Delightfully random question for you all, since I can't find a Panda to try this out with atm. Do you think you could fit a 7ft6 surfboard inside the car?
The board will go on the roof when driving, but I want to be able to lock it inside while I go for a cup of tea after surfing, so it can block driver view/make all the seats inaccessible/whatever, just so long as I can shut all the doors. If the front passenger seat goes down far enough I'm assuming it'll fit diagonally from passenger footwell to the back, based on my memories of wedging all sorts of stuff into my old Cinquecento which was about the same size.

It should be fine, I got a rear bumper and some other bits of Alfa 155 in there and drove it from Yorkshire to South Wales

Full size surfboard unlikely but roof rails and bars will sort it.

You can fit a complete rear axle and close the back door.

its about 2 meters from the dash to the rear glass.


you can fold the rear seat. Then wind the front seat right back to lays flat on top like a sun lounger. There's no quick way. Its going to be tight but looks doable to me. But don't quote me. Might have to do the drivers as well if it catches the side. You will gain some across the car but also gain some from the diagonal High to low.

Hello. Yes, I would say so

My board's 6'6" but there's plenty of room. You could even fit a passenger in the back.

Thanks guys! Now I just need to decide which Panda I'm going for ?

rmjbn1 said:

Hello. Yes, I would say so

My board's 6'6" but there's plenty of room. You could even fit a passenger in the back.

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photo explains so much better the sun lounger effect I was trying to explain

koalar said:

photo explains so much better the sun lounger effect I was trying to explain

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Ha ha I knew axactly what you meant!

CatLeChat said:

Thanks guys! Now I just need to decide which Panda I'm going for ?

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Well, I think they're all good, it depends what type of driving you do. The only one I wouldn't want would be the Dualogic, I just don't trust it.

As I hardly ever drive in a city, if I was to get a Panda again I would be very tempted by the Multijet diesel for more torque, chain cam instead of belt, better mpg and lower tax. No regrets with my 1.2 though

Petrol would certainly be better for short journeys, best of the bunch might be 09-10 1.2. It has the earlier non-interference Euro 4 engine but lower £30 tax bracket.

Just check the coolant and the condition of the rear axle spring pans and engine oil sump before buying. They're famous for rusting through, but can be replaced. The bodies are galvanised so rust shouldn't be an issue anywhere else. Happy hunting

So having bought the Panda I can confirm it does fit! I think that if I can get the headrest off the passenger seat (which is pushing it up annoyingly) it'll even be low enough that I can drive without it blocking my rear view, so that's less faff/less petrol! ?
Pictures to follow for any future terrible surfers with excellent taste in cars.
Also, this car is so fun to drive! So, so fun!

CatLeChat said:

terrible surfers with excellent taste in cars.

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Count me in! They're great aren't they?

Does yours have the same delightful* moulded foam headrests as mine above?

I looked into trying to remove them when we used our Panda as a mini-camper.

T'ain't easy. The covers have to be removed first, which is quite an operation. So I never bothered.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw5DSZZnoRM

By the way, I see you've had a cinq before, so this may all be familiar to you, but if you're new to the 169 Panda, I'd recommend checking the following:

Inspect & treat for rust:

• rear axle spring pans
• coolant return pipe across front of engine
• engine sump pan
• shock absorbers & springs
• mud trap behind front springs
• rear brake drums (rusty lip on inside of drum)

Check rear brake wheel cylinders for leaks.
Check the 'duckbill' scuttle drains below the wipers are clear - they block easily.
Check the condition of the wiring loom in this area - the loom tape disintegrates.
Clean battery earth strap connections (on body under battery and engine block).

Monitor tyre wear. Wear most common on front insides & rear outsides. Rear axle alignment is often less than perfect, with no provision for adjustment.

Power steering failure / red steering wheel light:
Often caused by weak battery / earth connections as the power steering draws a lot of current.

• avoid excessive steering inputs just after starting engine
• park with wheels straight (steering torque angle sensor can misread straight-ahead position)

So, with some adjusting, it not only fits but doesn't affect visibility. And Audi drivers really don't like being overtaken by a Fiat Panda, filled to the brim with watersports kit, and even worse, driven by a girl ?

With a Desira tax disc holder still in place it looks like your car comes from my (Norfolk/Suffolk) neck of the woods.

Worth getting some roof bars eventually because over time all the sand and salt water may damage the interior... also what car doesn’t look cool with a surf board on the roof ?

I've had it on the roof as well, but mpg is better with it inside

I think all Pana look better with roof bars

Unfortunately most insurers ask a small premium if they weren't originally fitted at the factory.

AndyRKett said:

what car doesn’t look cool with a surf board on the roof ?

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Couldn't agree more

CatLeChat said:

Audi drivers really don't like being overtaken by a Fiat Panda

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Haha, yeah drivers of 'certain' cars really don't like being behind anything that's smoll or old or both. Annoying Audi-doodies is always worth doing