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

Don't think about it! Just get one!!

Got mine in November and loved it ever since!

As far as I've heard the only difference between the earlier and later 100HP's is different badges and different size wing mirrors.

Definitely recommend getting one! Great fun to drive wether driving like an idiot or not! ?

-chris

I'll answer your questions in order, to the best of my ability:

1) Some are, some aren't. The bumpers, for example, are 100HP specific.
2) Yes, the colour of the badges and the wing mirror size. Nothing significant though.
3) The springs are both lower and a lot stiffer, the ride is far harsher than a "normal" Panda.
4) Absolutely, they're a hoot to drive and I think you'd struggle to get any normal, everyday car which is more fun for less money.

If I were you, I'd definitely test drive one, some people seem to not get along with the 100HP's ride (though that can be fixed with Koni Sport or STR.T shock absorbers).

Thanks for the quick replys guy! I'll do a bit more research and Autotrader browsing

As others have said,theres no need to ask if they are good because they are brilliant cars just get one. I really enjoyed the time when I had one and will always recommend them. At the rate they are being crashed and written off I would also be quick and make sure you check for crash damage.

According to certain write ups the material for the suspension bushes is different on the HP,and from personal experience this has been proved via the price !, so if your looking at one that needs a bit of work price the parts based on the HP and not on a 'normal' Panda,the same goes for one that's been modified,as changing parts back to standard some (like wheels) are hard to find.
But apart from that they're great cars and brilliant fun,once driven forever smitten !!!!!

Remould said:

According to certain write ups the material for the suspension bushes is different on the HP,and from personal experience this has been proved via the price !, so if your looking at one that needs a bit of work price the parts based on the HP and not on a 'normal' Panda,the same goes for one that's been modified,as changing parts back to standard some (like wheels) are hard to find.
But apart from that they're great cars and brilliant fun,once driven forever smitten !!!!!

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You will find some suspension / mounting parts are actually cheaper for the 100HP, I very much doubt they use different material in the suspension mount bushes but I do believe the wishbones are slightly different to alter the camber.
They tend to change hands frequently as well. Beware of botched or cheap repairs or serivce history from non traceable sources (often a 'mate' does the service and things are missed off or not bothered with as too expensive) - beware a car with any mods to it as you may well find it difficult to sell again unless you get all the original parts with it.
The mega super induction kit, for example, whilst not making any difference at all to the performance apart from to the eardrums - may sound 'cool' you would probably soon want to get rid of it.
The ride is reported by most as HARSH, to say the least, it is not refined at all in the suspension department. Again, becuase of the ride and general handling, they do tend to be an impulse buy that is soon resold. Definitely test drive one first, even if it is private and you are the passenger you will get a feel for the ride (or lack of) .. Many love them, many as said, play for a few months then buy something that is more comfortable.
This all adds up to a rapidly changing market - good deals to be had - (bid 'em in the ****** ) - a typical car where the appearance is maintained way above the mechanical side in many cases.
Very good advise above re prior damage checks - often difficult.
Dont buy without checking the history in full, HPI means jack apart from finance. Dont believe the mileage without a dealer history for the first 3 years at least. even then I would check with the dealer - service books to order can be bought from ebay.....
Caveat Emptor...
Many are cared for by their owners, many are abused, poorly maintained, thrashed, but polished often and look 'nice' - whent he bills roll in, htey are going to cost a LOT of money usually... Price up, for example, full exhaust - you may be shocked ! - tyres - dont last long with some owners - clutch kit, timing belts - NEVER believe it has been done unless oyu see the bills and proof. It is one of the biggest lies in the universe apart from the cheque is in the post...
Potentially a great car if that is what you want, potentially a money pit as they get older, and, more and more owners decide after purchase to keep them only a short time to thrash them and resell them when they are bored and in a back brace... - whilt said thrashing prior to 'passing it on' the rest tends to be neglected..
A VERY easy car to clock the mileage also - very easy to check it though
Enjoy.. ?

Another voice,

I love my little car. It is a fiat and I have to say generally they are bomb proof. The engines are very robust. Nothing on mine rattles or is loose. Mine has the double sun roof not an issue but can be a head ache if it goes wrong so I'm told. With the 100 you can have your phone talk to the car, it is the early version of blue and me and not all phones work if that is important to you. Tyres, they come out of the factory on Goodyear f1 195/45/15 so if it's got cheap tyres on this could reflect in the standard of care. The car is a go kart, and very old school, you have to rev the engine! It is a buzz box, then you press the sport button, she responds to the right foot much quicker. Steering is not heavy but it talks to you a lot. She has a nice chassis, I am planing to sprint mine there is a class! The thing is it's a Panda, and it's silly, and you get stuck behind BMWs at 100mph...... In my mind the ride is fine, the fuel consumption is as bad as YOU make it, tax is high for what it is, insurance is ok. You can park it in any space with room to spare. Oh the one thing that does not work on mine is the electric boot release. If you like the car, and it's attitude then got for it, if you like not following the crowd.

neilwill said:

and you get stuck behind BMWs at 100mph

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Not on UK roads, of course haha !

But seriously, the 100HP isn't happy to cruise at 100MPH for long periods of time. It uses a ridiculous amount of fuel and the engine is up around 5000RPM in 6th gear. It'll easily do 100MPH, it won't happily cruise there.

The telephone/Bluetooth is not available on later models (mine's a 2011 car).


The white cars are slightly faster than the other colours, though you may find some folks who disagree.


Some have the Pandamonium kit - nothing much really apart from a stripe you don't want and red calipers which despite no actual evidence, do make the car 8% better in general and will give you more confidence when bluffing about progressive rock at parties.


The ride isn't for everyone, so you really do need to test drive one - a local garage should be best. Obviously never buy a car immediately after the test drive. Sleep on it.

Matt you are right the A50 is not in England, I was lost at the time honest. Mine seems happy, but it is a white one lol as I said the fuel economy is interesting it is all your own doing.

Hi

You are in the same position i was in a few months back. I have just purchased FullMetalPanda's old 100hp. It is in pristine condition. 2010 car he owned from new and its only just covered 13k miles.

If you are looking at the 100Hp then you should already know what they are all about. For me there is nothing else on the market that ticks so many boxes of what i needed for a small exciting to drive car thats also practical. 5 doors was a must for me otherwise i may have went for the Twingo Renaultsport or Suzuki Swift sport. Only thing that lets the 100hp down is the high road tax.

I dont own the car so cant comment on what ownership is like. One thing i can possibly say is dont expect the 100hp to be fast because it is not. Its a warm hatch possibly just about fast enough to be exciting. Its the way it drives that makes it exciting. The press loved the car especially Evo. There is lots said about the firm and harsh ride. Ive test drove 2 and both were acceptable for the type of car. One was completely std and one had koni Str rear shocks. What struck me most was how well screwed together it was ( Other car is a new Audi and i use to own a Scirocco ) and how well it rode. Previous to my VAG cars i was heavily into Honda type R's and to be fair the Panda rode like a limo compared to these. Its all relative.

Also mentioned are lots are thrashed and modified. The modifying is not necessary a bad thing if done well but check the history/service and the condition. When the shocks go on mine ill probably go Koni too but i certainly wont be messing around with Induction kits/exhausts. It will never be fast and will be all noise. Unless i turbo it. I viewed 5 Pandas before i found the perfect one. They are out there but be prepared to travel as it was not a huge seller. They are very rare. I cant remeber the last time i see one on the road. There are lots of overpriced cars. I paid a premium for mine but did not mind as i dont ever intend to sell it and i am proper anal when it comes to my cars. I expect cars to be meticulously maintained like i maintain my own. Probably why whenever i sell my cars they always sell for way about market value.

Anyway good luck with the search. Check Autotrader, Ebay, Pistonheads and even gumtree. There is suprisingly very little being sold through this forum. Probably because most are now with enthusiasts, some are even weekend toys beleive it or not.

I personally think the 100hp will be a future classic. I dont think the rumours of a hot new panda will materialise which is a shame. This will in turn hopefully mean prices wont drop to rock bottom.

AB100 said:

The telephone/Bluetooth is not available on later models (mine's a 2011 car).


The white cars are slightly faster than the other colours, though you may find some folks who disagree.


Some have the Pandamonium kit - nothing much really apart from a stripe you don't want and red calipers which despite no actual evidence, do make the car 8% better in general and will give you more confidence when bluffing about progressive rock at parties.


The ride isn't for everyone, so you really do need to test drive one - a local garage should be best. Obviously never buy a car immediately after the test drive. Sleep on it.

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That's true........


On the subject of buying there are no inherent issues with the 100hp that you wouldn't have to look for on any used car, its a small Italian hatchback so don't expect anything approaching German type comfort or build quality, you'll either hate it or love it forever so give it a good test drive first.
I've owned mine for six months now and to be honest I couldn't imagine driving anything else.

GunMetalPo said:

I personally think the 100hp will be a future classic. I dont think the rumours of a hot new panda will materialise which is a shame. This will in turn hopefully mean prices wont drop to rock bottom.

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I do not think it will ever become a classic anything. They are getting written off fast enough to make it rare though lol

captainslarty said:

I do not think it will ever become a classic anything. They are getting written off fast enough to make it rare though lol

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captain only time will tell. Like you said it has rarity on its side and the more and more that are written off will only add to it. It has low production numbers on its side aswell as being a good drive.

applying my rationale cars like the Honda civic type R ep3 model will never ever be a classic.

GunMetalPo said:

captain only time will tell. Like you said it has rarity on its side and the more and more that are written off will only add to it. It has low production numbers on its side aswell as being a good drive.

applying my rationale cars like the Honda civic type R ep3 model will never ever be a classic.

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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 - 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.

captainslarty said:

I do not think it will ever become a classic anything. They are getting written off fast enough to make it rare though lol

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Classic ?...probably not......respected and sought after ?....all day long.

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 - 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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Disagree with you on every single point there, the 'R' is much much faster but then so it should be...100hp outhandles it all day long and yes I have driven an 'R'.

Gavv8 said:

Disagree with you on every single point there, the 'R' is much much faster but then so it should be...100hp outhandles it all day long and yes I have driven an 'R'.

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Hi Gav, it would be a sad world if we all agreed lol
The panda cannot perform anywhere near the levels of the R, hence one cannot say it 'handles' as well as.. if you managed to totally slow the R down to panda levels, it would be a fair comparison, but that is not really possible to do that for a valid test.
The type R has a very well set up suspension, the Panda, errr, does not... the Type R is reasonably rapid, the panda, err, is not...
I mean, one would not take the panda to a track day would one,,, ,... and live with the humilation ..... Dont over egg the pudding...
The panda 100 HP is a reasonably nice looking car, it is cheap to insure.. above that ???? .. err nothing really..
One could put some harder lower springs on a standard panda - add a bit of camber and put some different wheels tyres on and it would 'handle' as well as the 100hp... which is not really saying too much that is good... any modern shopping trolly could be made to 'handle' the same as the panda in this way..

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).