General Buying used. What to look for?

[Tom95]

Hi all,

I'm going to look at a used Panda on the weekend. It's an ex-demo 1.2 Pop with 9,000kms.

I'm well aware of the clutch/flat spot issue with the 1.2; but is there anything else that current Panda owners think I should check?

Thanks

 

[Goudrons]

It's pretty new, so there shouldn't be too much to worry about.

I would concentrate on wearable items like tyres, brakes etc.
(I don't think you can see the front discs through the wheel trims, but generally I've found Fiat brakes to be a bit soft)

Along with body work knocks, scuffs and dinks, including wheel trim scuffs and interior scrapes, stains and wear.

Listen for rattles as well.
One of ours has been back for the rear seat latches knocking and rattling over bumps, they needed grease and it's due in for them to look at the radio rattling in it's slot.

Quite often Demos are a good buy at the right price, but most aren't Demos, but courtsey cars.

Also, dealers don't generally like to discount them as much as the should because they end up having to swallow lump of the purchase tax on it themselves as they did buy it new and had to pay it themselves, so ask and push for extras, mats, tank of fuel, free/discounted service etc.

 

[Dunturin]

Look for a blue and me connection

 

[ExBluebird]

Fairly solid car. Ours has 2000 miles on it. No problems with the build, so all about the condition.

 

[AAB1992]

Hello Tom,
Having got a 2012 1.2 8v lounge model with 40k on the clock now I can say there are a few things to look out for.

Check:

The boot the release mechanism, make sure the electric handle works (if applicable).

The handbrake cables are an issue on the panda, they don’t sit in the hangers properly, chewing the cables and this leads to them rubbing on the suspension components, causing strange noises from the rear. Mine had to be replaced at 25k and I’ve now modified their routing.

The rear shocks, just like 500 are poor quality. Check the rubber bushes and signs of noises from the rear. Mine had to be replaced at 35k.
The dashboard is known to rattle on earlier models due to a lack of insulation/padding on the top. Mine was rectified under warranty for free, and now no longer rattles.

The quality of the paint can be poor and thin in places (especially metallic colours like mine), the bonnet, front bumper, and around the sills are vulnerable. If you can find some aftermarket mud-flaps, they will ensure the sills stay chip-free as possible.

Apart from a few niggles the car has been totally reliable. I think overall the new panda is an improvement over the old model. The ride, handling and steering have all improved. Refinement is good. They are just a quirky cars that I feel are under appreciated. There are some excellent used buys out there for the money (cars that are only 1-3 years old). Make sure you choose the right spec for your needs and don't pay over the odds for one. Although what I would say is, if you can get one with Blue & Me that is probably one of the best optional features you could spec this car with. Pop models are very basic and you could easily get an Easy model for nearly the same money with far more kit.

Good luck with the search,

Adam.

 

[Palio]

RUST!

Oh no hang on, this isn't a Dacia Duster thread.....

Not really heard any horror stories which is encouraging. I think the points above have covered most of the (few) things to keep an eye on.

The mk3 was generally praised for build quality (borne out by my bargain but highish mileage 4x4 I have to say), and despite predictions of doom & gloom with the mk4 being built in Italy, it seems to be well screwed together.

 

[Squadrone Rosso]

9000kms is less than 6k miles so I'd only be looking at condition.