Panda Potential New Car

[TheStigV2]

Hi All,

I'm doing my research a bit here, but I might be about to purchase a Panda 100HP as my current car (a megane convertible on a 51 plate) is starting to show age related issues that are looking costly to repair.

Is there anything about the Panda 100HP I should be aware of or keeping an eye out for? anything i should check if i go to buy the car that will help me determine if it's a problem waiting to happen?

as always i'll take my trusty flashlight/batsignal and my OBD2 scanner... anything else that will help me in my quest

thanks in advance guys and girls and hopefully this will be the first of many posts "if" i buy the car

 

[Gman88667733]

Other than the usual checks, make sure the rear axle/cups aren't too rusty. This kills a lot of Panda's!
Just bought a 1.1 Panda and the rear axle looks okay, the cups have seen better days though. Can all be fixed, but a good idea to start with one with as little rust as possible

 

[DaveMcT]

You can now get a brand new bare axle for £130.


Check all wheels for damage. They buckle all too easily and cost about £80 each to have straightened. If the tyres are rubbish don't worry, because they ride a lot better on 50 series rather than OEM 45 series.

Rear axle has four (count em) rubber brake hoses. Swap them out for HEL braided hose for less money and no more hassle. I did mine with banjo on the brake end and captive nut on t'other end. They will add rubber grommets at no extra cost.

Be sure the heater works in all modes. The climate control actuator gears fail and are a right pain to get at, never mine repair. Ditto the fan speed control.

Like all Pandas if the steering wheel pulses the torque sensor are on the way out. Search forum for more detail.

Front bumper costs MegaBux to replace. I strongly suggest you remove it and fit a standard Panda bumper. It can have the 100HP spats etc added and can be painted to trick all but an expert. That way your valuable OEM 100HP bumper will always be nice whatever hits you car.

Cam belt. Its a 16V so will not be good if the belt loses its teeth.

Alternator is a ***** to get at. Check it's charging properly.

Clutch heavy or notchy action with poor release is probably worn out. Clutch opening at bottom of travel likely to be hydraulics (in RHD form). Bleeding the system may help but its likely to not be a permanent fix. Replace the whole hydraulic system It's not repairable and not worth doing in sections as both master and slave will be worn.

Throttle is drive by wire. It should not lag or delay on overrun. Any funny business knock the price down.

 

[TheStigV2]

You can now get a brand new bare axle for £130.

might be worth doing anyways... is this hard to do?

Check all wheels for damage. They buckle all too easily and cost about £80 each to have straightened. If the tyres are rubbish don't worry, because they ride a lot better on 50 series rather than OEM 45 series.

so 195/50 instead of 45... interesting as 45 rubber seems to be severely limited in what i can put on

Rear axle has four (count em) rubber brake hoses. Swap them out for HEL braided hose for less money and no more hassle. I did mine with banjo on the brake end and captive nut on t'other end. They will add rubber grommets at no extra cost.

4! jeez louise, I would update the lines anyway... been doing it for years but good to know.

thanks though, i just found the guide on here for the 100hp... gonna give that a read... much appreciated

 

[Gman88667733]

A new rear axle for £130? If it isn't too painful to do, I may consider that for my Panda!

 

[irc]

Not too painful to do, but do watch out for "mission creep"...
Brakes, drums, pipes, dampers, springs, bump stops.
"Oh yeah, that exhaust back box looks a bit flaky too."

Still, that Panda's now looking good.
Only a few more to go. Better order another rear beam then. Wonder if there's a quantity discount.

(Sound of wallet expiring...)

 

[DaveMcT]

Not too painful to do, but do watch out for "mission creep"...
Brakes, drums, pipes, dampers, springs, bump stops.
"Oh yeah, that exhaust back box looks a bit flaky too."

Still, that Panda's now looking good.
Only a few more to go. Better order another rear beam then. Wonder if there's a quantity discount.

(Sound of wallet expiring...)

It's highly likely that most (if not all) of those will need doing.

OEM 100HP bump stops are horrible and likely to be falling off anyway Use Febi stops for Fiat Coupe.
Brakes are cheap. All round discs and pads wont be more than £100.
Dampers - OEM rears are cheap and replace when they go soft. Fronts I would not want it harder than OEM so may as well do the same there.
Full exhaust catalyst to tailpipe is £100 with 30 month warranty. Not as good as a posh system but if you are going posh far better to go to a stainless specialist for a bespoke job.

The top mod for the car would be air suspension. Not for fancy tricks just so you can set the compliance for sporty or comfort driving.

While I'm on - a pair of HEL custom braided hoses for the rear are £27 a side incl VAT. Mine are 600mm long with an angled banjo end. Price includes end fittings banjo bolt and as many grommets as you like. I love the direct pedal feel of all round braided but leave OEM on the front if you want normal pedal feel.