General What goes wrong with Multijet Pandas?

[Tom95]

Hi all,

I may have the opportunity shortly to purchase a 2013 Panda Trekking (with the 1.3 Multijet)

After some general searching I've seen that timing chains can be an issue if servicing isn't done on time, front tyres can wear quicker due to the extra weight and DPFs can be troublesome if they're mostly driven in town (as is with any modern diesel)

I do mostly motorway miles, so the latter doesn't strike me as something that will be an issue.

I never hear much about them on this forum though, so what's the general consensus? Is there anything common to watch for?

 

[jrkitching]

I've seen that timing chains can be an issue if servicing isn't done on time, front tyres can wear quicker due to the extra weight and DPFs can be troublesome if they're mostly driven in town (as is with any modern diesel)

You've done your homework well.

It's not just the timing chain and DPF; folks here regularly post about problems with all the bolt-on emissions control parts, particularly the EGR. Regular oil changes will certainly help mitigate chain failure, but even the most fastidious servicing will only postpone, rather than prevent, this.
I'd suggest changing the chain at 80k, or on purchase if the service history is less than impeccable.

And given the general direction in which restrictions on older, more polluting cars are headed, I'd also have to question the wisdom of buying any pre Euro6 diesel powered vehicle, particularly if you plan on using it in any major city.

 

[Marcus Daly]

And given the general direction in which restrictions on older, more polluting cars are headed, I'd also have to question the wisdom of buying any pre Euro6 diesel powered vehicle, particularly if you plan on using it in any major city.

Aye. Diseasel’s had its day.

 

[Tom95]

Thanks for the responses!

Several of the top 10 selling cars here in Australia are still diesel, so I can't see there being restrictions on their use any time soon.

The vehicle was actually taken in as a trade-in/part exchange at the dealership I work at, so I'm not sure of the service history etc just yet as they only got it in yesterday. If there's no evidence of the timing chain being done I'll probably pass on it.

 

[FiatMatt94]

Vauxhall also used the 1.3 multijet engine in some off their cars. Corsa's, Combo vans which is basically a Corsa & i'm sure some Astra's got it as well

 

[Herts Hillhopper]

As a current owner of a 4x4 MJ (2018, so Euro 6 spec, 35000 miles), which was preceded by a 2103 model (Euro 5, sold at 70000 miles)... so far (hopefully not tempting fate) no issues at all with the MJ or its associated bits. I drive less than I used to (when working i drove a 50 mile round trip daily), but still now, most of my journeys are long, so no DPF issues that I'm aware of.

The pre 2017-ish models were 'only' 75BHP, so not the fastest thing away at the lights but very flexible and easily gave 60mpg. Later (the last) were Euro6 emissions standard (based on lab tests), and with 95BHP. The difference in power is very noticeble, but also a slight annoyance is that 30mph (UK urban speed limit) coincides now with 1500 rpm in fourth gear -- the point the turbo is about to kick in. this means that on a light throttle on a flat road through town, it tends to 'hunt' as the turbo sort of cuts in and out. 28mph its fine, and 32 its fine. (Oddly, I was never aware of this on the older 2013 car). MPG a tad lower too, but still upper 50s.

The diesel Panda only came with a 5-speed box (believe not room to fit in a six?). On the 4x4 (and I assume, but may be wrong) the trekking too, first and second are quite low (for off road use), and there's also quite a gap between fourth and fifth, meaning frequent changes if driving 35mph-ish. Also, on the motorway mine is doing 2800rpm at 70mph, which is quite high revs for a diesel. Flipside is though, it will surge (relatively!) from 70 to 90 quite quickly if you want to.

Beware the dual mass flywheel. As well as potentially damaged by sharp clutch use, they (on any car) also deteriorate if the car is allowed to 'labour' too much in too high a gear. The low-down torque of the diesel makes this more likely as the engine is still willing to try at low revs but the flywheel not so happy to play. You really do have to believe the 'change down light'.

For me, tyre wear has generally been pretty good -- over 30,000 miles before I changed the fronts and even then still over 3mm tread (changed from the original-fit winter tyres as they turned out to be less good at stopping in the dry. Now on all-seasons which seem rather better (rarely see snow here anyway)

 

[Popitinpete]

Hi all,

I may have the opportunity shortly to purchase a 2013 Panda Trekking (with the 1.3 Multijet)

After some general searching I've seen that timing chains can be an issue if servicing isn't done on time, front tyres can wear quicker due to the extra weight and DPFs can be troublesome if they're mostly driven in town (as is with any modern diesel)

I do mostly motorway miles, so the latter doesn't strike me as something that will be an issue.

I never hear much about them on this forum though, so what's the general consensus? Is there anything common to watch for?

Its achillies heel is the timing chain, regardless of spot on servicing with spot on oil as mentioned, its a ticking time bomb anything past 80k, its an engine out job to do it too....
DPF's and EGR can be troublesome (EGR a pain to change) turbo actuators fail (another pain to get to).
ULEZ's growing by the day it appears are another thing to consider.
It was such a wrench saying goodbye to my multi jet but the only reason it went was I hadn't got space or time to do the, err, cough, timing chain after it snapped at 120k miles, 270 miles from home..... I will save you the sob story of the 17 hour trip back home arriving at 7.00am the next morning, on and off 5 low loaders being piggy backed down the service stations then the last 80 miles in a taxi. I had to leave the car at the last services because 'other recovery drivers were busy' , then the car finally being delivered 3 days later when they were 'in the area' ....with an extra dent I'm sure wasn't there before..

Yes, I drive a petrol now..