General Panda Forum Users Opinions on a Panda

[FiatFleetFamily]

Missues was a Fiat owner for many years since 1996 till 2012, hence username. Last Fiat was a Croma, before it was taken out by a bus when parked. She then switched to the dark side ( German Brand ), but has found out like she was told, not fun to drive, she is talking about Panda'a.

Can users on this forum give me some tips on the Panda's engine choice and trim to go for and problems encountered. Sher does about 6000 miles a year, typically just her and kids / dog, but has to have some zip when required.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks

Old shape Panda up to 2012 by the way.

 

[AB100]

You're talking 2003-2012 "Mk3" Panda I think.

We have the 100hp. Form ride not for everyone, relatively poor turning circle a tad irritating but ok. Great to drive and solidly built. Our 100hp replaced a 500. Prefer the 4 doors and more practical shape.

We're pondering going for a second Panda - possibly a 100hp or maybe an Eleganza.

It's fair to say that Pandas seem to hold their price well when bought second-hand.

 

[jrkitching]

Can users on this forum give me some tips on the Panda's engine choice and trim to go for and problems encountered. Sher does about 6000 miles a year, typically just her and kids / dog, but has to have some zip when required.

I'm assuming you're looking at a used Panda. If you're looking new, then the Panda 2012 section is the place to be. Otherwise, read on...

A lot depends on your budget, but for the mission profile you're describing one of the later 1.2 dynamic eco's should fit the bill pretty well. £30 road tax, remote locking & Aircon as standard (despite what's said in the link), and you should be able to pick up a top-notch 2010 example privately for around £4k. What's not to like?

The 1.1 models are probably best avoided unless your budget is very limited - the engine has a lot less torque than the 1.2 & you'll need to use the gearbox to keep up with the traffic in town, so it's neither as relaxing nor as economical to drive.

Eleganza's have all the toys but cost a little more in fuel, road tax & tyres - only you can decide if the additional options are worth the extra money. The 1.4 100HP is a cheekily fun car with something of a cult following - getting a good one for a reasonable price may be challenging and it's more power & expense than most folks need in a 6000 mile commuter car. I'm admittedly biased against diesels, but the 1.3 Mjet won't save you much money in fuel over a 1.2 petrol & could expose you to some nasty repair bills if you are unlucky - one chap on here recently was looking at a £2k bill to replace the injectors at around 85000 miles. 4WD models are worth considering if you need a 4WD vehicle but will cost a lot more & decent ones are a bit like hen's teeth.

The cars are generally reliable; there have been issues with some electrical components, most notably the power steering; often (but not always) all that is needed is a battery change. As with all modern cars, if any dashboard warning lights are illuminated, it's perhaps best to walk away at the earliest opportunity.

We run a 2010 1.2 as a commuter car; it's proved to be utterly reliable in its first 30000 miles & returns around 55mpg with LadyKitching doing most of the driving . (I reckon I could get 60mpg out of it, but that's another story ).

Alternatively, you could do what I did & pay around £3k more for an equivalent 500 & get worse seats, poorer visibility, a smaller boot & only half as many doors .

 

[FiatFleetFamily]

I'm assuming you're looking at a used Panda. If you're looking new, then the Panda 2012 section is the place to be. Otherwise, read on...

A lot depends on your budget, but for the mission profile you're describing one of the later 1.2 dynamic eco's should fit the bill pretty well. £30 road tax, remote locking & Aircon as standard (despite what's said in the link), and you should be able to pick up a top-notch 2010 example privately for around £4k. What's not to like?

The 1.1 models are probably best avoided unless your budget is very limited - the engine has a lot less torque than the 1.2 & you'll need to use the gearbox to keep up with the traffic in town, so it's neither as relaxing nor as economical to drive.

Eleganza's have all the toys but cost a little more in fuel, road tax & tyres - only you can decide if the additional options are worth the extra money. The 1.4 100HP is a cheekily fun car with something of a cult following - getting a good one for a reasonable price may be challenging and it's more power & expense than most folks need in a 6000 mile commuter car. I'm admittedly biased against diesels, but the 1.3 Mjet won't save you much money in fuel over a 1.2 petrol & could expose you to some nasty repair bills if you are unlucky - one chap on here recently was looking at a £2k bill to replace the injectors at around 85000 miles. 4WD models are worth considering if you need a 4WD vehicle but will cost a lot more & decent ones are a bit like hen's teeth.

The cars are generally reliable; there have been issues with some electrical components, most notably the power steering; often (but not always) all that is needed is a battery change. As with all modern cars, if any dashboard warning lights are illuminated, it's perhaps best to walk away at the earliest opportunity.

We run a 2010 1.2 as a commuter car; it's proved to be utterly reliable in its first 30000 miles & returns around 55mpg with LadyKitching doing most of the driving . (I reckon I could get 60mpg out of it, but that's another story ).

Alternatively, you could do what I did & pay around £3k more for an equivalent 500 & get worse seats, poorer visibility, a smaller boot & only half as many doors .

Yes, looking at the models up to 2012. Yes secondhand, affordibility up to a 2010 model.

So 1.2 Dynamic & Eleganza are the ones to go for then. Does either have A/C fitted as standard or is it a seek out a Panda with that option ??

1.4 I suppose is the hottish version. From what I have seen 1.4 prices seem to be on par with the lesser sibling, why is this ?

When are the cambelts typically done ? Years / Miles

Do Panda's suffer from suspension bush failures and shock absorber high wear ?

 

[AB100]

Yes, looking at the models up to 2012. Yes secondhand, affordibility up to a 2010 model.

http://www.motorpoint.co.uk/VehicleAdvert/Fiat/Panda/402727

This is the last of the line Mk3 with the 70bhp 1.2 engine (earlier 1.2 were 60bhp).

So 1.2 Dynamic & Eleganza are the ones to go for then. Does either have A/C fitted as standard or is it a seek out a Panda with that option ??

Eleganza has climate control as standard like the 100hp, other models it was an expensive option. Later Dynamics will probably have aircon. Some cars will also have the optional glass roof, also nice.


1.4 I suppose is the hottish version. From what I have seen 1.4 prices seem to be on par with the lesser sibling, why is this ?
Who knows, but Panda's seem to level out nicely. If you pay £5000 for one you're unlikely to lose much. Can't say that about the Croma, or any BMW......

When are the cambelts typically done ? Years / Miles
I forget the rile 60000 miles I think. Some will replace them sooner - within 3 years or whatever.

Do Panda's suffer from suspension bush failures and shock absorber high wear ?
No more than anything else I don't imagine.

 

[jrkitching]

So 1.2 Dynamic & Eleganza are the ones to go for then. Does either have A/C fitted as standard or is it a seek out a Panda with that option ??

A/C with climate control is standard on the Eleganza; A/C without climate is standard on later Dynamics; optional on the earlier Dynamic. 1.1 engines can't be fitted with A/C. No Eleganzas will have £30 road tax, later Dynamics (aka Dynamic Eco) will.

1.4 I suppose is the hottish version. From what I have seen 1.4 prices seem to be on par with the lesser sibling, why is this ?

For a '10 plate 2010 model, book prices in A1 condition are £3895-£4360 for a 1.2 Dynamic Eco, £5580-£6240 for a 100HP. (Private Sale/Franchised Dealer in both cases), making the 100HP about 40% more expensive.

Don't be deceived by meaningless original list prices - most Pandas when new left the showroom with at least a 20% discount.

When are the cambelts typically done ? Years / Miles

Depends on the model - 1.2 engines are failsafe so if the belt breaks, it shouldn't do any additional damage - 5yrs/60000 miles would seem reasonable. 1.4 engines will likely be ruined if the belt breaks, so most folks err on the side of caution with the 100HP & change more frequently. Diesels have been known to break the timing chain, which usually writes off the engine.

Do Panda's suffer from suspension bush failures and shock absorber high wear ?

Yes, and in consequence are also prone to premature tyre wear. Parts are cheap & repairs straightforward.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

If she wants zippy then its only the 100HP you should consider, if not that fussed then an Eleganza will bring good spec at good used prices

 

[Wee Smurf]

I'd say 1.2 either Dynamic or Eleganza, even though I have a Multijet myself. The ride on the 100HP is a bit on the harsh side. As mentioned before not all Dynamics will have aircon as that was an option. I chose the skydome myself instead. I replaced the bushes on mine at around 60K and replaced the timing chain on it at 71K. I bought the Multijet myself as I tend to hold onto my cars for a long time. If she only does 6K miles a year, petrol would be the way to go though.

 

[HighTide]

Shock absorber wear....
yes just had complete failure at less than 16,000 miles.

I like the 1.2 engine.
I nearly thought about getting a 1.4 for extra speed.

However I spoke to 2 different 1.4 owners I met in the car park. And even they admitted the car was too stiff. So I am sticking to the 1.2 engine, with softer suspension. That is firm compared to other cars I am used to.

Also my tip:-

The first Panda mark 2 I drove was a hire car in the Canaries. Scary handling at the limit.

My current own Panda is a mark 2 also. handling much better.

Because it is an eleganza model it has 14" wheels and wider 165? tyres. The lower model Pandas I noticed in the car park had 13 " wheels and narrower 155? tyres.

Get the larger wheels/tyres is my tip. It makes a big difference.

 

[varesecrazy]

Shock absorber wear....
yes just had complete failure at less than 16,000 miles.



My current own Panda is a mark 2 also. handling much better.

Because it is an eleganza model it has 14" wheels and wider 165? tyres. The lower model Pandas I noticed in the car park had 13 " wheels and narrower 155? tyres.

Get the larger wheels/tyres is my tip. It makes a big difference.

the suspension dampers are of cheap quality,
BUT cost little to replace..,

our 2004 - 1.1 active has been a very good reliable car, ( 80k on 10 years)
the move to 14" Punto wheels has transformed it's "feel" on the road

Charlie - Oxford

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Shock absorber wear....
yes just had complete failure at less than 16,000 miles.

Must be a faulty batch as that is far from a common problem.

What age was the car

 

[Gavv8]

Best thing to do is pick a few models and go and test drive them, its also worth mentioning that Fiat are doing some great finance deals on new Panda's and 500's at the moment as we are looking at one for my wife.

 

[HHR]

I've had two, both 1.2 Dynamics, a 2005 and a 2009. I find they're quick enough, I drove/drive all over and was used to a big v6 before I bought the first Panda. Roly poly handling, but sticks to the road well with good tyres. Fun.

The 2005 was the better of the two cars, had air con but no split rear seat. I'm convinced the boot was bigger in that car but I could be wrong.

Problems: Misfiring when cold, boot handle packed up, wiper arm snapped (ridiculous price for a replacement, they all go in the same place and Pandas aren't usually plentiful in scrappys), wiper motor kept stopping (fixed it myself, was a dry solder joint). Had it til about 41k on the clock from 35 and it was rear ended and written off.

The 2009 has been a nightmare. Bought it with 53k on the clock, now got 62k and the suspension is forever clonking. Lost count of how many times it wouldn't start (wiring to camshaft sensor is knackered it seems, after many garage "fixes" and sensor replacing, basically stabs in the dark), kangaroos, misfires, uses oil, the parcel shelf design is infuriating and it falls to bits, the interior fan resistor pack is knackered and a pig to replace, the thermostat is knackered... I can't get through a month without a garage visit, taking days off work because of it or wasting my weekend fixing that car. I wish it would just die completely then I'd have to get rid, I hate it.

There is absolutely no way I'd have another mk3. Not one I'd have to rely on for work anyway.

 

[ytareh]

At the risk of being accused of cruelty the Croma probably went the best possible way , it's unlikely it would still be on the road now if left to die of natural causes .
The Panda however is generally VERY reliable . Petrol 1.1/1.2 safest all round bet . I've had 1.3 and 1.4 ,the diesel an utter miser on fuel and super reliable , if a little heavy on front shocks and radius arms / bushings .Mine has just under 150k miles up on a 2005 plate .The clutch 'slips' slightly on them from time to time , they really all do that! Beware a leak under bonnet due to clogged drain holes / worn sealing which can play expensive havoc with engine electrics .Its worth knowing that some time round 2006-2008 they introduced a DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER /DPF which is worth avoiding ( it's prone to clogging , especially if a short journey driver and uses more fuel ) .

The 100hp is surprisingly heavy (low side of 32-39 mpg unless very restrained )
on fuel and Wee Smurf's description of ride /suspension is kind .Its "jarring " at the very least .The rear will dislodge your fillings and/or vertebrae. It made a lowered MX5 I had seem like an air suspension Citroen .Drive it and decide yourself .( But don't think "Oh it can't be that bad!" until you've gone over a speed hump/ramp in it ) Its a track day car really ...( I've posted more about it previously )

A 1.2 with Skydome /Panoramic glass roof would be lovely .

 

[Wee Smurf]

:chin: I'm just wondering why a post that's a year and a half old is being resurrected.

 

[Pandyandy]

I think it's probably to do with the clocks going back last week....

 

[HighTide]

Must be a faulty batch as that is far from a common problem.

What age was the car

2007.

When I changed the shock and took it off the car; the inside had obviously totally failed.

The internals *instead* of creating a positive outward/upward pressure on the strut (like the replacement); it had lost its integrity;and that actually meant it created "suction/vacuum" and negative pressure.

The old strut was like a proud man had just come out of the cold sea. It had retracted itself into the housing. Pulling it up (no pun intended) was hard (really no pun intended) because of the vaccum.

So it was actually "pulling" the car down.

The new one of course was naturally fully extended as it had positive pressure.

My other cars are hydropneumatic Citroens, so of course any other suspension system feels inferior and lacking. However I was not expecting such a rapid failure as this. The first "leak" was spotted in September. By November it had totally collapsed (internal collapse).

I am sure many of you do it anyway; but one thing I will always do even more regularly now on my Fiats is to check for suspension leakage around the struts.

credit though to Fiat. It has to be one of the easiest "conventional" suspension systems to change. Not as easy as a hydraulic Citroen of course; where changing the suspension nitrogen sphere is just like unscrewing an oil filter. Only easier because you can get to it ;-)

Incidentally on these cars I think you may not need to use spring compressors. I did; I bought some especially for it. What was useful about using the compressors though; was that they ensured (as a double check) that I put the spring back on the right way up, in the correct seating area etc.

Useful double check mechanism.

 

[HighTide]

Must be a faulty batch as that is far from a common problem.

What age was the car

2007.

When I changed the shock and took it off the car; the inside had obviously totally failed.

The internals *instead* of creating a positive outward/upward pressure on the strut (like the replacement); it had lost its integrity;and that actually meant it created "suction/vacuum" and negative pressure.

The old strut was like a proud man had just come out of the cold sea. It had retracted itself into the housing. Pulling it up (no pun intended) was hard (really no pun intended) because of the vaccum.

So it was actually "pulling" the car down.

The new one of course was naturally fully extended as it had positive pressure.

My other cars are hydropneumatic Citroens, so of course any other suspension system feels inferior and lacking. However I was not expecting such a rapid failure as this. The first "leak" was spotted in September. By November it had totally collapsed (internal collapse).

I am sure many of you do it anyway; but one thing I will always do even more regularly now on my Fiats is to check for suspension leakage around the struts.

credit though to Fiat. It has to be one of the easiest "conventional" suspension systems to change. Not as easy as a hydraulic Citroen of course; where changing the suspension nitrogen sphere is just like unscrewing an oil filter. Only easier because you can get to it ;-)

Incidentally on these cars I think you may not need to use spring compressors. I did; I bought some especially for it. What was useful about using the compressors though; was that they ensured (as a double check) that I put the spring back on the right way up, in the correct seating area etc.

Useful double check mechanism.

 

[varesecrazy]

double