Hi - I've got a few problems with my panda - any suggestions please?


Even after a very small journey I get a crackle/fizz type noise and a strange smell from the engine. I was told it had a new radiator recently so shouldn't be that.


I also get fumes in the car when the climate control fan is on - tried to clear the screen and the children all felt sick.


The car is a 2005 Panda 4x4.


Having a beast with it really - had new sump last week but still having oil on the drive - is back in the garage Monday so any advice so they can order parts would be helpful - I've lost a few motoring days without the car now being in the garage and no further on! Grrrrrrr!

Is it a multijet 1.3 diesel?

oops sorry - did mean to put that in!


It's a 1.2 petrol. It's almost like something is leaking and dripping onto something hot.


Brought it in July and had nothing but hassle - the local garage thinks I've brought a lemon. Unfortunately I brought it privately from an AA man so no dealer warranty.

kungfu panda said:

It's a 1.2 petrol. It's almost like something is leaking and dripping onto something hot.

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almost certainly.. if there is oil dripping onto ground

the 1.2 is a fantastically tough ( and simple) little engine,
do you think it's had lots of "off-road" abuse..

your "garage" isn't filling me with confidence there..!!

where are you based..??,
Charlie - Oxford

Yes it has had at least 3500 miles of off road abuse as the AA support vehicle in the Help for Heroes European Rally in June then was auctioned off.


Thought I was onto a safe bet - had new radiator, water pump, disks and pads, cam belt, 4 new tyres and a full service before it went on the rally so assumed it would be trouble free for a while.


It's back in the garage Monday to get a new ABS sensor and for another look at the oil leak. Took the garage six hours labour to replace the sump (they didn't charge for six hours luckily)


I'm between Maidenhead and Reading.

new sump? Why? These have a sumpguard.....

306maxi said:

new sump? Why? These have a sumpguard.....

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Mechanic said it had rusted through - took hours to get the guard off apparently. They said that was the cause of the oil leak however now it's fixed there's still an oil leak

Ok - so it's spent another day in the garage and the diagnoses that the crank shaft oil seal needs replacing - my garage wont touch it but another garage locally says it will be £500-£600 to replace.


Also been told it will need a new exhaust manifold soon - and just spent over £300 getting the sump replaced (was originally told that was the cause of the oil leak).


Not a happy bunny. So worth replacing or should I do as garage suggested and "get rid"? Can't believe I was silly enough to buy a car privately without a warranty (even though it was an AA man!). Kicking myself