There's been a lot of discussion in the Panda section recently about excessively corroded rear beams; once the cars are about 10 years old, the beams commonly rust through to the point where they either fail the MOT, or collapse in service. See this thread for a picture of what can happen.
Now I don't want to sound alarmist, but the 500 uses an almost identical beam (the construction is the same; it's just a couple of inches wider), and it's reasonable to suppose these will suffer from the same corrosion issues as they get older. The first cars are eight years old now, and sadly I don't think it'll be long before we see the first 500 rear beam corrosion failure.
Anyone intending to keep a 500 long term might want to think about applying some appropriate corrosion protection now, whilst the beam can still be easily salvaged.
Also, anyone purchasing a 500 >5yrs old should look carefully at the rear beam (it's easily visible if you bend down and look under the car) as part of their pre-purchase inspection.
Panda owners are struggling because new beams are >£700 and most of the secondhand ones are beyond salvaging; any in decent condition sell for £300+. 500 owners are in a better position because decent later 500 rear beams can be had from breakers for much less money; an additional bonus for pre-2010 500's is these, if bought with springs and dampers, will also give you the improved stiffening and suspension from the 2010 facelift. (500 beams can be bolted onto the Panda, but the 500 track is different and it throws out the rear wheel spacing).
@DaveMcT has started a useful thread with a guide to replacing the beam; follow it here.
Now I don't want to sound alarmist, but the 500 uses an almost identical beam (the construction is the same; it's just a couple of inches wider), and it's reasonable to suppose these will suffer from the same corrosion issues as they get older. The first cars are eight years old now, and sadly I don't think it'll be long before we see the first 500 rear beam corrosion failure.
Anyone intending to keep a 500 long term might want to think about applying some appropriate corrosion protection now, whilst the beam can still be easily salvaged.
Also, anyone purchasing a 500 >5yrs old should look carefully at the rear beam (it's easily visible if you bend down and look under the car) as part of their pre-purchase inspection.
Panda owners are struggling because new beams are >£700 and most of the secondhand ones are beyond salvaging; any in decent condition sell for £300+. 500 owners are in a better position because decent later 500 rear beams can be had from breakers for much less money; an additional bonus for pre-2010 500's is these, if bought with springs and dampers, will also give you the improved stiffening and suspension from the 2010 facelift. (500 beams can be bolted onto the Panda, but the 500 track is different and it throws out the rear wheel spacing).
@DaveMcT has started a useful thread with a guide to replacing the beam; follow it here.
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