Hi.. I'm glad I found this forum, maybe I'll be able to get some answers.

I've been looking for a car for more than a year now. Don't really need one since I work & live in the centre of Bucharest and there's no car on this planet that beats the metro

When I saw the Panda I immediately liked it, and decided it would be my next car! It was cute, big enough, cheap, economical. Couldn't understand why anybody would bother with other cars, really.

I thought that after this first round of research (finding the brand + model) most work would have been done. But then I got the list of options and, worse, the list of incompatible or forced combinations

I'd love to hear arguments pro/contra the following options:

* sliding rear seats
Seems to me I might just as well put the seats down when I need more space, since sliding them forward practically makes the panda a two seater?

* split rear seats
It sounds great: more boot space and still 3+ seats. But did anybody ever use this, ever?

* air conditioning
I can't recall ever _requiring_ air conditioning, other than to dehumidify the front window. But what about heated mirrors? Are these options linked? Is it worth the +500 euros? (manual; won't even consider 'climate control')

* sky dome
I _love_ the way it makes the panda look, but am worried about more noise at higher speeds, also 'the explosion' of it on this forum and some people complaining about it leaking rain?

* colour: blue, but the cocktail or metallic one?
The dealer has no samples, and I can't find good pics on the net that compare the two!

The options I do want are:

* Dualogic semi-automatic
If we automate the steering and the breaking, why not the clutch? It's all about confort (and with it, the panda consumes even less!)

* All airbags and Vehicle Dynamic Control
Safety first, price doesn't even matter really

Thanks for any hints / experiences you can share!

heya, from personal experience, even though mrs t won't give me the car that often:

climate control : def worth it! those are relativly big windows, and the car can warm up like a nuclear microwave!
skydome : everytime i see it, i wish i had ordered it, but then the black bars would be off, and i think the car looks ace with them
colour: personally we went through a long process of colour choice: guacamole, vanilla, scillia, teseo, before finally going for sparkling blue, i think the lighter colours really suit, but i'm a little swayed by scillia, very nice deep colour!
rear seats:never folded the rears down, so can't say it's been a factor for us

hope it helps

jai

turboned said:

heya, from personal experience,

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I wouldn't want it any other way!

climate control : def worth it! those are relativly big windows, and the car can warm up like a nuclear microwave!

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So everybody says.. But what about the maintenance cost for an aircon? Is it too low to consider? Of course, I can always leave it off.
EDIT: how about the added weight of the aircon unit? How much is it?

skydome : everytime i see it, i wish i had ordered it, but then the black bars would be off, and i think the car looks ace with them

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http://www.fiat-auto.co.jp/panda/images/exterior/exterior_photo_skydome03.jpg
shows them both!?

colour: personally we went through a long process of colour choice: guacamole, vanilla, scillia, teseo, before finally going for sparkling blue, i think the lighter colours really suit, but i'm a little swayed by scillia, very nice deep colour!

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Scillia is the red one? I can't seem to find it so quickly. Would be cool if people'd post their panda pics in some thread with the name of the colour
I too find the metalic colours to serious looking; the pastel ones seem more fun, which in turn is more fitting for the whole panda image.

Thanks a lot for your reaction!

Doesnt air con need to be used?!

black_cinq said:

Doesnt air con need to be used?!

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Indeed, I've heard this too, but it seems that just turning it on/off shortly once per week is enough.

The dualogic is a gem of a gearbox in manual or automatic modes. Perhaps the best bit is that even in auto mode a small push on the lever up or down will give you the appropriate change. I've driven normall automatics too but this dualogic system is very clever.

i dont think scilia in its original form is available anymore, like all manufacturers new colours come and go

as for the aircon/climate control, i'm sure there is a weight penalty for the unit, and for its extended uasge, but i've never noticed a significant drop off in performance or pep to drives, or to consumption. we did notice earlier this year a noise from the normally silent unit, which was quickly replaced by the dealership under warranty

as for regular usage, yes i've heard that it best to prevent "sick car" syndrome, spores and crap growing in the system, demist and clearing in the winter, even for 5 mins a day, twice a day, and almost solid use during the summer heat (chilly by mrs t, arctic by me), and no odd smells or apparant problems.

may well have got it wrong at the dealerhip on the bars/roof business, but there you go, maybe next time!!!!!

i think with the differential in price between bottom and top spec is now close enough (with a little dealer arm twisting) to make a full specced panda first choice, rather than going base and then adding little bits on, although romania may have a more conservative dealer network with less incentives for discounts....

Hi there, I may be able to shed some light on the issues. I don't have a split or folding seat but as it's only me who drives and never carry anything more than shopping it suits me fine. I don't use the boot but open one of the rear doors it's so easy to do and sling the shopping on the back seat. Great when used to awkward rear seat access of three door hatchbacks.
Re the air-con, mine was an ex-demonstrator and already had it fitted along with electric heated mirrors. The air con does work well but I suspect it does affect performance and fuel consumption. I have read that to keep it working you should use it in winter for at least ten minutes a week on freezing cold so the refrigerant circulates and keeps the rubber seals lubricated and prevents gasses escaping. Then turn it to hot and let it dry out any moisture from the ducting that causes bacteria growth problems. In between in winter at the moment i use it because the side windows tend to steam up fast and the hot air-conditioned air is dehumidified and this does not happen.
It will add a little weight and the pipework and extra compressor clutter up the already small engine bay, in particular the drivebelt looks a bit of a nightmare should it need changing.
Regards colours, mine is the guacamole or now 'easy listening green'. I like the pastel colours as it suits the fun nature of the car and sets off the darker trim and roof bars if you have them. (Roof bars came as standard with any extras like air-con I think).
The specs keep changing so you will have to double check on that.
It's a great car overall, really fun to drive, sharp steering and comfy ride. Makes people smile which is a change these days.
If I could do it again I would stick out for the diesel but they are rare and expensive compared to the petrol version.

PandaUK said:

The dualogic is a gem of a gearbox in manual or automatic modes.

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Thanks! This makes me a lot more confident. I used to drive a Chevrolet Corsica with conventional automatic gearbox and I got used to the laziness
How about cruise control by the way? It doesn't appear as an option; third party retrofit?

turboned said:

i think with the differential in price between bottom and top spec is now close enough (with a little dealer arm twisting) to make a full specced panda first choice, rather than going base and then adding little bits on, although romania may have a more conservative dealer network with less incentives for discounts....

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Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Got any tips on the arm-twisting for this inexperienced consumer??

As a side note: Romanian salesmen are the worst kind. At the first dealership I went to they were too lazy to approach you; I had to go looking for them! And even then it felt like _I_ was making the sale, "do you have some information?", "can I test it?", "can I see it?", getting a yes/no answer at every question :S In fact, I couldn't test it since the (single) test car "went away for 2 weeks", as if it drove off by itself. Fortunately, at another dealer they were more eager to make a sale and arranged a test drive the same day!

Boanerges said:

Hi there, I may be able to shed some light on the issues. I don't have a split or folding seat but as it's only me who drives and never carry anything more than shopping it suits me fine.

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I thought so too; seems unnecessary. Perhaps useful in cases, but I'm pretty sure it'll be OK without.

I have read that to keep it working you should use it in winter for at least ten minutes a week on freezing cold so the refrigerant circulates and keeps the rubber seals lubricated and prevents gasses escaping.

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Eeeee, another ritual gets added to my life! As I get older, it seems I get more and more daily routines. Just hope they don't end up filling the entire day.

If I could do it again I would stick out for the diesel but they are rare and expensive compared to the petrol version.

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The diesel is OK, really innovative, but unfortunately doesn't come with the Dualogic gearbox Maybe in the near future? Also, diesels are highly taxed in the Netherlands (where I'm from) because they pollute somewhat more; worth considering should I move back to NL.

The rear folding seat is down to personal preference. In the past I've used them when having a passenger and a long item (Ah yes, a trip back from Ikea with 2m long x 60cm wide packaged furniture in my Punto!) I like being able to fold down each side at a time, but more often have it all down anyway.

Although Air-Con is nice, I think it's getting a bit too much for every car to have it. Most people want it for a month or so in the UK summer (obviously not sure about other parts of the world), but have to use it and carry round the weight all year. My Punto had an electric sunroof (I'm guessing the Panda's Skydome doesn't open), which I used throughout the year, and now miss being able to use (we now have 2 cars, both A/C'd without sunroof). Since with all cars you need to give them a good drive at least every few weeks it makes a good time to have the A/C on too...

The Dualogic is supposed to be great (didn't get a test drive as my local dealer didn't have one saying they sold within minutes of appearing with them, and the Punto (which I'm more familair with) doesn't have it). I have a similar gearbox in the Corsa I now own (which my wife drives mostly)...

I might be able to help you out on a few of the options...

1. Sliding Rear seat - I got one and I must say it's really great. I can get quite a big 3 piece luggage set into the back of mine. Only problem is that unlike the Fiat Idea, there is no extendable flap for the Panda to cover your luggage space when the seats are fully forward. I solved this by getting made-to-measure seat covers that have a flap to sort this.
2. Skydome Sunroof - I got one too. I think it looks cool and I haven't seen any others about locally so it makes your car that little bit different. I like the way that it lets extra light into the car. In warm countries, it would probably cook you in the summer, but as I live in Northern Ireland it doesn't pose much of a problem to me!
3. Air-Con - As I said I live in Northern Ireland so I didn't get this... However, see other threads about fuel consumption. Ahhl said that aircon on cost about 3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. It's up to you!
4. Multijet - I got one of these too. I tried the others but preferred this as it's more powerful. I get almost 60 miles to the gallon around town, and got 70 miles to the gallon on a trip down the west coast of Ireland over the summer.

Colour-wise - Mine is Vanilla yellow - I think pastels look best. It looks best with the black sunroof, black roof bars and black side-rubbing strips.

Hope this helps you...
Good choice - the Fiat Panda

I'm not sure on the specification options on the continent, but my advice is to go for the Emotion model which should be kitted-out and get the sky-dome fitted. The Active and Dynamic have a number of nice touches missing that cost plenty more than just upgrading.

Like Gav I have traded a car that had a sunroof in for air-con (well, climate, to be acurate) and while it is nice on the hot days I really, really miss the sunroof. The skydome is a top-drawer option that every Panda owner should get (and you keep the roof rails too)

As for splitting seats it is up to choice. My A2 doesn't have them (instead it has a 3-person bench rather than a 50/50 split 2-person affair that is standard) and I don't miss the split at all.

I think the sliding bench is a waste for tall drivers; if you have the drivers seat far-back and the rear seat far forward there is no legroom, so you might as well just drop the seat-back

In the UK you can't have air con without heated mirrors (I think) so I would check this on your models.

JTD Monkey said:

I think the sliding bench is a waste for tall drivers; if you have the drivers seat far-back and the rear seat far forward there is no legroom, so you might as well just drop the seat-back.

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I'm only 5'2" so it suits me fine!

JTD Monkey said:

In the UK you can't have air con without heated mirrors (I think) so I would check this on your models.

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True - and boy how I would like heated mirrors!

Thanks guys, for all the info!

I think I'll go with the split rear bench, but not the sliding one. As for the colour, I'll go with the cocktail blue. Can anybody post a pic/url?

The Panda sky-dome does open, it's not just a window! What about the noises at high speeds? Or, worse, the rain??

Thanks again,

[*]Air-Con - As I said I live in Northern Ireland so I didn't get this... However, see other threads about fuel consumption. Ahhl said that aircon on cost about 3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. It's up to you!
[*]Multijet - I got one of these too. I tried the others but preferred this as it's more powerful. I get almost 60 miles to the gallon around town, and got 70 miles to the gallon on a trip down the west coast of Ireland over the summer.
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yeah better leave it off if you do no need it. but it also depend on your driving style. so far (10k++) i am still not able to get 450km per full tank.

in my country it hot which we need aircond especially during peak hour (other thing is i do not want to inhale those exhaust fumes from other car )

Wee Smurf said:

Air-Con - As I said I live in Northern Ireland so I didn't get this... However, see other threads about fuel consumption. Ahhl said that aircon on cost about 3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

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By my reconing, the maths don't work. 3 litres of fuel per 100km is the equivalent of using 1 extra gallon for every 93.4 miles. So if you were getting 50mpg, you will now get about 27mpg.

I think that should be 0.3 litres per 100km

Don't forget the drag caused by opening a window/ sunroof (thus turning your aerodynamic car into a mini-parachute) uses just as much fuel as switching the air conditioning on.

If the decision to spec A/C or not is based on fuel-usage, it's a total non-starter to worry about it

JTD Monkey said:

By my reconing, the maths don't work. 3 litres of fuel per 100km is the equivalent of using 1 extra gallon for every 93.4 miles. So if you were getting 50mpg, you will now get about 27mpg.

I think that should be 0.3 litres per 100km

Don't forget the drag caused by opening a window/ sunroof (thus turning your aerodynamic car into a mini-parachute) uses just as much fuel as switching the air conditioning on.

If the decision to spec A/C or not is based on fuel-usage, it's a total non-starter to worry about it

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agree if you fully open the window..it become parachute, but in my case in rainny/cold weather ..i just open a little bitn just to let the cold air in and cooling the car..not too cold that is thus avoiding the parachute.

during hot weather i have no choice to turn on the air cond full blast!