Panda 2012+ New Panda 1.2 Lounge

[Harveykat]

Hi all, just bought a Brand new Panda 1.2 Lounge last week. Never had a Fiat before or a brand new car, only ever had Fords. Based decision on reviews, practicality and value for money. Still getting used to it, constantly thinking have I made the right choice, fantastic in so many ways, just worried about steep hill starts and motorways, but it is growing on me every day.
Talking about practicality; Does anyone know of a good quality rear mounted cycle rack that would fit?

 

[Harveykat]

Forgot to mention, looking for a cycle rack to carry 3 bikes. If anyone could point me in the right direction that would be massively appreciated.

 

[Alsatian1]

Hi all, just bought a Brand new Panda 1.2 Lounge last week. Never had a Fiat before or a brand new car, only ever had Fords. Based decision on reviews, practicality and value for money. Still getting used to it, constantly thinking have I made the right choice, fantastic in so many ways, just worried about steep hill starts and motorways, but it is growing on me every day.
Talking about practicality; Does anyone know of a good quality rear mounted cycle rack that would fit?

Hi, well done on a good purchase. You will be fine with the 1.2, I used to have a grande punto with a 1.2 and while slow it was never dangerously so, and it was a much heavier car than the panda. In fact, it used to get me up some horrendously steep roads in the Lake District, even when I had to do a precarious 3 point turn

In terms of bike rack, I don't know much about brands etc... But I do know that you should really use a towbar mounted one rather than a tailgate mounted rack. From other posts I've seen on here, hinges were never designed to take the load. Have you considered utilising your Pandas roof rails for cycle rack use?

 

[deeyup]

:yeahthat:

catnash has the towbar with bike rack combo.

And btw, welcome along to the fiat forum.

 

[WoollyPanda]

Don't be too quick to judge the performance of the 1.2, I was a bit disappointed with the performance of mine when I first got it but 2,500Mls later it really goes well and the economy seems to stay the same whatever I do with it!

 

[Harveykat]

Thanks all, great advice. Panda is growing on me exponentially and I absolutely love it. It's in my nature to over deliberate things, I'm getting used to the feel of the 1.2 now and certain it has been the right choice of car. It looks small on the outside, but feels big on the inside. Brilliant!! Sensible, yet decidedly different! Does that also describe the average Panda owner?
On the bike carrier front I hadn't considered the implications of the rear wiper and tailgate cycle rack. The tow bar looks like a good option but expensive, and I may forget about the rear load when parking, ha ha. Looking into maybe getting the new Panda transverse roof bars.
I see that Fiat do a roof mounted cycle rack at around £48. A toss up between those or the Thule 532 FreeRide cycle rack. Any recommendations?
I see that the Max roof load is 55kg (including roof bars and cycle racks). I would like to be able to carry 3 bikes, so may be pushing it to almost the load limit, not to mention the centre of gravity and looking a bit crazy! I guess I must have been looking for a big car in a small package.
I appreciate the comments, thanks loads.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Tailgate mounted cycles carriers are not technically legal. Far better off with the towbar mounted option
Andy Monty

 

[Harveykat]

Thanks Andy Monty. Guess I'd need to get dealer to fit tow bar so as not to invalidate warranty. Any idea on cost?

 

[triumph7]

Thanks Andy Monty. Guess I'd need to get dealer to fit tow bar so as not to invalidate warranty. Any idea on cost?

I had a westfalia detachable towbar fitted by an authorised fitter for £500 then got a Thule 3 bike carrier for £176.99 from towequipe......we used to have a cat called harvey!!

 

[catnash]

Same engine as mine, I love it, plenty of go where I need it and economical, smooth as well.
I have a Thule bike rack, as I do a lot of mountain biking I couldn't imagine lifting my bike up onto the roof rack. For road biking that would be easier as the bikes are much lighter.

 

[Super Uwe]

Thanks all, great advice. Panda is growing on me exponentially and I absolutely love it. It's in my nature to over deliberate things, I'm getting used to the feel of the 1.2 now and certain it has been the right choice of car.

Welcome on board!

In choosing the 1.2 Lounge, you've got yourself one of the most reliable, economical and value for money engines about - and it's fun too!.

Am sure you will continue to enjoy driving it for many years to come. Our 1.2 Easy has nearly done 27,000 miles now and it has been great so far. It is really perky up to about 50mph as you work your way through the gears (don't be afraid to let it rev!), and is more than competent at higher speeds.

 

[jrkitching]

In choosing the 1.2 Lounge, you've got yourself one of the most reliable, economical and value for money engines about

:yeahthat:

IMO the 1.2 FIRE is one of the best small car engines ever made.

 

[Harveykat]

Great comments, thanks. I completely love my Panda. Noticing a difference already; noticing it loosening up a little (or maybe I've just got used to it ha ha).
As much as the tow bar bike carrier is the best option, I don't yet own a bike, just thinking of getting the family out a bit more on the local cycle trails in Devon & Cornwall. The rack would get used on 30 occasions a year at best, so the tow bar seems a costly one at around £680 versus £260. My other half is happy to lift the bikes up onto the roof, otherwise I wouldn't consider it. I guess we could always hire bikes instead! Sorry, don't mean to turn this into a cyclists forum!