New member - advice on acquisition of first panda would be splendid

[AndyHolden]

Hello friends I am new on here,

I am trying to buy a fiat panda mk111 on a budget around 4-6k. Have a short list of cars to view including lounges/easy/trekking but set on the trekking as it looks a little more spacious generally better.
I have this one on watch https://www.derbyshireperformance.c...rbyshire-00591c94-2fd0-47d2-9eb7-b0430126021e
HOwever have apprehension over this mileage on the twin air engine circa 60k. Vehicle has been serviced by a fiat specialist missing just one service but I have read these engines can be problematic. Am I better off playing it safe with some lower mileage easy/lounge models maybe a couple of years younger in age and with the 1.2 petrol engine?

Any advice would be hugely appreciated - trying to balance reliability on an older car Vs enjoyability.

Thanks Andy

 

[rmjbn1]

Hi and welcome

TwinAir has its fans, but does need very careful servicing and can develop expensive problems.

The 1.2 has been around forever and is basically bomb-proof.

Funnily enough this has just been discussed on the Panda MkIV pages:

Buying a Fiat Panda | FIAT Panda (2012+)

Hi everyone! Have recently found out I’m expecting and so need to upgrade my current car to something with four doors. My partner and I will also be getting a bigger family car but we’d still like to have something a bit smaller and nippy that I could use to work that would still be able to fit...

www.fiatforum.com

 

[AndyHolden]

Thanks for this I had already read that thread but it's a good re enforcement that a TA at 60k might be too much trouble. I have a few lounges on watch around 30k and cheaper too. Maybe but a nippier model next time when budget permits

 

[steveras57]

I guess it depends on what causes you the most angst ? the twin air has the potential for sudden expensive repairs whilst the 1.2 has lowly but generally reliable performance so whats gonna bother you most?

 

[rmjbn1]

I think I agree with jrk in that other thread. TA is something I'd like to try, but not necessarily own.

Fine if it's a hobby car and you're prepared to sink a bit more time effort and money into it.

There can't be much that's more reliable or cheaper to run than a 1.2 Panda

 

[AndyHolden]

I found a 2016 'trekking' with the diesel 1.3 multijet @ 40k miles, do we think this is a better bet that the twin air engine all things considered if I want get that model? The trekking panda's do not come with 1.2l petrol.
I am aware the diesel engine may present a different set of issues over the longer term.

 

[steveras57]

I found a 2016 'trekking' with the diesel 1.3 multijet @ 40k miles, do we think this is a better bet that the twin air engine all things considered if I want get that model? The trekking panda's do not come with 1.2l petrol.
I am aware the diesel engine may present a different set of issues over the longer term.

its a good engine but needs regular correct maintenance to work well- its a better long distance /motorway car than the 1.2 and the gearing is different so it revs lower at motorway speeds,- be aware that if you plan to do your own servicing/repairs then the parts supply used ie second hand is not great as there are not many that have been broken for spares so could work out expensive if you need new parts! especially for the engine! drives nice though.

 

[AndyHolden]

Again thanks for the advice everyone. Such a helpful community here.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

If you want to dip a toe with something lower cost (by a distance) but with everything necessary sorted over the 2.5 years of my ownership* then I will be selling my car very shortly.

*My threads refer

 

[AndyHolden]

Ok. Please send the details would like to have a look at that. [email protected]

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Be a day or so. I'm off to collect a car at the moment, as it happens

 

[rmjbn1]

I found a 2016 'trekking' with the diesel 1.3 multijet @ 40k miles, do we think this is a better bet that the twin air engine

I'd be a little wary of low mileage diesel, presumably spent its life pottering about town getting sooted up. Maybe if you're planning long journeys with it might be ok?

I didn't mean to put you off TA, maybe try one and see if the extra performance and fun is worth the potential for higher effort. And I think they're still £0RFL?

Depends also how long you're planning to keep the car, long term they might get more expensive, but a well-looked after properly sorted one should be good.