Hello, excellent choice of car
If you're new to the 169 Panda, I'd recommend checking the following (some of these procedures are outlined in
GUIDES):
Inspect & treat for rust:
- rear axle spring pans
- coolant return pipe across front of engine
- engine sump pan
- shock absorbers & springs
- mud trap behind front springs
- brakes (build-up of rust on sliding surfaces of front calipers & inside of rear drums)
- rear sills (access to treat rust via rubber bung in rear wheel arch and base of b-pillar)
The battery and its earth strap need to be in good condition or the power steering can throw a wobbly - it draws a lot of current. As a precaution I always park with the wheels straight and let the battery recover before setting off.
The 1.1 specifically can suffer from intermittent electrical faults / cutting out / rough running. Wiring connections on ECU can be loose - strap down with long cable ties.
Check the 'duckbill' scuttle drains below the wipers are clear - they block easily. Check the condition of the wiring loom in this area - the loom tape disintegrates.
Monitor tyre wear. Wear most common on front insides & rear outsides. Front lower wishbone rear bush can cause tracking issues. Rear axle alignment is sometimes less than perfect, with no provision for adjustment (can add shims at the hubs or loosen mounting bracket bolts to adjust position).
Other than that, they're great little cars, tough, capable and reliable. I hope you enjoy it
Aside from usual routine maintenance, I would consider doing these actions on a recently acquired old 169 Panda:
- Clean battery earth strap connections (on body under battery and engine block)
- Remove & clean MAP sensor (on rhs of throttle body)
- Check rear brake wheel cylinders for leaks
- Change brake fluid
- Change clutch fluid
- Change coolant (this engine really appreciates good coolant)
- Lubricate door mirrors & handles
