Pondering a Panda

[Kim9602]

Hi, looking for help and advice.Looking to buy a Panda.Possibly a trekking.I havent a clue whether petrol odiesel or twin air ? Is best.Looked through the forum and sorry to be thick but torque blah blah lost on me.I do mainly town driving but twice a week a fast 30 mile run.I am used to driving a kia ceed and like its economy (diesel)Had my own Yaris but was written off when idiot hit me at 90 mph.I am nhs nurse so also wonder is there a way to get a good price.Looking forward to getting help from all your good selves.

 

[lozzahhxo]

I have a 0.9 trekking she is a diamond I bought her second hand from fiat with add ons and as she was 2ND hand I didn't have to wait I didn't have to pay extra it was all included top spec and all that all I can say is I drive 45 miles to and from work at least twice or three times a week and then blitz around the city ! Best to get the top spec in my opinion as they drive better I was given a 1.2 I think lounge or easy as a courtesy car and oh my god I have never missed my trekking so much in my life!!

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi Kim9602.

Are you buying brand new..? Look back a few weeks in the Panda 2012 section..talk about FIAT UK s Affinity scheme..decent discounts.

The 1.2 petrol is ok. But a bit lacking in power. The diesel has both power and economy..but relies on your FS ST 30 Mile drive for the exhaust filter DPF. THE TA engine is powerful. And fine in town..but costs MORE brand new..

Personally . I would try and get some test drives. Maybe hire the one you lean toward for a weekend to see if you can live with it. Charlie . Oxford

 

[Kim9602]

Thank you for your help.I would be happy to buy second hand but so few about.Not managed to find one to test drive even.Just had 10 min in a Panda. Not great dealers in nottingham.WHen I say a fast run I mean about 50 mph .would that twice weekly be enough.About once a month a longer 150 mile trip as well.I need to keep my running costs down but like something nice to drive.I dont do much overtaking so the 0 to 60 bit not crucial.lost all my confidence post rta and just try to keep out of harms way

 

[varesecrazy]

Thank you for your help.I would be happy to buy second hand but so few about.Not managed to find one to test drive even.Just had 10 min in a Panda. Not great dealers in nottingham.WHen I say a fast run I mean about 50 mph .would that twice weekly be enough.About once a month a longer 150 mile trip as well.I need to keep my running costs down but like something nice to drive.I dont do much overtaking so the 0 to 60 bit not crucial.lost all my confidence post rta and just try to keep out of harms way

Hi Kim,

the DPF needs to get HOT for around 20 mins.. but if your KIA copes . the panda should also.

TBH the panda isn't a huge seller , unlike the 500 , so there are less around.. but also a non-fiat dealer may well reduce it well - just to move it on..,

here is the link to discount info- on new FIAT's.https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-iii/357394-twinair-engine-worth-then-1200-premium-2.html

Charlie

 

[sandy57]

Hi Kim.
Am pretty new to the trekking, having bought the twinair front wheel drive version about a month ago. Having said that you're familiar with the yaris and ceed, you'll find the trekking very different, in my opinion, mostly in a good way. Firstly i found the gearing (loooong 3rd and 4th gears) takes a bit of getting used to but begins to make sense after a few trips. Secondly, the raised suspension height gives a very different, but not unpleasant, ''feel'' when driving compared to most other small hatchbacks.
They are a little on the expensive side, both new and second hand, compared to its competitors but, if budget allows, i would suggest you persevere in seeking out a test drive.
Have you had a look on Autotrader ?