New member here, thinking of getting a new (if I can afford it - if not, used) Panda 4x4 or Cross. Haven't yet decided whether I prefer a TA or MJ version (hoping to drive both this weekend). I have been very happy with my "small diesel" Citroen C1 these past six years, but I know the petrol version of the Panda is significantly cheaper than the oil burner. Decisions...

Anyway, to the point of my post. It was only after buying my C1 and joining an online owners' forum that I discovered some common weak points with that particular model - one of which affected my car. Before I commit myself to a few years of Panda ownership, would anyone car to comment regarding common failure/weak points on the Panda, the 4x4 models and the petrol/diesel versions of same?

If I ended up buying a used one, anything in particular to watch out for or things to test/check on a prospective purchase?

Hello Roymondo and welcome to the forum. I have owned for one year from new a TA Panda Cross. For the previous 6 years I had the previous generation Panda Cross with the 1.3mJet diesel engine. In my view the 4x4 and Cross are amongst the very best small cars. There's no doubt the new generation is a step up in quality from the previous one. It feels well put together, and drives well, feeling very solid on the road.

The only issue I have had, and others too is squeaking and squawking rear brakes when maneouvering at slow speeds. This was fixed under warrant by the dealer using Fiat specified vibration dampers. It's not apparent if these are simply a stick on pad on the back of the pads or a more sophisticated damper system. Either way they work perfectly and whatever you buy check that the dampers are fitted.

Others have complained about squeaks etc. from the dash. I haven't had any issues with this. Neither did my previous Panda Cross.

I have had no other issues whether mechanical, bodywork or electrical. The car has been perfectly reliable.

Good luck with whatever you choose. There's plenty of discussion of the relative merits of the TA and diesel. From experience both are very good engines and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. The TA is quirky and takes some time to get used to. Having moved from the diesel to the TA I'm very happy. Fuel economy on the TA is good but depends heavily on driving style. You will find it extraordinarily difficult to come anywhere close to Fiat's specification of 57mpg. I average 50 to 51mpg but I never have short journeys, always cruise at 55-65mph and have very little traffic to contend with.

Hi Roymondo

You might choose to read the thread here, which asked similar questions... https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/433181-looking-panda-4x4-cross.html

The Cross offers three things the 'normal' 4x4 doesn't get (as standard) - automatic climate control, a split rear seat, and hill descent control. But in other respects is 'the same car' as the 4x4, with tweaked bodywork giving a little more approach angle to obstacles and ever so slightly taller tyres. The Cross comes at a premium of £1650 (on the new price) for these additions

As to the engine, the TA seems popular but also seems to disappoint on fuel economy. I have the MJ because that's what I bought, ex-demo. I have found it to be great, and economical, but maybe a little noisy in some situations. It is though, quieter than y old 1.2 petrol 4x4 on the motorway.

Hi, we've owned a TwinAir 4x4 for just under a year. We bought it nearly new and made a reasonable saving on the new price. We've been very pleased with it, though like PaulD have had 'moaning brakes' when reversing. A quick clean in the dealership fixed it temporarily, but we noticed the beginnings of the same symptoms the other day, so once it's doing it consistently, we'll have it in under warranty for the dampers as described. Other than that, a slight buzziness from the exhaust was noticeable for a while at ~2800rpm, but seems to have disappeared. Certainly no serious issues.
MultiJet vs TwinAir? Personal preference, I think - try before you buy. Both seem good little engines and owners of both fuel-types seem happy with their selection on here. The consensus here seems to be that the diesel will give you more consistent 50+mpg economy and a little more (braked) towing capacity (900kg vs 800kg), with the TwinAir perhaps offering a little 'sportier' (a relative term, of course!) drive.

For us, the Panda is a 'City-car+', in that it is a superb city run around, but does so much more besides. It is also a good off-road/winter vehicle and makes a decent case for itself on longer journeys. What's not to like?!

Herts Hillhopper said:

The Cross offers three things the 'normal' 4x4 doesn't get (as standard) - automatic climate control, a split rear seat, and hill descent control.

Click to expand...

And you can get it in YELLOW!

Yellows! Yellows!

And orange!

Mine is in the dealer today for the rear brake noise.....not heard from them yet.....

Another Cross owner here and I have been far from Cross throughout the ownership experience. Again like the majority here the rear brakes moaned a bit and this was cured by the dealer at the 9k inspection service. I have come to regard the Panda as a kind of Swiss Army knife with wheels. If I won the lottery tomorrow I would still keep the Panda, it's totally dependable, relaxing on a long run, fun when you want it to be and cheap to run. Mine's a TA but the Mjet is equally worthy for different reasons. At the end of the day engine choice is going to be down to you and your priorities. You can get economy out of the TA but you have to either have the patience of a saint or ideal conditions. I once averaged 62mpg for about 30 miles on the M1 in a 50 Specs monitored section.

Hearts Hill Hopper is spot on with the capabilities of the Cross as compared to the standard 4X4, you would have to be an off road driving God in some pretty bad conditions to make the minuscule differences count. Buy the Cross for its looks/equipment, expect substantially improved go anywhere capabilities and you will be disappointed .

I cannot think of any Achilles heel reliability wise, the brake noise for me was a non event. Oh, and they are tough little buggers, I wrote off a Nissan Juke with me having only done 400 miles. The Cross was hardly damaged.

triumph7 said:

Mine is in the dealer today for the rear brake noise.....not heard from them yet.....

Click to expand...

Update: they waiting for the damper kit and the OK from fiat to fit under warranty.....

triumph7 said:

Update: they waiting for the damper kit and the OK from fiat to fit under warranty.....

Click to expand...

This sort of thing rings my Dealer Bull**** Meter alarm. They are probably doing the correct thing but I'd be making sure it's for your benefit, not for the legal department of Fiat.
Sorry mate, I hate to be a negative influence but I've been burnt too often trying to give commercial entities the benefit of the doubt to recommend it to others.