General Buying a Fiat Panda

[Marvelftw]

Hi everyone! Have recently found out I’m expecting and so need to upgrade my current car to something with four doors. My partner and I will also be getting a bigger family car but we’d still like to have something a bit smaller and nippy that I could use to work that would still be able to fit a small baby.

I really like the look of a Fiat Panda but was getting a bit lost with all the different engines and generations. For what it’s worth my current car has been amazingly reliable, I’ve had it for 10 years and it’s still going strong so I’m going to miss it a lot! I’m hoping to find something also fairly easy to manage. I think from my research it sounds like a Fiat Panda 4x4 might be a good shout but then I heard that TwinAir engines can be finicky? Oh I also love love listening to the radio/music so I’m going to need something with DAB radio at least. Thank you for your help!

 

[jrkitching]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

And congratulations!

What kind of age of car are you thinking about buying?

How important is it to you to keep running costs low and minimise the risk of unexpected repair bills?

 

[Marvelftw]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

And congratulations!

What kind of age of car are you thinking about buying?

How important is it to you to keep running costs low and minimise the risk of unexpected repair bills?

Hello, thank you for the warm welcome!

I’m not really that fussy on the age, so long as it has digital radio. In an ideal world it might even have Bluetooth but I know a lot of the models are older so that would be unlikely.

I would ideally like as minimum fuss as possible, so something sturdy that’s unlikely to need frequent repairs would be great.

 

[jrkitching]

I would ideally like as minimum fuss as possible, so something sturdy that’s unlikely to need frequent repairs would be great

In that case, buy a 2WD 1.2 petrol with manual transmission. One of the lowest cost and most reliable small cars you can buy.

You could easily spend £3000 on a TA, £2000 on a dualogic and another £2000 on a 4x4 replacing parts the 1.2 manual hasn't even got. These were cars perhaps best bought new, or nearly so, and traded away before costly repairs were needed. You don't want to be the person buying those trade-ins.

Don't stress about the radio; you can always fit an aftermarket one for reasonable cost.

 

[Marvelftw]

In that case, buy a 2WD 1.2 petrol with manual transmission. One of the lowest cost and most reliable small cars you can buy.

You could easily spend £3000 on a TA, £2000 on a dualogic and another £2000 on a 4x4 replacing parts the 1.2 manual hasn't even got. These were cars perhaps best bought new, or nearly so, and traded away before costly repairs were needed. You don't want to be the person buying those trade-ins.

Don't stress about the radio; you can always fit an aftermarket one for reasonable cost.

Amazing, thank you so much this has really made things a lot clearer! Does age matter or should I just be focusing on mileage?

 

[jrkitching]

Does age matter or should I just be focusing on mileage

They affect the car differently. Age tends to result in corroded parts, notably the sump and rear twist beam, especially around the spring pans, but both can be replaced with aftermarket parts at reasonable cost. Mileage tends to result in worn parts, the clutch, gearbox input shaft bearing, clutch hydraulics, and most of the suspension and shock absorbers are usually the bits most affected by mileage. All easy enough to replace, and the parts are generally cheap, but the labour costs can add up if you're not going to do the work yourself. The 1.2 petrol engine will outlast the rest of the car if not run low on coolant; it's good for at least 200,000 miles.

It's worth checking the detailed MOT history to find out what's been advised, what's been done, and what's not been done.

If I had to choose between a newer high mileage car and and an older lower mileage one for the same price, I'd be inclined toward taking the newer car.

I'd be less confident in recommending one of the later 1.0 3 cylinder 'pseudohybrid' ones, though.

 

[Marvelftw]

They affect the car differently. Age tends to result in corroded parts, notably the sump and rear twist beam, especially around the spring pans, but both can be replaced with aftermarket parts at reasonable cost. Mileage tends to result in worn parts, the clutch, gearbox input shaft bearing, clutch hydraulics, and most of the suspension and shock absorbers are usually the bits most affected by mileage. All easy enough to replace, and the parts are generally cheap, but the labour costs can add up if you're not gong to do the work yourself. The 1.2 petrol engine will outlast the rest of the car if not run low on coolant; it's good for at least 200,000 miles.

I'd be less confident in recommending one of the later 1.0 3 cylinder 'pseudohybrid' ones, though.

You’ve been so helpful, thank you so much!

 

[porta]

I have, and so do a great many on here, have twinairs and we love them mines a 2019 TA Cross…a few have had issues but no more or less than any car has issues

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Agree re the 'no nasty surprises' 1.2, it's the best entry to Pandadom on grounds of cost and simplicity.

 

[jrkitching]

I have, and so do a great many on here, have twinairs and we love them mines a 2019 TA Cross

The TA Cross is undoubtedly a much more capable car than the 1.2, and lots of folks have run them for high mileages without major issues, but if they do go wrong, they can get expensive quickly in a way that the 1.2 just can't.

That's why I asked the OP about their attitude to risk and keeping the costs down. On average, you're not going to run a TA for 1.2 money, especially not an older one.

If someone else were paying the bills, I'd take a TA over a 1.2 every time. Sadly though, I have to pay my own, and my 1.2 has been the cheapest car to run that I've ever had, period.

 

[porta]

I agree that the 1.2 is ‘the most sensible’ option, our original 169 Climbing 4x4 just kept going, long after it was taken off the road at 154k miles. However, along with our two 169 Crosses, I’d still take the TA for the fun

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

The TA Cross is undoubtedly a much more capable car than the 1.2, and lots of folks have run them for high mileages without major issues, but if they do go wrong, they can get expensive quickly in a way that the 1.2 just can't.

That's why I asked the OP about their attitude to risk and keeping the costs down. On average, you're not going to run a TA for 1.2 money, especially not an older one.

If someone else were paying the bills, I'd take a TA over a 1.2 every time. Sadly though, I have to pay my own, and my 1.2 has been the cheapest car to run that I've ever had, period.

I agree. We've been running Pandas as second cars in the family since my daughter learned to drive - she's now in her 50's with two teenagers! My younger boy also learned to drive in one as the insurance was the cheapest we could find at the time. All have been 1.2 engined versions except for the first one (it was a very old 999cc engine) and I can confirm they are cheap to repair but also they've been around with this engine for a long time so a lot of mechanics will be familiar with them which means you've a good chance that whoever is repairing or servicing it will be familiar with it. Our present Panda 1.2 Eco Dynamic was made in 2010 and had a new sump around 2016 just before we bought it. It's just now going to need a new rear axle due to corrosion. however we live in Scotland where the roads are heavily salted in winter. But these parts are all available and reasonably priced. Older Fiats had a bad reputation for rust but that is just not true today and is not something you should worry about - but it's always sensible to take someone with you who knows what to look for when buying or maybe pay for an AA type pre purchase inspection if you can't do this yourself and don't have anyone who can check it out for you.

These are reliable wee runabouts which will even do an occasional motorway journey in reasonable comfort. I think I saw jrk, our moderator, mention above to keep a close eye on the coolant level (easy to do when you are shown how to as the expansion tank is transparent) and I would agree. I check ours at least every fortnight and at the same time check the oil level and top up the screenwash. Ours very seldom needs a top up with coolant so it's not a problem but you need to do it because if the level starts dropping you've probably got a leak which will need sorted but more than that these, otherwise almost unburstable engines, do not like overheating - which is likely if it were to loose coolant. So better to check regularly and avoid a possible problem later.

Our present Panda, which we call Becky, is getting well on in age now (bit like us) but if she wears out before we have to stop driving we will replace her with another but newer 1.2 Panda. Remember they qualified for cheap £35 road tax up until 2016/17 so check on that if you're looking at one - our 2010 Becky just costs £35 to tax.

As regards other engines. the earlier cars had the option of a 1.1 litre engine which was the same design as the 1.2 but a little less powerful - the 1.2 is a better drive. The Twin air is a much more lively drive but seems to be a bit of a "Prima Donna" when it comes to servicing and needs very specific engine oil. It's also a much more complex engine so potentially much more to go wrong. If you're buying used you've no idea whether the previous owner had it serviced "properly" (I wouldn't have one as I prioritise reliability and cheap maintenance) The very latest hybrid versions have the new 3 cylinder "firefly engine which is, like many of the most modern engines, very complex and has a turbo - like the Twin Air - so potentially is going to be much more expensive if it needs sorting. More than anything though, this is a very new engine so we've no history of how good, or bad, it is in daily use. So, for me, the 1.2 is the "winner".

If you buy one do keep in touch and let us know how you get on with it?

 

[Marvelftw]

Thank you for your insight PuggIt Ault Jock! I definitely think the 1.2 engine is the way to go for me, in fact I’ve arranged to go view one next week.

Actually I do want to ask how the Pandas generally handle on the motorway? I don’t drive it often but do every once in a while.

​

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Thank you for your insight PuggIt Ault Jock! I definitely think the 1.2 engine is the way to go for me, in fact I’ve arranged to go view one next week.

Actually I do want to ask how the Pandas generally handle on the motorway? I don’t drive it often but do every once in a while.

​

They're not a "fast car" so take a wee while to accelerate up to motorway cruising speed and you need to build speed on merging but all very manageable. I find Becky is very happy at 60 mph and will tolerate 70 but I just don't like to "flog" her She is an older model though and the newer body shape came in around 2011 which is more likely what you'll be looking at? Being a relatively tall car they are affected by strong side winds and if a big lorry overtakes you at speed but all very manageable and don't frighten me in any way. My wife is the main driver and she goes all over the place in her including south out of the city on A roads to visit our two boys and their families who live about half an hour south of the city. She has back problems and finds the seating very comfortable and the car, because it's relatively tall, easy to get in and out of. The doors open nice and wide too, which when coupled with the height, make getting children in and out of car seats nice and easy.

We bought our first Panda quite simply because it was small and cheap to insure for the kids to get their driving lessons and licenses in. However, as the years have rolled by, and we could have replaced them with other makes of car, we've just never found anything to compare in terms of cheapness to run, availability of parts, usefulness around town and general reliability. So, each time, we've just bought another! For longer journeys or when we need space for more than 4 passengers, we've also always run a bigger car - a Skoda Scala at present - but I would always jump in the Panda if the journey was around the city - I just love driving it! It's not the sort of car which invites challenges from other drivers and the acceleration is such that I seldom overtake but just keep up with the flow of traffic nicely, so a journey in the Panda is usually quite a relaxing experience. We can go on extoling their virtues but the best thing you can do is take a test drive and see if it suits.

 

[Marcus Daly]

I always say of the Twin Air don’t testdrive one if your mind’s made up for the 1.2, because the latter will only disappoint you in comparison. There’s a reason why we love our Twin Airs!

And don’t be afeared of one if it’s got a good service history.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

I always say of the Twin Air don’t testdrive one if your mind’s made up for the 1.2, because the latter will only disappoint you in comparison. There’s a reason why we love our Twin Airs!

And don’t be afeared of one if it’s got a good service history.

I'm intrigued by the hydraulic valve operation - very clever - and, if I had the finances to not have to worry about repair costs, I'd have one in a shot. However our wee Pandas have always been for just running around the town as cheaply and conveniently as possible and the 8 valve FIRE engine does this just so well. One day I really must drive one and see what I'm missing!

 

[The Panda Nut]

I always say of the Twin Air don’t testdrive one if your mind’s made up for the 1.2, because the latter will only disappoint you in comparison. There’s a reason why we love our Twin Airs!

And don’t be afeared of one if it’s got a good service history.

I agree the TA is such a good drive the 1.2 does feel tame after. I do like driving my Mrs 14 plate loung as much though. Itys bsuch a peach of an engine, and with the clutch slave newly replaced, and new brakes its just a lovely drive. The 185 tyres it has also just add, almost imperceptibly to the experience. Its well panted and now running really well will quite happily cruise at 78-80 on teh speedo (around 74-75 in reality) its still got plenty of pull in hand so does not feel strained. All the women are under strict instructions to ensuure the car is run at 4000rpm plust a couple of times a week to keep teh VVT variator moving freely and this seems to be a key to really great running and removing the flat spot Ruby in particular used to suffer.

I would avoid hte Pop unless you can fimnd one with air con as it usually has no air con or central locking. Easy or even better easy+ is the best spec. Easy + has the nice alloy wheels and seat height which may have been an extra in the Easy. Our 14 plate car is incredibly rust free underneath, and has been well protected since we bought it. If I on ly could have one it might well be this one. Nearly 90HP from the TA in a light weight car is however intoxicating in a small lightweight car. Overtaking is ridiculously easy in the TA.

We have

 

[The Panda Nut]

I'm intrigued by the hydraulic valve operation - very clever - and, if I had the finances to not have to worry about repair costs, I'd have one in a shot. However our wee Pandas have always been for just running around the town as cheaply and conveniently as possible and the 8 valve FIRE engine does this just so well. One day I really must drive one and see what I'm missing!

Easily understood position. I feel the system is so amazing, if its a main car its worth the 'risk'. As a second car probably not and my other half wouldnt ever drive it as it requires and would only ever get the downside if a tinyengine running below turbo speed. Its all basically oil powered so if you are meticulous about the right oil and change the oil often it ought to be reliable until wear reduces efficiency over time. There are enough 100K cars reported now to give some confidence. Time will tell if I am right. Im pushing 28K now and doing more ,miles than for a few years and my TA is possibly now at its best. The TA is a car you could get stopped for speeding in very easily. Once at speed its a pretty quiet engine and not in the least tiring on a long run. Im convinced having less pistons throwing their weight around makes a big difference. My mum had a Honda 600 backing the early 70's. That too was a relaxing thing once up to cruising speed.

 

[boozyjay]

If you want DAB, Fiat did a facelift around 2018 and fitted it as standard. I used to own a pre-facelift Panda Cross and had aftermarket DAB installed and it was dreadful. The two Panda's that I own now came with factory DAB and it's very good, so I advise to get a later 2018 onwards.

Don't discount the TwinAir, I'm on my third one and they have been totally reliable and a hoot to drive - the engine really suits the Panda. They are very oil specific, so make sure you find one with full service history. If you look after it, then it will look after you.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Marcus Daly]

If you want DAB, Fiat did a facelift around 2018 and fitted it as standard.

Mmmnn... It was still a £150 option when I bought my 4x4 in 2020. The dealer checked when I refused it, as I took all the other options. I told him I wasn't paying for DAB when I mainly stream international radio stations over bluetooth, but when the car was delivered DAB was present. I suspect Fiat had just run out of the non-DAB head units!