Newbie- looking for a Panda 4x4

[Mefster]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum, and not actually a Fiat owner at present, but after checking out the wealth of info on here I thought it was about time I joined.
My son has just turned 17, and as our other cars are autos, I thought it might be handy to by a cheap small manual car to practice in. I have fond memories of my Mum’s ‘85 Fiat Uno 55, and thought a Panda 4x4 would be a good option- low insurance, compact shape with raised ride height and good visibility as well as 4 wheel drive for extra security on our muddy wet lanes.
I’m looking at spending £2-3k, and know that could get me a Mk3 or early Mk4, but likely an 10-15 year old car with high mileage.
I’ve done my research and know rust is the main worry-especially sills and subframes. Prob shaft bearings also seem to be an issue.
Any other advice when looking at cars? Are the 1.2 FIRE, 1.3d or TwinAir a better bet at higher mileage or does it depend on the car/servicing?

Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Funky Spike]

Welcome.
I think the FIRE engine is pretty indestructible and great for a new driver to learn how to maintain a motor, everything is accessible.
Problem is that age of Panda we are seeing more and more cars succumbing to rust in the rear subframe, my own among them, and replacements are almost impossible to obtain.

There are many that think the Twinair is fragile and not capable of high mileages but I have a Cross TA that has just passed 168k miles. Although I was lucky to buy it exceeding cheap, via this forum, it had been properly maintained and that seems to be the key. Again I've learnt that basic maintenance is DIYable and they can be serviced, plugs oil and air filter can done on the driveway.

I can't offer an opinion of the diesel as I've never owned one.

I've probably not told you anything that you don't already know from your research. Probably not the best time of year to be buying one, the prices definitely inflated in winter.

The Panda sections on here are very active and full of good advice and the 500 section too contains lots of advice on the TA engine.

Spike

 

[Bonefish Blues]

In terms of engines alone, then 1.2, diesel,




TA

In that order if you're looking cheaper and higher mileage - and by inference have a lower Bork fund.

 

[Mefster]

Thanks all. Good advice. I think getting underneath and checking closely for rust and trying to find a car that has been well maintained will be vital. I’ve realised after spending all Summer dithering I’m now seeing the usual Winter price hike for 4x4s!

 

[RaskOfTreve]

The diesel is great,

 

[AutoMouse]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum, and not actually a Fiat owner at present, but after checking out the wealth of info on here I thought it was about time I joined.
My son has just turned 17, and as our other cars are autos, I thought it might be handy to by a cheap small manual car to practice in. I have fond memories of my Mum’s ‘85 Fiat Uno 55, and thought a Panda 4x4 would be a good option- low insurance, compact shape with raised ride height and good visibility as well as 4 wheel drive for extra security on our muddy wet lanes.
I’m looking at spending £2-3k, and know that could get me a Mk3 or early Mk4, but likely an 10-15 year old car with high mileage.
I’ve done my research and know rust is the main worry-especially sills and subframes. Prob shaft bearings also seem to be an issue.
Any other advice when looking at cars? Are the 1.2 FIRE, 1.3d or TwinAir a better bet at higher mileage or does it depend on the car/servicing?

Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Actually heard these are very comfy to drive!

 

[AutoMouse]

Welcome.
I think the FIRE engine is pretty indestructible and great for a new driver to learn how to maintain a motor, everything is accessible.
Problem is that age of Panda we are seeing more and more cars succumbing to rust in the rear subframe, my own among them, and replacements are almost impossible to obtain.


Spike

Parts, are terrible to obtain. 11th year then Fiat melt most down in my opinion. Keeps the price high and the demand low!
That’s why second hand fiats are far cheaper. I wouldn’t buy a new fiat as it’s not got the same ethic anymore.

Looks like Hyundai are the cars to purchase nowadays. The Ford of today!

 

[Dan at Adrian Flux]

Hi.
If your son ever needs any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

 

[Mefster]

Hi.
If your son ever needs any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

Thanks for

Hi.
If your son ever needs any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.

Thanks for the message Dan.

We’ve taken the plunge a few weeks back with a 2013 4x4 TwinAir. Already insured… with Adrian Flux! You also insure my S2a Land Rover and have been good to deal with.

 

[Dan at Adrian Flux]

Thanks for

Thanks for the message Dan.

We’ve taken the plunge a few weeks back with a 2013 4x4 TwinAir. Already insured… with Adrian Flux! You also insure my S2a Land Rover and have been good to deal with.

Hi.
Glad we could help out with your insurance.
Regards,
Dan.