General High Mileage 1.2 Panda

[GT4]

Hi Everyone,

Firstly I'd like to say how helpful this forum is. It provided me with a lot of useful information for when I went to look at a panda the other day. Unfortunately there were a few things that I wasn't happy with, so had to let it go.

I have read through a topic on here regarding high mileage Pandas,100k plus. Quite a few people commented that they would be a bit wary of a 100k Fiat as opposed to something Japanese, which I am very familiar with. However, a few posts mentioned that as long as the major work had been carried out then it should actually be a good car.

This brings me to the second Panda I have come across. It is a 2004 1.2 and is currently on 101,000 miles. However, it has a years MOT and more importantly full service history that states the clutch and gearbox have recently been replaced. Its priced at £1795.

I was just wondering if anyone could offer any further advice on things to look for on a car with this mileage, or if I should just move on from it and keep looking. Sorry for the long post, I've only really had/tinkered with jap cars so not really clued up on fiats. Its for my friend so I want to make sure she doesn't end up with a bad one.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Gareth

 

[306maxi]

Is your username Celica related?

 

[GT4]

Yeh I've got a Celica GT4. A little different to a Panda haha

 

[306maxi]

pictures?

 

[GT4]

This is the only one I've got on this computer:

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Fiat FIRE engines are easily capable of 250k+, so at 101k it's only just run in

Jon.

 

[tommo1]

I have a multijet diesel with 131k on it and it still runs well. No corrosion at all.

The only major expense apart from the engine going bang would be the gearbox / clutch. My clutch wore out last year and it was a £250 job, the access is tight, but the car you looked at has had the clutch and gearbox replaced.

I think the petrol version has a cambelt (mine is a chain) so if there is history of it being replaced, I don't think the high mileage is that much of a problem.

 

[GT4]

Thanks for your replies guys. I will check the service history for a cam belt change. Will give it a thorough going over and long test drive to make sure everything is in order.

Thanks again

 

[306maxi]

1.2 is a non interference enging so cambelt isn't such a big worry

 

[Goudrons]

Most engines will shrug that sort of mileage off these days if properly serviced, so it's worth seeking evidence of this and how it's clocked up the mileage, they're aren't really a motorway cruiser, so it's bound to have had lots and lots of shortish trips.

I've done plenty of miles over the years on the FIRE engine with little issue, perhaps a clutch here and there and the odd coil pack.

I'd take it's had a clutch in it in that time, but would want to know when.

The rest of the car will tend to wear like any other.
I'd pay a little attention to possible running gear/suspension issues, odd worn tyres, clonks and bangs.

But the whole high mileage thing is a bit odd, why??
There are plenty of these cars out there with a lot less, all for around the same money, just a matter of finding them and haggling!

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/cheap-car-with-low-maliege/102608386
http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-...ncecheaper-thanpunto12month-mot-tax/101293096

 

[MintSauce]

I'd pay attention to the wiring loom in the engine bay and elsewhere. IME the fabric wrapping degrades over time leaving the internal wiring exposed. Not the end of the world but if the wiring insulation starts to rub you could have problems.

The loom is particularly exposed under the windscreen wipers - I ended up covering it with self amalgamating tape in my old car.

Also check the state of the exhaust, brake disks and especially rear shoes. - if the handbrake isn't holding very well suspect that they rear shoes and/or drums might need attention.

Suspension drop links were also an issue on mine. Oh, and oil was starting to seep from the engine in a couple of places too (88K miles).

 

[james2609]

I racked up 90k in my 2004 panda without any major issues, apart from a shock absorber. Mechanically, fantastic engines and as said by MEP, capable of 200k + if they are looked after properly.

missing my Panda...

 

[tenpastnine]

My 53' Panda

and according the the service history it wasn't serviced from 125,000 to 160,000