General How to explain the Panda to friends and family?!

[SB1500]

I know the ultimate answer to this thread is that you don't have to explain your choice of car to anyone, and it's true, but to make for an interesting thread and discussion amongst your car-friends in life, I thought it'd be interesting to see what you tell people when they ask about your Panda!

Came to mind after today I turned down an offer for a 2007 Astra from my father in the next few months! He thinks I'm mad to want a 1.2 Fiat Panda over a 1.6 Astra which is slightly newer. I told him I enjoy the MPG, the simplicity and what I've read about the little FIRE engines online and I simply don't want to risk buying a bigger more expensive car for it to go wrong on me!

When friends ask they think it's ugly, cheap and nasty. I won't lie, 9 years ago when someone else in the family had it from near enough new I always thought that too. It wasn't until I seriously considered owning it as one of my first car options that I began to appreciate it, but most people have more money and choice than me so never have to take cars like the Panda seriously!

It's shocking but pretty difficult in conversation to talk about as I know people don't see it as a serious car compared to other typical cars we see like Focuses, Civics and Corsas (yes I'm 19 - these are the chav mobiles that come up in my conversations). Even the 100hp, they reckon is stupid but I quite like Panda's now and pity people who at least don't see them for how great they are!

So I typically tell people...

- It's got great MPG. I don't worry about the fuel cost anymore as I know it's cheaper than others in any case.

- A 1.2 is pretty nippy in such a light car. Even if it does lean a tad more around corners.

- Car of the Year 2003 (or 04?) is something I say too.

- James May owned one! (most people say - 'yeah, exactly' to that).

- It's the only car in the family that hasn't been replaced in 9 years!

- It runs beautifully. It still sounds quiet and efficient.

- It's cheap on insurance (other young ones really envy this as we consider to have gotten a bargain if our insurance is under 1k!)


Any other remarks or points you make to preach the good word of the Panda in your social groups? Interesting to hear some of your bragging / defence points for the Panda

 

[Wee Smurf]

For me, it's a practical choice. It's got 5 doors which is essential with kids (of which I've got two). I worked with a girl who had a beetle and stood in tears in the showroom having to get a more practical car for her baby. It's skinny and you can get through that gap that others can't make it through. Also you can park it in the tiny gap that no-one else will fit into. Then there's the mpg and the fact that at today's prices, around £30 will fill the car to the brim. It's all win win really!!!

 

[CCTG]

I get the same... I am only 17 and have owned two Pandas. One 1.2 Dynamic and a 100HP. It doesn't seem to be accepted much in my age group, people do seem prefer my 100hp. Don't worry I think the 100hp has more character than the Corsas and Polos that other people my age drive. It's a bit different and I like to be different.

 

[puntofan01]

SB1500: it's not just Pandas you have to explain, I think it's the same with all Fiats tbh.

 

[SB1500]

SB1500: it's not just Pandas you have to explain, I think it's the same with all Fiats tbh.

I definitely agree. They have a reputation - from what I hear online and from family much older than me - for being dirt cheap and nasty. But from REAL owners on the forum I see that at least since 2003 they've been on the up. Real boost from the new 500 too and the new 500 series family. I think Fiat's on the up, but unfortunately we're right to think there's people out there with the outdated and negative 'Fiat Stigma' :-(

 

[puntofan01]

I definitely agree. They have a reputation - from what I hear online and from family much older than me - for being dirt cheap and nasty. But from REAL owners on the forum I see that at least since 2003 they've been on the up. Real boost from the new 500 too and the new 500 series family. I think Fiat's on the up, but unfortunately we're right to think there's people out there with the outdated and negative 'Fiat Stigma' :-(

I think a large part of the problem is that we live in Ford country: no matter what cr4p they make, people will generally flock to buy it, and it's mainly morons, I mean, ford owners that sneer at Fiat the most. I used own a Punto Mk2b, which I used to get teased about. I now own a Grande Punto Eleganza, and I get the impression most people would rather drive a poverty spec fiesta than own a Fiat and have the excellent kit list I now enjoy. Back when I was looking for my 1st car, and wanted a mk1 Punto, a colleague couldn't understand why I wanted a Fiat, and said "Why don't you buy a nice ford?" :banghead:

I assume you get a lot of idiots saying you should've bought a ka, instead of taking on the excellent Panda?

 

[portland_bill]

I love the simplicity and honesty. It is cheaply built, but it doesn't pretend to be better than it is, but despite its cheapness, it does the job well, without complaint. It makes me smile every time I drive it.

Conversely, the new 1.0 100hp Fiesta I use for the learners is faster, and posher, but unrewarding. After a while, lots of little things irritate. I prefer the slower gentler Panda.

 

[SB1500]

I think a large part of the problem is that we live in Ford country: no matter what cr4p they make, people will generally flock to buy it, and it's mainly morons, I mean, ford owners that sneer at Fiat the most. I used own a Punto Mk2b, which I used to get teased about. I now own a Grande Punto Eleganza, and I get the impression most people would rather drive a poverty spec fiesta than own a Fiat and have the excellent kit list I now enjoy. Back when I was looking for my 1st car, and wanted a mk1 Punto, a colleague couldn't understand why I wanted a Fiat, and said "Why don't you buy a nice ford?" :banghead:

I assume you get a lot of idiots saying you should've bought a ka, instead of taking on the excellent Panda?

Oh yes. But where I am my friends have a tad more money than me in general too. One had a brand new 15' VW Polo SE. Other has a Focus Titanium 2011 - we're all 19 / 20 I think I'm the only one with a car that is 'normal' for my age.

But yes, a lot tell me a Fiesta would have been better, or an older Polo / Corsa. Not a chance. I liked Corsas but they proved to be scrap heaps mechanically and Fiestas are simply overpriced. I honestly prefer the Panda over its shape. The Fiesta is a car I'd say has no shape. Looks like it's just been shaped for shapes sake! Fords offer a good package yeah, but even at that I'd say they're overpriced. Of course, buyers don't see it that way as they simply don't feel Fiat's even a viable rival for their money :-/

I love the simplicity and honesty. It is cheaply built, but it doesn't pretend to be better than it is, but despite its cheapness, it does the job well, without complaint. It makes me smile every time I drive it.

Conversely, the new 1.0 100hp Fiesta I use for the learners is faster, and posher, but unrewarding. After a while, lots of little things irritate. I prefer the slower gentler Panda.

I know the Panda is cheaply built with the likes of the solid hard plastic dash on all models, but it certainly feels well put together.

I know what you mean about the smile, it's just so honest and always there to serve. I get that feeling too, especially in the harsh weather of British winters shoving the luggage in and starting it up is one of those simple pleasures in life

 

[puntofan01]

Oh yes. But where I am my friends have a tad more money than me in general too. One had a brand new 15' VW Polo SE. Other has a Focus Titanium 2011 - we're all 19 / 20 I think I'm the only one with a car that is 'normal' for my age.

But yes, a lot tell me a Fiesta would have been better, or an older Polo / Corsa. Not a chance. I liked Corsas but they proved to be scrap heaps mechanically and Fiestas are simply overpriced. I honestly prefer the Panda over its shape. The Fiesta is a car I'd say has no shape. Looks like it's just been shaped for shapes sake! Fords offer a good package yeah, but even at that I'd say they're overpriced. Of course, buyers don't see it that way as they simply don't feel Fiat's even a viable rival for their money :-/




I know the Panda is cheaply built with the likes of the solid hard plastic dash on all models, but it certainly feels well put together.

I know what you mean about the smile, it's just so honest and always there to serve. I get that feeling too, especially in the harsh weather of British winters shoving the luggage in and starting it up is one of those simple pleasures in life

1 thing I have noticed is that an increasing number of young people are taking out finance deals on a brand new car. Very risky!

With regards to the Polo, something which I think is quite poor for a car which costs so much more to buy than most other superminis is that they don't have curtain airbags, they just have a large airbag in the seat. Understandable on a Dacia Sandero, but quite disgraceful on something as hugely overpriced as the polo.

I don't get the fuss with Focuses: I don't think they look any more expensive inside than a Fiat, yet people rave on about them! Personally, I find ford design either extremely bland (ie the mk6 and mk7 fiesta,) or fussy and completely overstyled. (ie current fiesta)

It's very difficult to explain, but the Panda has this immense charm to it. I've never actually driven 1, but whenever I see them, they just look so hugely characterful!

 

[Gavv8]

All I can say is that I've owned many cars from 4.6 V8 engined Rovers to Golf Gti's and the panda 100hp I own now is the one i'm keeping forever... almost everyone I know laughs at it but I couldn't care less as its become more than just a car.... soon I may buy an Abarth 500 because i'd really like one but the panda will be sharing a parking space with it and even when I get bored with the 500 the panda will still be here....

 

[puntofan01]

All I can say is that I've owned many cars from 4.6 V8 engined Rovers to Golf Gti's and the panda 100hp I own now is the one i'm keeping forever... almost everyone I know laughs at it but I couldn't care less as its become more than just a car.... soon I may buy an Abarth 500 because i'd really like one but the panda will be sharing a parking space with it and even when I get bored with the 500 the panda will still be here....

I do know how you feel: if it was possible, I wouldn't have traded in my previous Fiat, and then when the day comes I need a new car, my current 1 would join it in retirement, lol!

 

[varesecrazy]

the Panda ( polish built) is actually THE success story of FIAT in the last 20 years,
most FIAT specialists will tell you it's the most reliable..

Reliability - the cars are well designed and "generally" built from good qulaity parts,
however the actual "build / assembly" isn't always top notch,
I said I'd always buy 1 owner - "nearly new" as they've done all the "snagging" visits

it's the cars that have been through 7+ younger owners that'll have seen the wiring hacked around to support "upgraded sound / LED footwell lights,
Phone / Alarm, etc"

bottom line, it's a good quality car with little market following - so a LOW resale value - the problem there being because the cars are such a #CHEAP # purchase, they don't tend to get looked after as well = treated as "disposable".

Charlie - 2004 panda 1.1 active - owned since Dec 2004.

 

[Sweetsixteen]

Bit like the bloke who said, 'I've never tried Guinness because I don't like it.'
Those who sneer at the Panda have probably never even driven one.

 

[Gavv8]

Bit like the bloke who said, 'I've never tried Guinness because I don't like it.'
Those who sneer at the Panda have probably never even driven one.

Watch the episode of Fifth gear where the land rover gets owned by the panda cross..

 

[ytareh]

Like the 1993-2003 Micra versus 'Newer ' one/s I reckon 'our' Panda will outlive the latest 'replacement . Polish built Fiats seem to be amongs the best . Cinquecentos were often great if you could stay on top of clutch cables snapping .

I think and have often read that peak car reliability has been passed .It may even have been as far back as late 1990s .

 

[muz379]

My 56 1.1active was my first car as well . Friends and some family thought I was mad and am mad for choosing a panda

The way I see it is being under 25 and having a car that is in insurance group one makes perfect sense to me . Whilst all my friends and workmates are paying £1.5k plus for their insurance , My little panda cost me nowhere near that to insure .

MPG is a real bonus as well .

Besides my drive to work is 10miles each way over mostly 30mph roads .So the car does exactly what it is supposed to do .And in the busy city traffic it really is great to be able to nip in and out of spaces .

It does have its limitations . For example I would not want to do a very long journey 2hrs plus in it because it can get cramped .The boot is tiny . But then I can always hire a bigger car when I need one like I am when I go down south to visit some family later in the year .

For me its not the fact that I cannot insure or run anything bigger . I definitely could but I would rather pay as little as possible to get around and pocket the change for savings towards a house deposit or a holiday .

 

[chenry]

I've just passed my car test at 47! Been a biker all my life. 2 days ago I bought my 2008 Panda "Pandy" 4x4 for a number of reasons. I wanted something that I could get some real road miles under my belt, cheap to insure, cheap to run and earn some no claims.

We live in London, our Freelander 2 is too big to just nip down to the shops (but great on long runs), our RX-8 PZ is really low, has hard suspension and would have cost me loads to get insured (nil NCD). The 595 Abarth is brand new and the wife's pride and joy!

Most of my family and friends are into cars. My father-in-law was a director at Fiat, my brother-in-law was a designer for Land Rover and Lotus. A friend has just bought a new Porsche Cayman, another has a Focus RS and one a Lambo.

Telling them I was looking at a Panda actually wasn't that difficult, it was "I want something easy to drive, cheap to buy, run and insure, plus I really like the Panda" and also partly because I didn't really care what others thought!

I looked at other cars, the Fiesta, Polo, Fabia etc. and was debating endlessly but my wife (she really loves Panda's as well) said "You've always wanted a Panda 4x4, go find one, new or secondhand" So I did!

- Colin

 

[jar1983]

Ive just had to do the same thing with my 100hp,my mates have said (who mostly drive fords) what the f**k is that,is that a fiat or a roller skate? what is it? i just laugh

 

[puntofan01]

Ive just had to do the same thing with my 100hp,my mates have said (who mostly drive fords) what the f**k is that,is that a fiat or a roller skate? what is it? i just laugh

If they're ford owners, they wouldn't know a decent car if they got run over by 1, lol!

 

[Wee Smurf]

Oh and don't forget - the roof rails are handles for picking it up!