I'm thinking of changing from a 2008, 1.2 500 Pop to an ex-demo Panda 100hp, what are the things I need to be aware of on Pandas. Are they basically reliable?

I presume you mean a 2008 500, I don't think the 500 was available 12 yrs ago

I've had my Panda 100 since last xmas and have only had the microphone fail on the bluetooth, which was replaced under warranty. My brother has had his for a couple of years again without any problems.

I am still amazed how few I see on the roads, I think it's a fantastic car, well equipped and makes me smile everytime I drive it.

The FIAT 500 is based on the Panda anyway. They are reliable. I have the most basic one. I used to always walk to jobs less than a mile away but since getting the Panda I have become a lazy twit. It is just so fun to drive, and that is the 1.1 Active! When I get rid of this car I might replace it with a second hand 100HP .

They are as reliable as the 500, so no change really. If you are happy with the reliability of the 500 then you'll be fine with the 100hp.

The rear brakes always groan when reversing, but most of us just put up with that.

I did have a top mount end up with some movement and replaced after 6 months. Think my driving may not have helped that much though.

The dash seems to have rattles but then again the materials used are cheap. It is a bit frustrating as I can never seem to cure the rattles but the car has never let me down.

I can only agree with the above really I've just passed 10k miles in mine and the only problem has been a leaking clutch master cylinder replaced under warranty.

Lots of fun too!

Mark Elvin said:

I'm thinking of changing from a 2008, 1.2 500 Pop to an ex-demo Panda 100hp, what are the things I need to be aware of on Pandas. Are they basically reliable?

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Be wary of enjoying yourself too much. In 18,000 miles, including a couple blasts too and from Italy, I've had the clutch replaced ander warranty and no other problems, not even noisy rear brakes.

I've had mine from new and the car is now almost at 70k miles.

Here's my 60k review:
https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/230471-100hp-60-000-miles-review-long-post-warning.html

It's a great car; fun-to-drive, rare-to-see and excellent value-for-money

Slightly different reaction from the 500 section hey Mark

trackdayqueen said:

The dash seems to have rattles but then again the materials used are cheap. It is a bit frustrating as I can never seem to cure the rattles but the car has never let me down.

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My dash seems to be fine. The only rattles I get come from the bits that I put inside the glove box.

We've replaced the rear dampers due play in the top eye, but other than that all OK after 25k miles / 3yrs.

yea mines been pretty reliable, had it from new, done 48k, only ever had the rear pad groan on my first set of pads, hasn't come back on the second set.

Front tyres.. wears the inner edge quicky if driven hard, mines on its forth or fifth set of fronts, i know some people have had wheel alignment adjustments made to sort this, but i put up with it as i'm worried it would wreck the cars turn in etc.

I've also replaced my rear dampers, the dampers were fine but its the top bush/mount that goes, they arent that expensive and are dead easy to fit though.

Other than that it's the best car i've had. Serious fun and love the exclusivity.

I went from a 240bhp Leon cupra tfsi to the panda 100hp and I absolutly love it!! It's a little pocket rocket. If your thinking of changing from a 500 1.2 Id say you'll definately fall in love with it.

Can't specifically reply about the 100, as I only have the 1.2 Dynamic, but in terms of reliabilty, mine has 76,000kms under it's belt with no real problems. It's a right little work horse.

One day, the whole world will be Panda shaped.

miura74 said:

One day, the whole world will be Panda shaped.

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I hope not, I quite like how rare the panda 100hp is

Well tyr as I might I can't buy a 100hp, despite finding two dealers that have them.

First dealer simply won't respond, second dealer is supposed to call me back "within 10mins sir" with a cost to change on a pre-reg car, that was at 9:30 this morning.

I'm not bloody chasing dealers to do deals with, they can do one so far as I'm concerned, poor service = no sale.

Fair comment, if i don't hear back, i go elsewhere too. If it's one thing i hate, it's people not ringing back when they say they will!