General Some Questions on 100HP & dealers in SW England

[Westwardbound]

Hello and congrats on an excellent forum.

I am considering a Panda 100HP as my next car. I'm thinking about changing in Sep, from my current Skoda Fabia vRS. It's been a good car but I don't really enjoy the diesel experience - lots of mid-range acceleration but no excitement. I think I prefer a smallish petrol engine in a small car that i can use to the max. Previously I've has an A2 and a Yaris SR, both really good fun (esp. the Yaris).

On to the questions. I have 2 children (11 and 8). The Fabia has been fine for them, except the very light grey interior. I'd be interested in opinions on the child-friendliness of the 100HP seat fabrics, rear legroom, and how easy a car seat fits.

I sat in a 100HP yesterday at the local dealer (Brislington, Bristol). My only criticism was the very dark interior, esp. in the back. Would a "sunroof" (sorry, don't know the proper option name) help with this? If so, do they rattle? (I've had bad experiences in the past.)

Any views on the stereo upgrade and cd changer?

How much should I be paying, and would it vary greatly if I go for a model with lots of options? (ie a car needing to be factory-ordered). I know the What Car? Target Price hovers around £9K. I've seen some internet brokers offering at around £8.5K, with one at £7.5K !!! But not sure on part-ex with these....

Finally, any thoughts on a good dealer in the SW, both for sales & servicing?

 

[carroll]

Id say its a little small for two sizable kids. The car has plenty of window glass and therefore feels open and light on the road. you might find it a little small after the skoda although ofcourse bags of fun to drive.
most brokers will not px however i shouldnt think youd have any trouble selling the Skoda privately, that model is very popular.

 

[hpScot]

I'm sorry to say that I don't think the 100HP is for you mate. The rear can actually cope with a couple of adults in relative comfort on short journeys but I wouldn't use if for longer jaunts.

Sounds like you should be looking at a performance saloon to give you the fun factor combined with the space and four doors.

Mind you - not sure what you would get new for the kind of money you're talking about.

 

[100hpJames]

it depends what you really want, the car will cope with the kids and its lots of fun to drive even on long journeys, they're also quite well spec'd in standard form, the sunroof is called the 'skydome' by the way.

personally if I had kids I'd probably still have mine, either that or an evo, or, sell the kids on ebay and buy a honda s2000

 

[forevertom]

I think the 100hp is fine for legroom. I go to lots of gigs and take me and three other people with me and it is fine, even on long journeys.

The Skydome is great as it makes the car feel very spacious and light. On days like we have been having lately its really great to drive along with the roof open and experience the "fresh air". The roof in the back would provide some interest for the kids too I would have thought.

As for the speaker option, it is well worth the money. or £150 it sounds fantastic. Don't have the volume up too loud though because it gets slightly painful to sit in. Well, in mine anywhere above 15 is pretty tough to withstand!!!

 

[Soepy]

Skydome is pricy, but worth it. Doesn't rattle, but somebody mentioned that having it fitted lowers the ceiling (haven't noticed it myself). Can't really open it up much on highways since the noise'll drive you crazy, but till about 40mph it should be OK.

As for the space: I've had 4-5 hour trips in it with 4 adults and they didn't complain

 

[Westwardbound]

Thanks for the replies. Most of my time in the car will be the 10 mile each way commute to work, but weekends is another story. Looks like I'll have to take an extended test drive - with kids in tow...... Do you know if FIAT offer these for 24 hrs or more? - I believe Toyota and Vauxhall do, so here's hoping.

Any views on dealers in Bath/Bristol/the South West, or the price I should be aiming to pay?

 

[forevertom]

I wouldn't deal with Simmonstone Fiat. They are very pushy and just care about sales and not their customers. The impression I got from them.

I bought mine from Hutton's in Weston Super Mare. They let me borrow one for half a day which was good. Only being 18 it was a lot of money to spend and they were very helpful with everything.

Good dealer in my opinion.

 

[simer]

I have been very happy with Pewsham Fiat (aka Fiatsupasaver) having bought twice from them now.

Dealt with Huttons in the past and found them straightforward to deal with - though not very competitive on prices these days.

Never heard anyone say anything good about Simonstone especially on the servicing front.

Hope this helps

 

[Creamola]

I have been very happy with Pewsham Fiat (aka Fiatsupasaver) having bought twice from them now.

Eh? Are you telling me that Pewsham Fiat between Chippenham and Calne are really Fiatsupasaver? Really? I have been paying them too much then ....

Is Darren still there?

PS. They still couldn't fix my "machine gun" exhaust....

 

[100hpJames]

I think now the hype has settled a bit they might let you borrow it for a few hours, they only gave me 15 mins, but I'd made my decision before I drove the car

 

[Westwardbound]

they only gave me 15 mins, but I'd made my decision before I drove the car

If you don't mind me asking, on whay basis had you made your decision? Magazine reviews, advertising, frined's recommendation, or just liked the look & feel?