As I approach the end of my ownership experience with my mk3 panda 1.3mj dynamic, I feel so attached to the car that I think a review of the car is in order.
An 06 plate with 57000 miles on the clock, the car had not been cared for by the previous owner, which is a shame as the owner before that had religiously got it serviced at a dealer every year. The drivers seat had a couple of cigarette burns, and the car 'had a smell'.
Mechanically, and structurally sound, I saw this at a price it was worth and bought it. The minute I turned the ignition on I knew I would be very happy with this car.
I moved from a 1.2 Grande Punto Active, which I wouldn't have got rid of except I hit a point in my life where I needed to hold on to whatever pennies I could. I adored that car, and still get misty eyed when I see one, especially in the stunning new orleans blue. However, the panda has won me over so much so that it is getting replaced with another panda.
My favourite aspect of the car, is the engine. After a scare four months into ownership with seized injector seals, it has been faultless (minus stranding me in asdas car park with a flat battery, but I don't count that). The engine is strong, I don't have problems with turbo lag now I know how to drive it, and love the surge of torque it gives. The joy the car gives when it races away from other cars at traffic lights is addictive, and all while doing (currently) 63mpg.
Nose heaviness aside, the handling of the car is enjoyable and cheeky. The steering let's me know what's happening, it's predictable and safe and on its titchy wheels has a decent ride. Refinement is impressive, certainly more so than my old Peugeot 107, and shows how the mk3 stuck around as long as it did.
Practicality was something I thought I might struggle with, coming down from a 4 metre long super'mini'. The car has coped with ikea trips, a German Shepherd, suitcases and of course food shopping with ease. Just enough storage space for me, a pleasant cabin and straight forward design.
It flew through its MOT in January, got it a nice big service a couple of months ago, and I have to say running costs have been fantastic.
In just a few weeks, I am going to be saying good bye to my little chuckable black box, a brand spanking new white Panda twin air trekking is going to replace it. Money worries are, I'm grateful to say not a problem now so a car with a few toys would be lovely. I hope I have not whittled on too much and I'm sure there are enough reviews on here, but hopefully it will be of use to someone. Motorway, City streets, car parks, dog duties, moving house, greenlaning, snow, this car has done it all and with absolute ease. A true 'do anything' little car and I'm proud to have owned it.
An 06 plate with 57000 miles on the clock, the car had not been cared for by the previous owner, which is a shame as the owner before that had religiously got it serviced at a dealer every year. The drivers seat had a couple of cigarette burns, and the car 'had a smell'.
Mechanically, and structurally sound, I saw this at a price it was worth and bought it. The minute I turned the ignition on I knew I would be very happy with this car.
I moved from a 1.2 Grande Punto Active, which I wouldn't have got rid of except I hit a point in my life where I needed to hold on to whatever pennies I could. I adored that car, and still get misty eyed when I see one, especially in the stunning new orleans blue. However, the panda has won me over so much so that it is getting replaced with another panda.
My favourite aspect of the car, is the engine. After a scare four months into ownership with seized injector seals, it has been faultless (minus stranding me in asdas car park with a flat battery, but I don't count that). The engine is strong, I don't have problems with turbo lag now I know how to drive it, and love the surge of torque it gives. The joy the car gives when it races away from other cars at traffic lights is addictive, and all while doing (currently) 63mpg.
Nose heaviness aside, the handling of the car is enjoyable and cheeky. The steering let's me know what's happening, it's predictable and safe and on its titchy wheels has a decent ride. Refinement is impressive, certainly more so than my old Peugeot 107, and shows how the mk3 stuck around as long as it did.
Practicality was something I thought I might struggle with, coming down from a 4 metre long super'mini'. The car has coped with ikea trips, a German Shepherd, suitcases and of course food shopping with ease. Just enough storage space for me, a pleasant cabin and straight forward design.
It flew through its MOT in January, got it a nice big service a couple of months ago, and I have to say running costs have been fantastic.
In just a few weeks, I am going to be saying good bye to my little chuckable black box, a brand spanking new white Panda twin air trekking is going to replace it. Money worries are, I'm grateful to say not a problem now so a car with a few toys would be lovely. I hope I have not whittled on too much and I'm sure there are enough reviews on here, but hopefully it will be of use to someone. Motorway, City streets, car parks, dog duties, moving house, greenlaning, snow, this car has done it all and with absolute ease. A true 'do anything' little car and I'm proud to have owned it.
