Panda 2012+ Dithering, need persuading.

[tompiper]

Hello people. I have been eyeing up a 2016 on Fiat Panda either an Easy or Lounge. Don't really want that 900cc turbo engine (the old woman might nick the engine for her old sewing machine) as it appears to be more expensive to run (mpg) than the trusted 1.2.
I had a Punto many years ago an R reg (1997) and loved it. I wanted the previous 80's Panda but with two growing kids decided against,
I want to know, are they reliable? are they good on a motorway? What sort of mpg can I expect? and lastly what are the bad points?

 

[sandeel999]

Hi I own a 2014 1.2, easy average in past 4 years 50mpg, had one engine light come on in last 27000 miles, new air filter cured it. Ok for motorways will go at 70 all day but not really what it's built for and wouldn't want to do on a regular basis. Look out for rusty sumps and get it painted also back axles are prone to rust later in life, I've done both mine to extend its life as I was intending on long term keeping it, but may be selling soon if I can find a nice 500 abarth or 1.2s as the Mrs wants one. Mines 2014 27000 miles nothing has broken and only once it didn't start and that was battery, but 4 months of 1 mile to and from work on a 4 year old battery killed it. Would I buy another, yes without hesitation.

 

[tompiper]

Hi I own a 2014 1.2, easy average in past 4 years 50mpg, had one engine light come on in last 27000 miles, new air filter cured it. Ok for motorways will go at 70 all day but not really what it's built for and wouldn't want to do on a regular basis. Look out for rusty sumps and get it painted also back axles are prone to rust later in life, I've done both mine to extend its life as I was intending on long term keeping it, but may be selling soon if I can find a nice 500 abarth or 1.2s as the Mrs wants one. Mines 2014 27000 miles nothing has broken and only once it didn't start and that was battery, but 4 months of 1 mile to and from work on a 4 year old battery killed it. Would I buy another, yes without hesitation.View attachment 196190

Thanks feller. I loved the old deck chair seats Panda of yesteryear but these seem so much more refined. I do go home to London from Yorkshire a few times each year so I figure I could manage that. Incidentally my eldest son a a Cinquecento Sporting many years ago which was plagued with annoying problems, once a broken clutch cable which was inconvenient but he trusted me driving it and what a hoot. But, questionable reliability has shaken me some.

 

[jrkitching]

The 1.2 Panda will in many ways be similar to your old Punto. The engines have a good reputation for reliability provided they always have sufficient coolant. There could be some minor niggles, but this is (or should be) one of the cheapest cars you can buy, and should be judged accordingly. Unlike earlier 1.2's. post 2010 models have an interference engine, so make sure the cambelt is changed at the approriate point.

If I were in the market for a 2016 car, I'd consider paying a little extra and buying a new one; there are some good discounts to be had and you ought to be able to pick up a 1.2 easy for around £8200.

Personally I wouldn't want to own a TA once out of manufacturers warranty (and even then, I'd think twice).

Another good choice, similar in some ways to the Panda, is the Suzuki Swift. Totally lacking in Italian character, but also totally lacking in niggly Italian faults.

The quality of some of the parts used on the Panda show its cheapness. If you're planning to keep one for any length of time, the first things to do are to rustproof the sump and rear beam, dismantle and lubricate the front brakes and derust and paint the rear drums (yes, even on a brand new one, they will be well rusty). Hardly what most folks will want to do to a freshly delivered car, but then again, there are not many new cars that you can get freshly delivered for £8200.

In Pop form, they're even cheaper; expect to pay around £7600 for an unregistered one. A prereg should be even cheaper, but you won't have the same warranty and insurance protections (you won't get a new for old replacement if a prereg is written off in the first year, but you most likely will with a first owner car) or short term resale value.

 

[murphyv310]

Totally agree with JRK's sound advice. My 2014 Panda lived by the sea with its first owner, the rear drums and sump were rough looking but a good de-rust and some rust converter then a few coats of hammerite and all has been well for nearly two years. I also go over the sump with an oily rag at oil change time. There was some pitting and flaking paint on the rear beam, I've done my best on it and used Bilt Hamber Dynax wax spray on it, hopefully it'll last a good few years longer.
The cars are good, the odd daft niggle but with sensible servicing they are as reliable as anyone else's cars. I don't do much out of town running so it is reflected in just 45mpg which I think is fine. I do under 3000 miles a year.

 

[Al D]

This good value. Bluetooth means get the speakers back on windscreen pillars. I've had 3 1.2's. If you do motorway miles the Twin Air 875cc worth trying, may be a wait for the right one though.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&page=1

 

[ambient white]

Hello people. I have been eyeing up a 2016 on Fiat Panda either an Easy or Lounge. Don't really want that 900cc turbo engine (the old woman might nick the engine for her old sewing machine) as it appears to be more expensive to run (mpg) than the trusted 1.2.
I had a Punto many years ago an R reg (1997) and loved it. I wanted the previous 80's Panda but with two growing kids decided against,
I want to know, are they reliable? are they good on a motorway? What sort of mpg can I expect? and lastly what are the bad points?

My wife has a Panda Trekking Twin Air and I had a Panda 4x4 Twin Air until May this year. Traded the 4x4 in for a City Cross 1.2.

Of the three I prefer the 1.2 because of the smooth, flexible engine with less gear changing. I get 46.5 mpg from the 1.2 on local travel only and 47 mpg from the Trekking for similar journeys. Trekking is 3+ years now with no issues and none from the City Cross.

 

[tompiper]

The 1.2 Panda will in many ways be similar to your old Punto. The engines have a good reputation for reliability provided they always have sufficient coolant. There could be some minor niggles, but this is (or should be) one of the cheapest cars you can buy, and should be judged accordingly. Unlike earlier 1.2's. post 2010 models have an interference engine, so make sure the cambelt is changed at the approriate point.

If I were in the market for a 2016 car, I'd consider paying a little extra and buying a new one; there are some good discounts to be had and you ought to be able to pick up a 1.2 easy for around £8200.

Personally I wouldn't want to own a TA once out of manufacturers warranty (and even then, I'd think twice).

Another good choice, similar in some ways to the Panda, is the Suzuki Swift. Totally lacking in Italian character, but also totally lacking in niggly Italian faults.

The quality of some of the parts used on the Panda show its cheapness. If you're planning to keep one for any length of time, the first things to do are to rustproof the sump and rear beam, dismantle and lubricate the front brakes and derust and paint the rear drums (yes, even on a brand new one, they will be well rusty). Hardly what most folks will want to do to a freshly delivered car, but then again, there are not many new cars that you can get freshly delivered for £8200.

In Pop form, they're even cheaper; expect to pay around £7600 for an unregistered one. A prereg should be even cheaper, but you won't have the same warranty and insurance protections (you won't get a new for old replacement if a prereg is written off in the first year, but you most likely will with a first owner car) or short term resale value.

Damned good solid advice there JRK. I think, after further digging around, the Panda is not for me, don't like niggles, rust problems etc.
Your advice was very welcome though.

 

[jrkitching]

Damned good solid advice there JRK. I think, after further digging around, the Panda is not for me, don't like niggles, rust problems etc.
Your advice was very welcome though.

You're welcome.

As well as the Swift, take a look at some of the South Korean offerings. The Hyundai/Kia brands may be bland, but they're solid, reliable and come with class leading warranties.

 

[tompiper]

You're welcome.

As well as the Swift, take a look at some of the South Korean offerings. The Hyundai/Kia brands may be bland, but they're solid, reliable and come with class leading warranties.

Thank you. I've decided on a 1.2TSi Skoda Fabia estate. Have had many VW group cars so will need some serious wrenching to get me to change. However, I love the cheekiness, the boxy stance and the uplifting Italian styling of the little bugger.
Attached is the car I'm after.
A big thank you to all who participated.