General Panda nears extinction...

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General Panda nears extinction...

LoveTheBeast100hp

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Mar 22, 2011
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I've had my 100hp for a few weeks now, and as far as I've seen so far, it does everything I need. The car is extremely well reviewed too.

My question is this, why aren't there more about? It's great fun, cheap to own and run, it looks good (which I know is a subjective thing), and it's practical even for a guy like me who has a little girl and pram in tow 24/7. It should be all things to all men...but it's not.

The possible answer hit me when I went to the pub on Saturday. My mate could hardly contain himself when I told him what I had just bought. When I suggested that was a lot a more involving that his BMW 118d, he looked like I should be institutionalized. He, like so many males of my generation, think in 0-60 times, power outputs, and lap times. The days of a good manual 'box over an 'F1 style' semi-auto are fading, and the value of driving purity seems to be taking a back seat.

I just hope car companies continue to make equivalents of 100hp/swift sport/twinge cups for decades to come before we all forget what driving is really all about.
 
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Even though the 100HP is a sporty(ish) Panda its still a Panda. It still only has 100 BHP, a relatively slow 0 to 60 time and is small. I love my 100HP but all the lads at work think its a joke. Even these days with running costs so high they dont see the point. The only cars that earn respect are high end GTI's like the Focus RS. If I could afford to buy one (and run one) I would. Personally I dont need a car to prove that im a man but some guys do.
 
I've not seen any other 100HP in the 3 months since i've had mine. I'm glad they are rare "Beasts". :)

My insurance is only £240 fully comp, If I had an RS or ST, it would go over £800 which is not worth the cost.(Who do I need to impress with a proper sports car...?)

With the money saved on having a Panda, I can have more holidays ( I only work 30 hours a week) & enjoy more days out.
 
I'm currently driving a BMW 525i M Sport, but on the lookout for the right 100HP. Mainly for all the reasons you guys have listed.. lower my £850 insurance, £250 Tax, >30 MPG, extortionate repair/servicing...!

My mate could hardly contain himself when I told him what I had just bought.

Yeah, my mates also think i'm insane wanting a 'Panda' lol, and there's been a lot of jibes about FIAT's being "Fix It Again Trevor" (unreliable), but I can only see the plus points from reviews and people on here!! :slayer:

The only cars that earn respect are high end GTI's like the Focus RS.

I'd like a Focus RS (or even the Fiesta equivalent) but insurance is a total joke! This Panda seems just what I want... yeah, maybe a little underpowered, but I can live with that!

I've not seen any other 100HP in the 3 months since i've had mine. I'm glad they are rare "Beasts". :)

I've seen only one so far!! Not many up where I live, which is making it harder for me to buy one... Rare indeed!! :D
 
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The rarity of the 100HP has created quite a few posts. However as I mentioned before that even though they are rare on the road there are plenty for sale. For the last few months I have started to see more 100HP's on the road and more members on here. I think with the rise of running costs and people having less disposable income small cars will become more popular. For those people having to choose a small car thats cheaper to run but still want something thats fun then the 100HP and cars like it are a great buy.
 
For a small car I think the panda 100 has disproportionately high running costs.

Highish tax bracket for size and power, seemingly fairly poor economy considering its a small car with a normally tuned engine and a liking for front tyres and tracking.

In fact I am sure the 118d would be cheaper to run on a day to day basis. Not forgetting the BMW dealers reduce the labour costs as the cars get older. (also the steering would be far more involving)

5year service on the 100 will set you back £500 at a dealer.


Either way its still a great car as disproportionate or not the costs arent high and they are reliable.
 
Part of the reason for me buying a 100hp last weekend is my contrary streak... I love the fact that it is the antithesis of macho posturing. It's puckish, unbelievable fun and a neat side step from the race for more bhp.

I could happily have afforded something considerably more expensive, more "prestigious" or more powerful but decided on a differnent route. I think the fact that they are rare makes the car more appealing and enjoyable. Leave lairy GTIs to the masses and the 100hp to the cognoscenti
 
I dont think the 100HP is that expensive to run. The insurance group is very low especially when compared to other cars in its niche catergory. I will admit it is very thirsty when compared to more modern rivals. But lets be honest the main driving force behind engine design these days is MPG. A new very economical engine will be out designed within a matter of months as higher MPG figures are sought. The 100HP also suffers because it has a straight cam and induction system. You dont have to reach a certain RPM before the taps are opened. You get a smooth power delivery throughtout the band. Although it does tend to die sharply at higher speeds. Personally though this is one of the main reasons why I like the car so much. I hate driving cars where you have to rev the nuts off them to get into the power band.
 
love mine-low mileage model with cheap insurance and with a few mods might mean it gets a bit more torquey! the style kinda grows on me and to be fair people are always interested in the car. Dont see many about and if you drive it like its meant to be driven it can be a huge amount of fun for a little price. Love taking people in it and watching their face as we approach a roundabout at high speed. As long as you have the balls to turn the whell the little panda always goes round the corner! lol
 
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