Dear all,

I have found a 2nd hand Fiat Panda released in 2006 for sale. Mileage is
around 45,000 Km. Engine is the 1.2L petrol.
This will be my first car and hence I cannot really afford to spend money on repairs and technical problems. One of my top priorities in a car is reliability and stress-free ownership.

Can the Panda be considered a reliable car or should I look elsewhere?

Thanks

It will be reliable if you maintain it

They are generally very reliable.

The petrols come with Fiats FIRE engines and are usually bombproof.
Very simple, cheap to run and service.
In 54hp (1.1) and 60hp (1.2) are non interference, so cambelt failure will not ruin the engine.
Only the later 69hp versions are interference as they came with revised cylinder heads with a form of VVT.
Your 2006 will be 60hp and it's probably safe to say if it starts, stops, pulls, idles, selects the gears and the clutch feels ok, it's likely a good one.

They don't tend to suffer from body rust, but some of the suspension items can suffer with a bit as they get older, particularly the rear axle around the spring pans (under the rear springs), so a good root around under the back end is a must, also check the shocks and springs front and rear for rust.

Engines sump pans can get a bit rusty as well.

It's usual the rear exhaust back box will be rusty, they all are, but it takes a lot before they start to blow as genuine ones are double skinned.

Rear shock bushes can fail at the top and cause a knock from the rear over bumps, but it's a cheap and easy fix.

It's only my opinion, but cars from around 2007 with the red Fiat badges tend to be a little nicer inside, the plastic trim a little darker and better on the eyes along with better seat covers .

As the previous threads have explained I couldn't agree more. My additional suggestion would be to bring a good mechanic with you, if you're not sure. Highlight the points raised to your mechanic,
from the previous contributors, and go and look at a couple before purchasing, so you get a feel about what you're looking at.
I just bought my first panda 2 weeks ago, and it has surprised me no end, a good sound car.
Good luck.
John.

One other thing to mention is the electronic power steering, very often faults with this are just the battery but they still go wrong. If the power steering unit needs replacing you're looking at around £500 at least for a refurb unit including labour.

Make sure you do quite a few tight turns and get the steering on lock to lock a few times to stress the power steering motor a little. If the steering suddenly feels heavy or locks up walk away unless the car is very cheap.

As a first cheap car though I cannot think of anything better than a Panda. Cheap to insure, cheap to run, cheap to fix and actually more reliable than some of the more expensive superminis.

The Panda is the ideal first car. Regular servicing should ensure reliability. It's got great cabin space, a good seating position and all round good visibility.

For what it's worth, had my 2007 plate Panda 1.1 Active since new (80k miles) and it's been 100% reliable. Just routine servicing and tyres. Still original exhaust . Low battery charge will give power steering problems. Parking is a doddle.
The 1.1 engine is OK for me, the 1.2 should have plenty of pep.

pinemartin said:

For what it's worth, had my 2007 plate Panda 1.1 Active since new (80k miles) and it's been 100% reliable. Just routine servicing and tyres. Still original exhaust . Low battery charge will give power steering problems. Parking is a doddle.


The 1.1 engine is OK for me, the 1.2 should have plenty of pep.

Click to expand...

Pretty similar to our experience..
11 happy years.
and a coil pack@ 25 quid the only real failure.

Had a hestermatrix leak..which took out a HG. But this appears a Very rare failure.
doing my own work generally..I think ive spent under 1 k in total over 11YEARS AND 80 K MILES

Dear all,

Thank you for your replies, they are much appreciated.
The Panda seems like a good car overall, I'm just going to get some advice from a local mechanic about the points raised and I'll decide then.