General Panda Easy or 208?

[SB1500]

I'm looking at new cars to replace my 2005 Panda Dynamic. It's always been a loyalty situation where I've enjoyed the car so much without a doubt it's replacement had to be another, newer Panda. But now that the time has come, I'm looking and there's a lot of Corsas and 208s around the 5k mark used, loaded with features, 2015 or newer and under 30k miles. Sometimes even cheaper than Panda's!

Test drove a great Corsa with a heated steering wheel and all! But the 1.4 engine felt dead, surely a sign of why they're so cheap. I test drove a few 208s including my mums 2015 one with the 1.0 and 1.2 and they seem a compelling alternative. There's some good ones in N.I. for 5k / 5.5k.

The Panda Easy I'm looking at is 5.3k, hoping that'll drop to 5k. A margin more than what you'd pay in the mainland. Motorpoint has a nice Easy for 5.5k, 2017, steering controls etc but the effort it would take to get it is stupidly putting me off... do you think I should make the trip? It's in Burnley.

What's the opinion on here - Panda or 208?

 

[Goudrons]

You are always going to get positive opinions to Panda's here!
I'm sure what you've learned with your old Panda won't be wasted on the newer model.

But saying that, you could do with making a list of what is a must, what's nice to have, etc and work from there.

Though I don't want to upset everyone, I would add the Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10 to your list to have a look at.

With the Kia you should be able to pick up something with 3 to 4 years warranty still left on it for the money you're looking at spending and perhaps 2 years for a Hyundai.

They are basically the same car under the skin and the ones I've hired on holiday have been quite good, miles better than any Pug in my opinion.

I wouldn't ignore the Dacia Sandero, sure it has some short comings, but it's cheap (though used do hold there prices well) and once you get used to it, they're quite a hoot.

My Stepway (Larry) is growing on me, it's "naffness" is quite endearing.

My Mrs is less impressed as it has almost the same kit as her Vitara yet costs less than half the price.

 

[puntofan01]

SB1500: you've forgotten the Punto... £5000 would get you a very nice Punto, quite possibly fully loaded, plus far, far nicer than a 208, lol! Definitely take a Sandero out fora spin, so you can tell me what they're like to drive!

 

[Wee Smurf]

Shane. Just with the miles you do, have you ever thought about getting a diesel Tipo? A bit more comfort and economy, and really not that much more than the Pandas you have been looking at... I had one as a courtesy car and really did quite like it.

 

[AB100]

Closer to home and the poverty-spec Pop model that you've never eschewed:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/fiat/2014...r-low-mileage-full-service-history/1342726854

 

[Al D]

Get Gumtree ad car above before somebody else does....?

 

[The Panda Nut]

Well my Dad bought several Peugeots when he was with us, and they treated him very very badly, so I hope you dont touch them. His first thre its cam chain and de,molished the engine, another was supposed to come with cash back and they messed him about royally over that. I wouldnt touch one with a barge pole.

However I would be loath to travel far for a car. There are huge numbers of second hand cars around so there is ALWAYS another one. The Panda sounds good value however. Can you get help / transport from some of the retired member on here to get you to Burnley? Someone could have a look and report at least?? Hope you find something.

 

[SB1500]

Hi guys, let me tell you the story so far.

It started with a Panda Easy locates near me. Bear in mind Northern Ireland has about £1000 extra on the price of most used cars because frankly the typical person isn’t willing or bothered enough to go to England even to save a grand for the car they want at a better price.

There was one for £5300. Red good shape Easy 2015 model with about 22k in coleraine. THEN, I saw an easy on motor point with nice steering controls and phone kit (the features I really want most). So I decided it’d be silly to not get it for an extra £200 at £5500. But the issue being im planning on using a credit union loan and they’ve a promotional rate. The deal means they must make a direct payment to the car company apparently? It’s like 5.9% or something mad.

THEN, I saw a nice Corsa Excite 1.4 with every feature under the sun including a heated steering wheel. But it was 7k. Thought well it’s a real luxury car compared to my Panda. Test drove it and it’s alright. But tonight I noticed it had been damaged up both sides and repaired so had to scrap that idea.

Then I saw another at a local dealer for 8k, same spec but 2016 and half the miles. But the Corsa seems like the engine will be weak, despite my lust for it’s insanely well specced great value gimmicks.

There’s a lot of 208s and I like my mums 1.0 decent spec 2015. It drives well but is a 1.0. But modern enough and sort of superior to the Panda in most ways really. And that’s not insulting the Panda, the Panda is my favourite car.

I’m seeing lots of great 208s 2015 and on for around £7 and £8k but none are perfect. Some have little chips and small dents all around. I like the 208 but also am unsure about PSA longevity and their engine quality just as I’m not sure with Vauxhall’s.

The other contender then is a nice 2016 DS3 Elegance in black with a 1.6 diesel. First time I’ve considered one. Only thing is it’s a bit basic though it has a touch screen. It also has 71,000 miles which I’m told is okay for a diesel? Still PSA product and questions over robustness and longevity. My girlfriend has a 1.6 diesel and it’s a Ferrari compared to my Panda speed wise , but a PITA with how diesels aren’t really good for quick gear changes etc. I love the cruise control on hers.

I have a bit of experience with the Corsa and I can see why really people are avoiding them and they’re losing value. But I can’t put my finger on all the 208s and DS3s are so cheap. The DS3 is a 19,800 car brand new today somehow?!

Anyway, my contentment with the original 5.3k Panda Easy turned into a lust for bigger more equipped cars. Now I’ve been looking at 7-8k cars. And they’re nice. My family and friends are saying don’t get another Panda, telling me they’re old people cars, terrible quality, I deserve better etc - that’s always what everyone has said really and I know the typical person genuinely does see it this way. I don’t.

I really love my Panda. It’s basic. It’s cheap. But man, it punches above it’s weight. I’d even go as far to say it was the best car in its class by far during its life. Compared to those horrid 107s and old VW A segment cars etc. It’s rough around the edges and leans too much in corners (old age?) and on the verge of death. The petrol smell has gotten MUCH worse this week though it’s running smooth again. It’s nearing time to move on.

I’m truly torn. One minute I’m fascinated by my options for these step up relatively rolls Royce cars , then I’m having doubts and I just want the Panda. The familiarity, the robustness, the ease of use, the utilitarian feel.

The thing on my mind really is if I’m looking at that Easy or Pop steering wheel where the buttons should be ... knowing I always wanted the steering controls and having to fit an aftermarket radio to get Bluetooth and phone support ... knowing for the £5,300 / £7,000 I could have gotten one of the DS3 / 208 / Corsa with it all and extra features to spare.

The Panda is pretty expensive for what you get, even used. I’m unsure why. But I like to think it’s because they’re clearly good / maybe the best at what they are.

Ideally that Burnley car would be great. But it’s a lot of money and hassle sorting out the credit union financing. And I’d feel silly not choosing it over the base Easy here for the £200 difference.

The only thing I can think of is settle for the high miles DS3 enjoying what it offers or the 208 here, but every time I look at Fiat Forum, or the Facebook pages or the funny Fiat ads or get passed by a sparkling 500 on the road I still feel I’ll miss the quirky, characterful and unique Panda.

Honestly, I’ll miss what my current car represents. Utility. Punching above it’s weight. Appreciation to simplicity. Practicality. Rarity. Cult like following. Being happy with little and focussing more on the real parts of life.

If you can’t tell, I’m truly torn?!

I do a good job of ignoring what typical people say about the Panda. I don’t expect them to understand it. But every single one of you “gets it” - even you AndyRKett who even has a channel about your Punto tho you’ll not openly admit to loving them! Lol

But now that the chance has come, I am seriously wondering will I regret not choosing those nice little features. The price difference isn’t much.

The buy a low cost car, low payments, low concern for babying it and being able to enjoy it - driving it on the beach, getting a few scrapes, throwing brand new tyres on it because they’re so cheap etc is what I’ve always enjoyed in my Panda. Yes it’s old but even a new basic model will take life better than a sparkling high spec beauty of a car chassis like I find the DS3 and 208 design to be (the sculpted panels, the sharp modern styling details).

The Panda is just so unique. It doesn’t try to be anything, except perhaps a better Panda than my model. And I think it is. It’s practical and just builds on my existing car.

I know it lacks the features, the styling, the engine power, the refinement and handling of the bigger and more premium cars. So why do I still consider it?!

Perhaps I should see what the best price on the basic Easy here in coleraine can be? If they’d do it for £4,800 maybe I should go for it and continue to enjoy Fiat ownership. I feel very into the brand. What it represents. It’s following.

I’m not so fussed on the Corsa or the 208... I do like the DS3 buT it’s just a PSA car too.

Safety is a factor somebody could maybe talk me out of a Panda for. I don’t believe NCAP for a second or that it’s unsafe compared to Any small car in its class. But I often think how screwed I am to crash in my 05 model. How little structure it’s got. Could the current model Be much better? Is a Corsa or 208 really much better structurally?

Anyway, this is an essay and a half.

If someone could help me with Burnley I could fly to Liverpool or Manchester airport. But it’s need to be this next few days.

WeeSmurf I like the Tipo but as has been said on here before it seems to not be great quality in terms of holding up well and perhaps could be cancelled and forgotten in the next ten years making ownership hard for people like us who keep cars until theyre older. How come you didn’t consider one? Or was it just the allure of that Alfa? It is stunning!!

Punto fan, I think the Punto might be too big for a 1.2 and rare to find a good example of. Especially in Northern Ireland. Also with Fiat giving up Ion it (and I wish they didn’t) that makes me wonder if it’ll be a good car to get into at this stage. Sort of the same way I wouldn’t consider a good example of my shape Panda but in a less extreme way. Hope that makes sense. Been typing and rambling for too long lol

 

[SB1500]

Here’s the original Easy;

http://www.curtiscars.co.uk/used-ca...asy-hatchback-red-manual-petrol/id-243487323/

Here’s the Motorpoint Easy with steering controls and phone holder:

https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/vehicleadvert/fiat/panda hatchback/926458

Here’s the 208 finalist;

https://www.donnellygroup.co.uk/used-cars/9888103-peugeot-208-1.2-pure-tech-xs-white-5dr/

Here’s the DS3 finalist:

https://www.jchallidayandsons.com/used-cars/ds-3-16-bluehdi-elegance-ss-3dr/23887/

Here’s the Corsa which isn’t damaged:

https://www.donnellygroup.co.uk/vau...27-vauxhall-corsa-1.4-eco-flex-energy-5dr-ac/

 

[Al D]

As the Motorpoint Panda Easy is a March '17 one? judging by £30 rfl in the ad, that,'s good. Get Uconnect, the later upholstery, steering wheel controls, auxillary in and usb (both in glovebox). If all that worth £500 over the red '15 one to you, you should. I say £500 as the red one overpriced. The DS3 won't last the 14 years your '05 Panda has. Avoid.

A grain of thought says get newest car you can. Like this: and get £300 off it.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...del=PANDA&sort=sponsored&price-to=8500&page=1

 

[puntofan01]

SB1500: the current Panda is built far stronger than your 2005 model, so you would be a lot safer in 1. With regards to Punto, I haven't driven a 1.2, but can thoroughly recommend the 1.4: they go pretty well, and they're economical.

 

[AB100]

"I know it lacks the features, the styling, the engine power, the refinement and handling of the bigger and more premium cars. So why do I still consider it?"

You should also ask why many of the folks on here still have one when they could pretty much afford anything else.

Whatever you buy, something else will always have more or be faster, safer etc and as you start to work the "for another £1000 I can have" you end up buying something whose only guarantee is depreciation.

Property.ASAP.

 

[Goudrons]

One good thing about buying used at the moment is used car prices have slumped.
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/b...rs-plunge-as-dealers-struggle-to-make-profit/

There's a bit of a trend growing where PCP's are being returned at the end of contracts and finance houses chasing silly, none existent or over inflated damage costs as they try to recoup what they are loosing on the GFV's.

I understand NI is a bit of a closed market and as such dealers tend to try it on, but if you work on the fact dealers mark up around 20% and aim for 10% off, that should be doable.
(after you get that agreed, move on to a freebie or two, don't ask for it all at once)
From a car supermarket you'll probably get nothing off, they just don't budge.
I'm not a fan of car supermarkets for late used cars, they end up with all the trade ins that dealers won't stock as they need some cosmetic work, history's are missing etc.

Don't be afraid of asking for the price you want, just be honest.
At worse they say no.
Be positive and just walk away if they do say no.
They want to take your phone number, sure but tell them don't bother ringing unless they meet your offer.

Be cool and stick at it, you'll do ok.

 

[Wee Smurf]

WeeSmurf I like the Tipo but as has been said on here before it seems to not be great quality in terms of holding up well and perhaps could be cancelled and forgotten in the next ten years making ownership hard for people like us who keep cars until theyre older. How come you didn’t consider one? Or was it just the allure of that Alfa? It is stunning!!

Shane. I didn't consider the Tipo myself as city size cars suit me better as most of my journeys are within Belfast. I looked up other cars online and by configuring them ruled most of them out. I would have probably got a Panda Cross had the Multijet engine not been discontinued, so it made it impossible for me to get one with the options I wanted. There were still a small number of unregistered Mitos though and the one I got was only missing one of the options I would have chosen and it had the Multijet engine I like. It was kind of a no-brainer for me. And sure it just looks so good too! Can't resist adding a car-porn shot!

 

[SB1500]

Well, I took another look at the 208 and the DS3. The 208 was full of stone chips and the DS3 clutch hard to press in. I’m just not fussed on them really.

Currently I’m thinking of that Motorpoint Panda Easy. Getting it moved to Glasgow and doing a day trip next Friday to get it.

2017 Easy, low miles. With steering wheel controls and phone kit built in.

Any objections to this idea?

The car I love, just better and newer and with the two specific features I’ve dreamt of having for a long time

 

[puntofan01]

Go for it. I suspect that if you'd bought a different car, you'd regret it every time you saw a Panda.

 

[Al D]

SB1500 maybe confirm service history of that Panda Easy before having it moved? Take it an easy (no pun intended) flight to Glasgow then a cab ride. They do say you can drive the car away. Maybe take a foot pump and a pre mixed litre of screenwash. I bought a car once from allegedly one of the top 20 dealer groups, and a Panda 100hp from a Renault dealer in the Midlands. You wouldn't believe what they forgot to do. I wasn't amused.....

 

[SB1500]

Here's an update...

I've reserved that Panda Easy from Motorpoint. I spoke to the man and told him that if there's any sign of any repaired panels then he's wasting his own time and my time because I'll walk away and get my reservation fee back. I told him the HPI checks etc. are worthless in reality as the real damage can easily just not be recorded etc. He said if I come on the day and I don't like the condition then I'm within my right to say no and get my reservation fee back, so happy days.

Also, there's a LOT of 500's for around 7,000 (my maximum) in the Glasgow branch, as well as possibly the best UK spec used Panda Lounge with all the trimmings including the winter pack that I could go for. Only thing putting me off is the 85hp TwinAir engine in terms of leaking oil and longevity vs. the 1.2L. So those are my back up choices so that I'll walk away with something Fiat and something relatively new.

I really like the Easy. £5,500 and it's 2017, so 9 months Fiat warranty left should anything fall off that's not supposed to fall off yet. I'm going to get my own GAP insurance, any recommendations?

It'll take 7 days from today to get it moved to Glasgow. I was really hoping to go on Friday 21st over to get it. Lift to Belfast International Airport > Glasgow Airport. Taxi to Motorpoint. Pick up the car. Head into Glasgow city centre for a few hours. Drive down to Cairnryan (2hrs) and get the Stena Line ferry back to Belfast (2h15). What a nice way to get to know the new car, a scenic drive through Scotland.

This is a big upgrade from my 1.2 Dynamic 169 Panda. I'm gaining basic things mostly, a boot light, rear head rests, slightly bigger wheels, better handling, extra two speakers, AIR CONDITIONING (finally), remote locking that the Pop wouldn't have had even though I'm used to it, but a nice leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls (and phone controls I assume?) and the built in facelift Panda Phone Mount, which connects to the iPhone app with handy controls for changing music, making calls, maps etc - I mean it'll feel like I have a built in entertainment system in an optimal position, that being the extremely big screen on my iPhone XR. And in a few years, when I get a new iPhone, it'll be modern again. Let's just hope Fiat updates the app... lol But yes, the built in mics in the roof for this mean more than anything, as I'll be able to use Hey Siri and have conversations with people clearer. There's that new dash spot where if I go around a corner, things won't fly out the window!!! And black solid paint will be a little harder to keep from going swirly, but I think with all the black plastic on the Easy model and the black rubber around the window glass it will look well. Especially if buffed every other year or so?

It's now off MotorPoint, but I did download the webpage prior to this so I could keep having a look. I also got the photos emailed from Motorpoint which I'll attach here for your convenience. If anybody fancies taking as in-depth a look as you can without being there for real, to spot any signs of dodgy-ness please let me know. Other than a little blotch on the seat upholstery I can't see anything too bad, and I am realistic about the fact it's still a used car.

My family and friends are ripping! They're saying "who would willingly choose to drive a car like that" and "you must really love old mens cars", though, I pointed out to them that BMWs are old mens cars because more old men on our street drive them, even some models well into the 50k mark from around just a year ago... They tell me Roberto Giolito must be on crack if he thinks it's a young persons car. And well, it's hard to argue, because he did design the Multipla... but then again he is a legend for designing modern Fiats in my books!

As for my current Panda, it's still working but still hesitant where it was once building what power it had.. And the petrol fumes when idling and stationary are worse. Its days are numbered now at the mercy of Motorpoint's speed of preparing its successor. I hope it doesn't sh*t itself before then. I'm hoping to list it online for sale, not expecting too much. I cleared it out, sad times. But the times they are a changing!

Glad to be replacing it with nothing less than a newer, better more modern Panda. One that's still simple and basic but hopefully lives up to the legacy of my current model. I intend to keep it until it's ten years old hopefully. Before it needs regular major replacement parts, basically where my model was at just as I got it. OF course, I'll always keep the forum updated.

 

[Linzilou]

It looks a lovely car. I think you'll be very happy with it. It's not an old person car either. I'm a woman in my early 30's no kids so didn't need practicality. I loved the 500 but wanted a 5 door and love the individuality of the Panda. I've owned two 500's and now on my 2nd Panda. The Panda gets noticed more. Go with your heart and happy driving! ?

 

[SB1500]

I Googled the registration... found this video of someone walking around it from what must have been the dealer Motorpoint bought it from. Looks clean