Thought I'd introduce myself, as I've been lurking around the last few months researching the current Panda. I've always liked the integrity of the design and the overall 'rightness' of the concept so I treated myself to a brand new Multijet last week. I don't want to make it sound like an advert for the dealer who I bought the car off from, but Perrys of Aylesbury did a fine deal with me (check website), which included Air-con, roofbars, mats, trays and a fairly decent level of customer service. The car delivery date was delayed a week, due to a recall - I have since learned that it was a potential Head gasket issue, but the fact that Fiat recalled the car prior to delivery speaks volumes about their increased awareness of the brand trying to improve its quality control.

This is my first modern Fiat, had a 127 Sport years ago and I've traditionally had little French hot hatches - I've recently given up my 106 Rallye for the Panda in the interest of MPG and general thriftness. I do occasional long distance journeys - Newcastle to Southampton as well as lots of inner city travel and thanks to your verdicts, opinions, advice and knowledge the Panda seemed like the natural choice.

So far the car has behaved perfectly in its first 300 miles - My only issue at the moment seems to be the proportionally high road tyre. Not a huge issue, but curious to know whether the addition of lower profile tyres might help a little? Other gripe is the over light steering but overall I'm as happy as a pig in muck.

I'm looking forward to developing my relationship with this italian hotty and will keep you updated on whether it continues to win my heart over or turn into a total nightmare. I'll also let you know about the car too....

Glad to hear your enjoying life with the Panda.

I'm sure your relationship with the car will grow and grow.

Welcome to the club

Dinamico said:

Other gripe is the over light steering

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I found that too, but after 2000 miles, i seem to have got use to it and quite like it now.

Dinamico said:

....I don't want to make it sound like an advert for the dealer who I bought the car off from, but Perrys of Aylesbury did a fine deal with me....

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I've read bad things about Perry's but I had the same experience with them. Very professional and gave me no reason for any complaints....

Having said that, most of the negative stuff I've read was regarding the servicing dept.

Anyway welcome to the world of the Panda!

the sales department of any fiat garage is usually brilliant, its after that when the problems arise

glad you're enjoying the panda, stick around

hiya dinamico, good to see the forum is useful in making a purchasing decision, have a look in the stickies for the register, cheers