Hi! So passed my test unexpectedly on Friday (first time!) and am now looking into getting my first car. Because I'm 28, the insurance will be high, so did some research into cars in the lowest insurance category (1) and found the Panda (04-11) listed. It's the best looking car in that category, for my tastes. I hate curves on small cars; I like the "boxy" Panda, not the "bubble" Ford Ka. I also find it quite interesting how the features allude to an animal!

Anyway, just looking for model recommendations? I'd like to be able to sell in a year without losing too much value, if I find that car ownership is not for me (can't rent, new driver). I work from home so would be using the car for road trips, so need motorway competence. I also need to put the back seats down if I transport something.

Cursory research indicates that there are these models:

Active: entry level, avoid due to crap dash and functionality
Dynamic versions:
'aircon'
'skydome' - sunroof
'sound' - with a cool stereo
Eleganza: "top of the range", has most bells and whistles

1.1L petrol not good value
1.2L petrol better buy over the above
1.3L diesel most fuel efficient? Nicer to drive?
1.4 petrol (...)
100hp version - most fun?

I think the panoramic skyroof would make a real difference. I'm guessing that I should focus on the engine and build first, and then think about the inside - assuming I could add extras (CD/mp3, aircon) if I wanted? My buying budget is about £3500.

Finally, do you think I could get this resprayed in matt black or "wrapped" in the same if I can only find my spec in a crap colour?

Thanks for the help!

Because you're 28 insurance will be high? Try 10 years younger!

If you want really boxy, try this

What makes you think the 1.1 is not good value? It is the cheapest in theory. If you're wanting the best resale value then get any Panda with the lowest mileage. I went onto Autotrader, and the lowest mileage Panda in your budget is ironically the one I've linked to above, but past that is a black dynamic

To be fair even the HP isn't expensive to insure considering it's the 'sporty' model. Running costs will vary depending on which engine you plump for obviously but a HP is capable of decent mpg if you drive it carefully (which is practically impossible ask anyone else on here) I haven't driven any other model of 169 pandas but can tell you the HP is an absolute hoot! Also has a decent amount of kit for a small car.

Also your budget will get you a nice clean HP if you shop around.

I've driven every version of the Panda. My preference is the 1.3. The 1.1 and 1.2 need a bit of enthusiastic driving. I found the need to go down gears on hills in them. Personally I didn't like the stiffness of the 100hp.

Economy-wise, go for the 1.2 or the 1.3. The 1.1 is nowhere near as good. You'll also visit the petrol station more often with the 100hp.

The ride is stiffer on the 1.4 and more bouncy on the others.

Go out and test drive a few versions and then decide what will best meet your own needs!

If you're looking for the lowest overall running cost, go for a 1.2 Dynamic Eco Petrol - £30 RFL, cheap insurance & 50-55mpg if you drive it for economy. £3500 should get you a decent 2010-2011 example. For that, you'll get CD + mp3, remote central locking + Aircon as standard; all you really need in a first car.

Iirc on the origional spec setup (active, dynamic, Eleganza) only the active is group one insurance, I think one or two of the later dynamics became group 1 also, but worth checking.

Personally for me it's be one end of the scale of the other, an Active or an Eleganza.

Actives seem to have the best residuals from what I've seem, but the Eleganza the most toys. We've had a 2004 1.1 Active and we've a all singing all dancing 2009 Eleganza And the 1.1 Active is my choice any day, nice revvey and fun. The Eleganza is ok if you just want a car to go from A-B in.

It's very much each to their own though.

That's true Jon!
Only the 1.1 Active is group 1, while the 1.2 Dynamic is group 2 and the 1.3 Dynamic is group 3. Someone will probably correct me but I believe the 1.4 is group 7.

It shouldn't make much difference really between group 1 and 2 or 3 when you're 28 though. More of an issue at 17 or 18.

Wee Smurf said:

That's true Jon!

Only the 1.1 Active is group 1, while the 1.2 Dynamic is group 2 and the 1.3 Dynamic is group 3. Someone will probably correct me but I believe the 1.4 is group 7.



It shouldn't make much difference really between group 1 and 2 or 3 when you're 28 though. More of an issue at 17 or 18.

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The 1.2s are also in group one. It says so on the Parker's website, but I can't post the link because I haven't notched up 5 posts on here yet.

I'm a new driver under 30, which I still think is a pricey premium compared to others (better than teenage but still)

100hp is group 4 or 11 in the new group rating. This along with the extra power, better handling and kit makes it an easy choice for me over any other model of panda.

Uno 60 said:

The 1.2s are also in group one.

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As I said, only after a certain date, the original run were not.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

As I said, only after a certain date, the original run were not.

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With £3500 in the budget, the OP will likely be looking at the later 1.2 Dynamic Eco. You get a lot of car for the money; remote locking and Aircon were standard by then on the base model 1.2.

Kernow100HP said:

To be fair even the HP isn't expensive to insure considering it's the 'sporty' model. Running costs will vary depending on which engine you plump for obviously but a HP is capable of decent mpg if you drive it carefully (which is practically impossible ask anyone else on here) I haven't driven any other model of 169 pandas but can tell you the HP is an absolute hoot! Also has a decent amount of kit for a small car.

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Never though I'd see the words "HP" and "decent MPG" used together

I seem to average about 33MPG, but it's true about cheap insurance, I pay £170 a year to insure ours.

Wasn't someone on the forum selling a 100HP for just over £3100 a few weeks ago?

Most Easterly Pandas said:

As I said, only after a certain date, the original run were not.

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The originals are also different tax bands too.

go for condition really - apart from that, any model apart from the base 1.1
They are all excellent, I would forget aircon if you are in the uk, just more expense and pointless. Not even worth having in North Portugal (south maybe ).
The 100hp is a bit of a pig to drive any distance, too harsh and uncomfortable - doesnt deliver the performance the suspension tries to portary, but it is reasonable fun for short hops, definitely not quick though - dont expect a sports car lol.. ! I would avoid that one really if you are going to be driving a lot in the future. (They DO look quite nice though, not too 'boy racerish' as standard and great trim)
The 1.2 seems a darn good all round model, the dynamic is great, the extras on the 'el' are not really worth the extra, but if you can find one at the same price and condition etc, go for it. There are LOADS to choose from, go on condition, history, mileage etc.

StripeyMiata said:

Never though I'd see the words "HP" and "decent MPG" used together

I seem to average about 33MPG, but it's true about cheap insurance, I pay £170 a year to insure ours.

Wasn't someone on the forum selling a 100HP for just over £3100 a few weeks ago?

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A motorway run can easily get 45mpg if you drive steady.

definitely not quick though - dont expect a sports car lol.. !

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True, but the 100HP is like a rocket ship compared to the standard 1.1 and 1.2 Pandas.

Just looking at the official figures for the 100HP and the 1.2 (the most common Panda), the 100HP can get itself to 60 about four seconds quicker than even the newer 69bhp 1.2 Panda, never mind the older, 60bhp models and the even slower again 1.1.

Since the OP is only looking at the MK3 Panda range, it seems misleading to call the 100HP "not quick" but fail to mention that the 1.2 (and 1.1) Pandas are considerably slower again.

captainslarty said:

I would forget aircon if you are in the uk

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Beg to differ on this one, particularly given the winter we've just had.

You don't need it for cooling the car in summer, you need it for drying it out in winter! An A/C unit is also a dehumidifier, and that has proved extremely useful in the recent wet weather.

A/C makes it considerably easier to demist the car.

Uno 60 said:

Finally, do you think I could get this resprayed in matt black or "wrapped" in the same if I can only find my spec in a crap colour?

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You could, but a proper respray is extremely expensive and needs to be declared to your insurance company, who'd likely raise your premium. I think you might need to register the car as being a new colour too, but I'm not sure on that one or how you'd go about doing it.

Wrapping is cheaper, but not cheap. No idea if that needs declaring to you insurance company, but you don't need to register the car as being a new colour because wraps can be peeled off.

jrkitching said:

Beg to differ on this one, particularly given the winter we've just had.

You don't need it for cooling the car in summer, you need it for drying it out in winter! An A/C unit is also a dehumidifier, and that has proved extremely useful in the recent wet weather.

A/C makes it considerably easier to demist the car.

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A/C used as heating is no different than a normal heater apart from better temperature regulation. It has absolutely no de-humidification properties at all.
Demisting the car is also of no consequence in reference to A/C or standard heater...
Quite extraordinary claims.... ! - I would do some research if I was you..