General Prospective Panda 100hp owner: buying questions

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General Prospective Panda 100hp owner: buying questions

Repoman

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Hi

I've lurked on this forum a little bit as I nudge closer towards buying a 100hp. I'd be much obliged if anyone could help me a little bit with some advice.

I'm looking to buy a car up to two years old and it needs to be fairly low mileage: under 15,000 would be good, under 10,000 better

I've been checking Autotrader and Ebay and found a black 09 with 8000 miles for just £6900 from a dealer. This seems about the best deal I can see at the moment. How does that price sound? Am I missing any other sources? Any other tips and tricks onwhere to find a good car? I dont have a trade in and can pay cash.

I'm not bothered about the Pandamonium pack but a couple of other upgrades would be nice. Are the roof rails factory fit or could you buy as a part and retro fit? Or can you dispense with the rails and simply fit Thule style bars direct to the roof, running across?

There is a similarly priced car to the one above available (in white) that has the stereo upgrade. Is this worth it? Where does the subwoofer sit? Would it interfere with load space with the seats down?

Any noise issues or pros/cons with the big sunroof? I wouldnt seek a car with one out in particular but it would be nice to know.

If anyone could answer any or all of the above I would be very grateful, I've got money burning a hole in my pocket:)

I should say that I havent driven a Panda I've just been struck with the 100hp model since it came out: a latter day Mini 1275gt to my mind... I'm now doing more mileage for work (4 or 5 200 mile journeys each month) and my old Landy Defender isnt the most relaxing vehicle for that. And my '73 Alfa GTV 2000 only comes out on sunny days;)
 
Hi

I've lurked on this forum a little bit as I nudge closer towards buying a 100hp. I'd be much obliged if anyone could help me a little bit with some advice.

I'm looking to buy a car up to two years old and it needs to be fairly low mileage: under 15,000 would be good, under 10,000 better

I've been checking Autotrader and Ebay and found a black 09 with 8000 miles for just £6900 from a dealer. This seems about the best deal I can see at the moment. How does that price sound? Am I missing any other sources? Any other tips and tricks onwhere to find a good car? I dont have a trade in and can pay cash.

I'm not bothered about the Pandamonium pack but a couple of other upgrades would be nice. Are the roof rails factory fit or could you buy as a part and retro fit? Or can you dispense with the rails and simply fit Thule style bars direct to the roof, running across?

There is a similarly priced car to the one above available (in white) that has the stereo upgrade. Is this worth it? Where does the subwoofer sit? Would it interfere with load space with the seats down?

Any noise issues or pros/cons with the big sunroof? I wouldnt seek a car with one out in particular but it would be nice to know.

If anyone could answer any or all of the above I would be very grateful, I've got money burning a hole in my pocket:)

I should say that I havent driven a Panda I've just been struck with the 100hp model since it came out: a latter day Mini 1275gt to my mind... I'm now doing more mileage for work (4 or 5 200 mile journeys each month) and my old Landy Defender isnt the most relaxing vehicle for that. And my '73 Alfa GTV 2000 only comes out on sunny days;)

Price seems fair enough for the 09 car, the only problem is its the wrong colour. ;)

The roof rails were an added option on the 100HP, you can both sorts for between £60 and £200. Let me know if you want some and I'll send you the links on where you can get them.

Ive not got the sunroof so cant comment on noise, but its looks great on a white 100HP.

I havent got the stereo upgrade either, and you dont really need it, you can get a decent enough sound from the standard system by playing with the settings. The subwoofer fits under the seat, if the car you get comes with the upgrade .

The only real issue some have is with the hard ride, and that can be sorted.
 
Hello and congratulations on your first post! (y)

Sourcing:
There are a few cars for sale on here, but I imagine you have already seen those. You can also try www.pistonheads.com and take a look at the classifieds there.

Roof rails:
These are not OE on the 100HP but can be retro-fitted. Please be aware that they are costly to buy [do a deal when buying the car if possible] and rarely come up for sale privately/breakers/Ebay. Yes, you can fit side-to-side bars. Again, look at the items for sale on this forum.

Stereo Upgrade:
I don't have it myself, but others who do definitely rate it. The small sub fits under the driver's seat, so has no impact on load capacity.

Skydome:
No drawbacks and they definitely make the interior brighter. Have a look in the gallery section for photos.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted if you find a suitable car (y)
 
Mines White with the sunroof, stereo upgrade and roof bars. Definatley recommend the sunroof it's quite dull inside otherwise. Why isn't the sunroof a popular option very few are for sale.
 
I have the stereo upgrade. I had an MJ before with the stock system. The difference is night and day. I don't think you can get anywhere near the bass you can with the subwoofer.

I'd say it's a very desirable option.
 
No hedges visited, yet Dan, but I don't get it till Thursday.

I guess with the sunroofs it's a bit of a marmite thing. I like the inside to be dark, I don't like feeling like I'm sitting in a greenhouse, but I guess others do(!). Was an expensive option too.
 
Many thanks for the comments and for the welcome, appreciated.

The white car that I have seen has both the panoramic roof and the stereo upgrade, but its a bit more expensive (£7095), higher miles (17000) and its a private sale rather than a dealer. Hmmm.

Although I like the look of the roof rails I only need them for occasional bike transport so its not a dealbreaker.

The search continues. If anyone spots a good 09 car please give me a shout!

And I take it that I'll fit in it? I'm 6'1". I know I could be all sensible and go and actually try one but hey, I like to go on instinct ;)
 
There are plenty of people around of that size. If my friend of 6tf 5" has enough headroom to sit in the back, I don't think it'd be a problem in the front.

Cheers. Just noticed your ad by the way. Impeccable music taste;)
 
I have the stereo upgrade. I had an MJ before with the stock system. The difference is night and day. I don't think you can get anywhere near the bass you can with the subwoofer.

I'd say it's a very desirable option.

Yes , if you like Chavy Bass. Otherwise its not needed at all.
 
hi there i got my 09 plate 100hp with 7k on the clock for £6499 from availablecar last November
 
The side to side bars bolt on within minutes so fine for occasional use.

At 6'1 you might feel like you left leg is cramped against the gearlever tower/dash but you soon get used to it. (especially coming from vehicles that have their own quirks!)

I wouldnt be too scared of a private buy, there are no real big failures to be expected especially on a nearly new one and you atleast get to meet the previous owner. I think on something like the 100 that is quite important.
 
Price seems fair enough for the 09 car, the only problem is its the wrong colour. ;)

The roof rails were an added option on the 100HP, you can both sorts for between £60 and £200.

The only real issue some have is with the hard ride, and that can be sorted.


What's wrong with owing a "Black" car, yes it needs to be cleaned more often but thats the joy of cars.

You could ask other Panda owners who have roof bars if they use them, if not make them a buying offer.

What are a good set of shocks n springs to buy to make the ride softer...?
 
What's wrong with owing a "Black" car, yes it needs to be cleaned more often but thats the joy of cars.

You could ask other Panda owners who have roof bars if they use them, if not make them a buying offer.

What are a good set of shocks n springs to buy to make the ride softer...?

Nothing wrong with black cars, its just that grey 100HP's are better. ;)

For shocks and springs read the post from randybits in the thread below, sounds like he has sorted the hard ride out.

https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/266041-toe-camber-settings-100hp.html
 
And I take it that I'll fit in it? I'm 6'1". I know I could be all sensible and go and actually try one but hey, I like to go on instinct ;)

Welcome Repoman at 6'1 you shouldn't have any problem at all I'm 6'5 and have no problems, black IS the best colour to have and that's about it really, just find a good car, buy it and enjoy it!:D
 
Thanks for all the replies.

I'm getting close! I can get the black 09 car for £6600, might be able to push him to £6500. For a car with just less than 8000 on the clock I think thats not bad.

Credit card is twitching on the pocket. Time for lunch and a think....
 
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