I'm always watching the temperature gauge, and I do weekly checks (but it's VERY difficult given the position of my coolant reservoir - behind the grille). So far no leaks, touch wood. If leaks do develop (even with clean, new coolant) is there much I can do about it or is that a 'get what you can out of the car and scrap it' situation? :-/ Waterpump is being replaced with the timing by Fiat btw, would this help prevent leaks or risk developing one as the closed circuit of cooling is going to be modified for the first time in ten years?
I plan on changing the oil and filter every 5,000 miles - before any grit can develop in it! I usually check the oil weekly, but you say to increase this to each time I add petrol? Even at the station as you say? I don't mind this but I am aware I'll probably get stared at / beeped at to move forward - I don't care, and I'll do it if it's part of maintaining my car but only if you say it's useful!
I have been guilty of revving her up a bit over normal a few times. I also can't decide whether to change gear at 2000rpm or 2500rpm - I'd go for reduced engine wear even if this reduced MPG slightly btw.
I would love 250,000 miles. Everybody says 'petrols are done after 100,000.. '
especially on a Fiat of all things'' which really f**ks me off!
Would love the Panda to make it to 250k, even 200k!
I am committed to doing those checks you say,
but tell me this, is changing the coolant (drain and refill) every year too often? I read coolant can last 5 years but honestly don't mind paying £20 for a big bottle from Hellfrauds ready-mixed if it meant reducing risk!
I remember when mine was at 68k, in 2013 when it was handed to my sister (who owned it for two years..) I got it last October with 98k - probably the highest intensity of miles its ever covered when she owned it. I plan on doing 12k per year give or take, but this might increase - who knows?!
As mine is ten, it has needed (as far as I can recall)..
- new fuel pump (£140 for the Bosch one I wanted)
- new keys (£200 ish from FIAT before I owned it thankfully)
- new coil spring for MOT
- EP Steering issues years and years ago, with no problems since thank god!
and now...
- (now), this week, two new shocks
- (now),new handbrake (idiot sister got it welded last year..)
- (now),new oil seal eventually..
- (now),timing belt due to age and mileage
Main point but, I do
love this car. It's so unique (in my area), compact and easy to drive and handle, has a reportedly bulletproof engine, small wheels that I can replace without sweating over, 5 doors (handy), uses almost NO petrol as you've said! I can drive it way more than my friends can as their cars are fuel hogs! And it's pretty fast / nippy due to the sheer lack of weight and I love it!
My next car will be the latest Panda at the time with heated seats and the 4x4 option! That's literally all I want. People think I'm mad and laugh at the fact that
'he actually WANTS to drive a Fiat' but personally I think it's mad to own a car you cant afford to drive for fun!
Wow, this post is large! haha