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General Future 100hp Panda owner

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General Future 100hp Panda owner

The long road test is probably the best idea with a 100hp, the suspension really is very hard even with better shocks and springs and this puts 99% of people off to be honest but unlike the understeering type 'R' Honda you'll never have to wear your hat on the wrong way round.
For the money..the way it looks....the equipment levels...the brilliant handling!....the cheap running costs and standing apart from the crowd it ticks all the boxes, yes there are a lot of cars that are faster and certainly more comfortable but hey....if you just want to get there buy a diesel Peugeot but if you want to get there with a grin on your face.........
 
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AB100 said:
Going back to the original topic.....................


The worst problem with seeking people's opinions on any forum is that they will inevitably share them.


Those of us that have owned the 100hp (for 3 years in my case) invariably like the car. But not all of it (speed-bumps).


Some people will opine based on technical specs, which is to miss the point. It's like saying Picasso's Guernica is just a large, child-like waste of oil and canvas. To some people it's a haunting evocation the equal of anything by Caravaggio or David.


The OP should do these things:


1. Take a long, mixed-road test-drive and make a judgement


2. Be prepared to not to like the car after some period, but hope you will love it always


3. Ignore everyone's advice - you're your own person


4. Whatever car you chose will always be a compromise. Make your decision based on what you want (or need) right now


End of advice (which should anyway be ignored).
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:D totally excellent !!! (y) (y) made my day ... :)

oh, btw, ANYTHING by Picasso IS total CRAP !!! :ROFLMAO:
 
captainslarty said:
There is absolutely, utterly, no valid comparison between a civic R and a panda 100.. Completely different animals altogether. Sorry. The type R actually perfroms well, the Panda 100 is fur coat and no knickers :p - you cannot POSSIBLY try, even in your wildest dreams, to compare the two.
The 100HP panda is a good enough car, but it has crap suspension in reality, it does not handle well, in fact it is pretty grim in that department - Fiat did a boy racer special and not much else, put lowered hard springs on, and overdamp it - didn't do anything to actually make it handle properly. Luckily, the power output and performance is so low as to not cause too many issues.
Seriously, they are great cars for someone who wants to pay little insurance and have a sporty LOOKING car. But please, do not compare one to a Type R or similar cars.
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Captain

Youve completely misunderstood what i was trying to say. I was merely saying that the Civic is plentyful and the market is flooded with them whereas the rarity of the 100hp and it being a good car may make it into a future classic. Its just my opinion. (y)

Anyways lets get one thing straight, i am not a panda 100hp fanboy and i know exactly what it is. A great warm hatch and i would not dare to compare it to the civic. In my original post i compared it with the Renaultsport Twingo and Suzuki swift Sport, both probably better then the panda. I am neither naive or that stupid too to compare it with the Civic. You mention that the Civic performs well, but in relation to what. It too was overly firm and very harsh the same traits you seem to mark the 100hp down for. The civic Ep3 was released to take on the hot clios of the time and raise awareness to the type R brandt was never as good as the hot clios. In addition it was never a true Honda type R. I had a UK Dc2 Integra Type R, import 2000 Jdm Dc2 Integra Type Rx (ultra Rare) and a Accord type R. These were True R's equipped with a proper LSD. My mum had a Ep3 Civic Type R premiere. I know my honda's

But hey ho i dont think the 100hp rides as bad people make out. Granted ive not really owned one but after the string of overly firm Hondas i think ill be ok.
 
fpo123 said:
Hey guys. Been looking through the forum for a few days now as im thinking about buying a 100hp Panda but have a few questions first. ( great forum btw! :) )

The interior and exterior trim/panels, are they all transferable between 100hp and a standard one?

Also is there any changes between the early and later models?

I read that the 100hp versions are 20mm lower that a standard panda. Does this mean that the 100hp's have 20mm lowering springs on them or are there other suspension changes to the standard Pandas?

Finally would you recommend them? Haven't been able to test drive one
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Hi and welcome,
If you need any help with insurance please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.
 
Thanks for all the info people. I had already heard that they were quite a bumpy ride but im use to that as my current car is on coilovers..

As a number of you have said a proper test drive will be a huge deciding factor!
I know they're not the fastest or sportiest of cars, but they look great and ive not really seen many on the roads. Just another reason why they appeal to me.

FPO
 
GunMetalPo said:
Captain

Youve completely misunderstood what i was trying to say. I was merely saying that the Civic is plentyful and the market is flooded with them whereas the rarity of the 100hp and it being a good car may make it into a future classic. Its just my opinion. (y)

Anyways lets get one thing straight, i am not a panda 100hp fanboy and i know exactly what it is. A great warm hatch and i would not dare to compare it to the civic. In my original post i compared it with the Renaultsport Twingo and Suzuki swift Sport, both probably better then the panda. I am neither naive or that stupid too to compare it with the Civic. You mention that the Civic performs well, but in relation to what. It too was overly firm and very harsh the same traits you seem to mark the 100hp down for. The civic Ep3 was released to take on the hot clios of the time and raise awareness to the type R brandt was never as good as the hot clios. In addition it was never a true Honda type R. I had a UK Dc2 Integra Type R, import 2000 Jdm Dc2 Integra Type Rx (ultra Rare) and a Accord type R. These were True R's equipped with a proper LSD. My mum had a Ep3 Civic Type R premiere. I know my honda's

But hey ho i dont think the 100hp rides as bad people make out. Granted ive not really owned one but after the string of overly firm Hondas i think ill be ok.
Click to expand...
Fair points ... I Love the 100 HP to look at ! - I hate the Civic type R, it is PANTS to look at - I agree also it is not the best -

My last car, (prior to going sailing then getting the absolutely fabulous 1.2 8V throbbing powerhouse dynamic Panda :D - was, ??
A RenaultSport Clio 172 (Reg C110 GT) (y) 225 BHP on RR with throttle bodies and aftermarket ecu.. now THAT is a car and a half, it would also eat type R's for breakfast .. trouble is, it was too easy to lose your license with so - luckily the 'Yott' came along so it went its merry way...
The type R always had 'boy racer' written all over it, it looks like a failed ram raid at halfords.. now the Clio with TB's, THAT was / is a car lol... :devil:
 
.. now the Clio with TB's said:
I can imagine it was.


I bet I'm not the only one here who's waiting to see what the new Renault rear-engined Twingo is like. Looks good, small, cheapish, 4 doors. Maybe all the motoring press will then shut the fk up about the Up!


Maybe FIAT will then slap the Panda with the pretty stick and the 105bhp Twinair. And replace that godawful interior.
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GunMetalPo said:
In my original post i compared it with the Renaultsport Twingo and Suzuki swift Sport, both probably better then the panda..
Click to expand...

The Swift Sport easily outclasses an A500, never mind a 100HP. A current Fiesta RS will of course blow the lot of them into the weeds.

But the 100HP is still a lot of fun for the money; a shame it was discontinued before the end of the Mk3 Panda production run. I still think a carefully-preserved example will have a future as a quirky classic.
 
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AB100 said:
I can imagine it was.


I bet I'm not the only one here who's waiting to see what the new Renault rear-engined Twingo is like. Looks good, small, cheapish, 4 doors. Maybe all the motoring press will then shut the fk up about the Up!


Maybe FIAT will then slap the Panda with the pretty stick and the 105bhp Twinair. And replace that godawful interior.
Click to expand...
I hope the new twingo rwd is nothing like the V6 Mid CLIO RS - they looked the dogs danglies, but wouldnt go around corners... :rolleyes: - We were convinced the Clio was destined for 4 wheel drive as the shell was made for it ! but no...
The new panda is just utterly aweful, I must admit, also the 500's - ANY of them, they just look like a waste of space - as if someone couldnt afford the full amount of metal...:eek:
Someone really needs to take the current panda and sort the suspension out - properly - Adjustable camber and castor would be a start ! Also far softer progressive springs all round - turret the rear shocks also !! - The roll bar setup and links at the front are a bit of a dogs breakfast too..:(
Loose the power steering whilst it is being set up, - it is way out - if you think of it as a 'quick rack' when without the power, then it should be positive but not massively heavy like it is - that is the set up they have done, they are trying to do too much with the power steering. Some damn good progessive springs and all the angles sorted, it would be a different car - you should be able to pull the fuse on the EPS and it handles like a dream - just heavy parking ! - it doesnt. it is plain wrong. No lift off oversteer nada..
It wouldnt take much to make up the fully adjustable bottom arms, but it would take a hell of a lot of time to sort it. I'm looking at a 1500 n/a conversion for mine (8v) might consider the bottom arms and turreted rear at the same time. just looking at getting a grande Punto 1.4 mill shipped over - along with a late 1.2 for messing.. should bore out to 74 / 75 with a bit of luck stroking depends on finding the right rods ... and this is WAY off topic. sorrryyyyy.. :eek:
 
GunMetalPo said:
Captain

Youve completely misunderstood what i was trying to say. I was merely saying that the Civic is plentyful and the market is flooded with them whereas the rarity of the 100hp and it being a good car may make it into a future classic. Its just my opinion. (y)

Anyways lets get one thing straight, i am not a panda 100hp fanboy and i know exactly what it is. A great warm hatch and i would not dare to compare it to the civic. In my original post i compared it with the Renaultsport Twingo and Suzuki swift Sport, both probably better then the panda. I am neither naive or that stupid too to compare it with the Civic. You mention that the Civic performs well, but in relation to what. It too was overly firm and very harsh the same traits you seem to mark the 100hp down for. The civic Ep3 was released to take on the hot clios of the time and raise awareness to the type R brandt was never as good as the hot clios. In addition it was never a true Honda type R. I had a UK Dc2 Integra Type R, import 2000 Jdm Dc2 Integra Type Rx (ultra Rare) and a Accord type R. These were True R's equipped with a proper LSD. My mum had a Ep3 Civic Type R premiere. I know my honda's

But hey ho i dont think the 100hp rides as bad people make out. Granted ive not really owned one but after the string of overly firm Hondas i think ill be ok.
Click to expand...

I am....:slayer:
 
The ride on the HP has always been labelled as harsh and even undriveable by some all of which is bull. The ride is on the hard side but if it affects you that much then you need your spine looking at because its made of cheese. It really isnt that bad and is completely fine. I have owned 2 types of MK2 Pandas,an Active Eco and a HP. The HP is so much better than any other type of Panda. It looks better,drives better,handles better and performs better. The HP certainly isnt fast or powerful but since when has that been a limit to how much fun you can have. As the mantra goes its more fun driving a slow car quickly than a quick car slowly. The HP has just the right amount of power to have fun but not to get into too much trouble. Although plenty are still being written off. The term classic is very subjective these days. But the HP will be sought after by young people who want something sportyish and enthusiasts. So that to me makes it a future classic because it will be sought after. I can promise you something,in many years when people look back at the MK3 Panda the HP will be the one they remember. Just like the Sisley is the MK2 most people remember.
 
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captainslarty said:
Fair points ... I Love the 100 HP to look at ! - I hate the Civic type R,i hit is PANTS to look at - I agree also it is not the best -

My last car, (prior to going sailing then getting the absolutely fabulous 1.2 8V throbbing powerhouse dynamic Panda :D - was, ??
A RenaultSport Clio 172 (Reg C110 GT) (y) 225 BHP on RR with throttle bodies and aftermarket ecu.. now THAT is a car and a half, it would also eat type R's for breakfast .. trouble is, it was too easy to lose your license with so - luckily the 'Yott' came along so it went its merry way...
The type R always had 'boy racer' written all over it, it looks like a failed ram raid at halfords.. now the Clio with TB's, THAT was / is a car lol... :devil:
Click to expand...

Captain now are talking. Miles off topic now but was you involved in cliosport.net. Back Iin the day I had a clio 1.8 16v with head and cam work by hill power. My mum ( i was influencial for her car choices )before the civic had a phase 2 flame red 172 which was brilliant. Your clio did indeed sound like a license loser. I definitely remember that no plate too.
 
GunMetalPo said:
Captain now are talking. Miles off topic now but was you involved in cliosport.net. Back Iin the day I had a clio 1.8 16v with head and cam work by hill power. My mum ( i was influencial for her car choices )before the civic had a phase 2 flame red 172 which was brilliant. Your clio did indeed sound like a license loser. I definitely remember that no plate too.
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Yes, I was on there for a while, I was heavilly into developing turbo kits for the 172 prior to going sailing - had a garage full of megane turbo development lumps and 172 lumps, had forged pistons made etc, then sold the lot and bought a 'yott'
All the images for the turbo kit I was doing were on cs net but are no longer available - they link to the old bbs. Hill power did some good stuff btw !
The clio was crazy - you didnt think you were clogging it really, so refined - also the best braking I have ever used on a production car.. 14 years ago now - yikes !!! :eek: time flies..
 
Was you involved from the start. One of the guys down my way whom had head and cam work done at hill power eventually went for the BBC trunning high pressure turbo conversion on his 1.8 16v.

I I thought as a package the172 was great. Only thing that went wrong besides having the first replaced under warranty was the rear engine mount. The only thing i could criticise was the driving position and the feel of the gear change. I never got the try the cup or trophy variant but they could not be anything other then brilliant as the press loved them. I you didn't mention it I would not of known it was so long ago. The 172 was a 02 reg.
 
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GunMetalPo said:
Was you involved from the start. One of the guys down my way whom had head and cam work done at hill power eventually went for the BBC trunning high pressure turbo conversion on his 1.8 16v.

I I thought as a package the172 was great. Only thing that went wrong besides having the first replaced under warranty was the rear engine mount. The only thing i could criticise was the driving position and the feel of the gear change. I never got the try the cup or trophy variant but they could not be anything other then brilliant as the press loved them. I you didn't mention it I would not of known it was so long ago. The 172 was a 02 reg.
Click to expand...

Yes, mine was 02 also (y) - I think I started the main turbo conversion using the megane parts, we bought 3 engines directly from the test line, never fitted to cars, they all had the full probe sets on. The first manifold and turbos, cranks, pistons etc came from them.
http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?24385-FAO-Captain-Slarty
We were messing with all sorts at the time - as you can see, all the graphs, all the data we had, all the images -stacks and stack, all were on the old bbs..
Also my old old homepage has gone now..
I think the aussies thought I was renaultsport here lol ... - I think we did do six kits in the end,,, it was a long time ago -- one guy was getting around 350 on forged pistons.
found this but the images are gone - this is where they thought I was renault lol
http://www.aussiefrogs.com/forum/technical-performance/7779-clio-172-huffer.html
Again, shame all the images are gone :(

Loved the driving position and the gearchange, cant think of anything wrong with it ??? ,,,, the cup was just being released, it was a hoot, the renault main dealer in Burnley bought a turbo kit to fit to his own cup - dont know what happened to that one.. but it went like **** off a stick.. it was ace.. the only real difference was the weight and a few suspension changes.
The VVT was a total joke,, we didnt use it on the turbo conversions.. you could unplug it and it didnt make the slightest bit of difference ... good for marketing I suppose..

oh, yes, the best we had was 22 PSI boost. it was drivable at that, with a nappy on...
 
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Me again :p Is there different trim levels for the 100hp pandas? From what i've seen online they all seem to have the same interiors and kit..
 
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