts, as a rule and what should i expect to pay a dealer to change it? (The handbook tells me every 5 years or 120k km.)
They don't chew through them so to speak and are none interference, so if it does snap there should be no damage caused to the engine.

How is the gear-knob actually attached? (is it a push / friction fit, is it glued, or does the shaft cut a thread into the sleeve of the knob?)
Glued.

How long do clutches last?
As long as any other car.

Ar there any mechanical worries to look out for or things to have the dealer check when its in for the cam belt?
Nothing extra really, just the 4x4 system I'd say.

Any advice and feedback would be very gratefully received!

Thanks in advance

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The Panda 4x4 was only available as the Cross and Climbing specs. in the UK.
Climbing spec had alloys with 185/65R14 tyres, coloured bumpers, rubbing strips, fog lights, roof rails.
Nearly bullet-proof cars with no particular problem areas when compared with the front wheel drive Panda. The 4x4 system is ultra-reliable on the Climbing. Might be worth checking the gearbox oil level, especially if rapid gear changes are "crunchy". The gear oil seems to either evaporate or was never properly filled at the factory.
Clutch wear depends on how you drive/where you drive but I've never worn out a Panda clutch yet.
When the snow comes, as long as you have decent tyres on, all your friends, even those with other 4x4s, will envy you.

doctorchris said:

The Panda 4x4 was only available as the Cross and Climbing specs. in the UK.
Climbing spec had alloys with 185/65R14 tyres, coloured bumpers, rubbing strips, fog lights, roof rails.
Nearly bullet-proof cars with no particular problem areas when compared with the front wheel drive Panda. The 4x4 system is ultra-reliable on the Climbing. Might be worth checking the gearbox oil level, especially if rapid gear changes are "crunchy". The gear oil seems to either evaporate or was never properly filled at the factory.
Clutch wear depends on how you drive/where you drive but I've never worn out a Panda clutch yet.
When the snow comes, as long as you have decent tyres on, all your friends, even those with other 4x4s, will envy you.

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Good advice on the gearbox oil level. :slayer:

Actually, I just checked the oil in the gearbox and the rear differential at my dealer last Saturday. Luckily, it is full in both because the moment the lid was unscrewed, oil started dripping out. The dealer told me that it could happen that the gearbox oil was not topped up in the FIAT factory because FIAT would prefer their dealers to top it up after receiving new cars. this way FIAT saves some costs while sells more of their oil products to their dealers.

Look out for vapour condensation in the headlights, though. It happens on some Pandas. If it does happen, in most cases, the entire headlight unit should be replaced. I just had one of mine replaced last Saturday. (That's why I was at the dealer.)

Vapour in the headlamps is normally due to the rear cover not being replaced properly and water getting in, only way to resolve this then is normally to remove the unit and place it in the airing cupboard for a day or so. Doesn't normally require replacement.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

Vapour in the headlamps is normally due to the rear cover not being replaced properly and water getting in, only way to resolve this then is normally to remove the unit and place it in the airing cupboard for a day or so. Doesn't normally require replacement.

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I disagree, the serious condensation problem with headlamps and side indicator repeaters on my 2005 Panda was a result of faulty seals in the lamp units. After a bit of a fight the light units were replaced under warranty and the problem was resolved.

doctorchris said:

I disagree, the serious condensation problem with headlamps and side indicator repeaters on my 2005 Panda was a result of faulty seals in the lamp units. After a bit of a fight the light units were replaced under warranty and the problem was resolved.

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I did say normally though, I've yet to know if a case like yours Chris, I'm not saying its impossible, but is normally down to what I put above.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

I did say normally though, I've yet to know if a case like yours Chris, I'm not saying its impossible, but is normally down to what I put above.

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Actually, I experienced both on my Panda 4x4.

The headlight on the right side had serious condensation, to the point of accumulating little water droplets. The symptom did not go away after 2 weeks, no matter the weather and temperature. That's why I bring it to the dealer and they decided to replace the headlight. Well, the car is still in warranty and it's not bad to get a brand new light installed on this 5 year old car.

When the mechanic finished fitting the right headlight, I found there is a little condensation in the left headlight, too! It had not been there before I brought my car to the dealer. Luckily, the mechanic solved it by opening the seal of the headlight and blowing hot air onto the headlight cover with a hairdryer. After the "hairdrying", the seal was left open for about 10 min and the condensation was gone without a trace. Then the seal was closed again. Up to now there has been no condensation in the left light. The "hairdrying" of the plastic cover should be done carefully and not for too long, or else the plastic cover cannot take it.

My 1.2 Dynamic came complete with spider inside the headlight unit. He is still there but not looking too well!

Thanks all for answering these questions.

I've booked it in to the local garage in Salisbury to have the belt done and an oil change + everything else given a good check over. I'll ask about the gear-box oil as well. I thought about getting a spare key cut, but was told they are nearly £220 !!!!!!!!! I bought a spare gear knob on Saturday, but I've asked them to fit it for me. A cop out i know, but I assume they will have the requisite tools for the job and are less likely to break anything. BTW - do you realise FIAT charge £38 for the gear knob alone! That's unreal for what is just a bit of plastic!! Per the bag it came in, it was a 2007 vintage spare, which is no surprise at that price...

thanks again

Re the tyres, I've had a new set of these fitted:

The gear knob is hard 'a bit of plastic' and £38 doesn't sound to bad to me.