General What to buy to replace a Mk3 Panda?

[jrkitching]

Well, the trusty Mk3 Panda will be 15yrs old this year and basically it's just plain worn out. It's been an excellent car, but there are now so many things that are on the point of needing serious work that it no longer makes sense to keep it.

The problem is that we can't find anything to replace it with that comes anywhere even close to being an equivalent car. The only absolute requirements are that it has to be new and deliverable by the end of August, and have manual transmission.

I've recently driven the i10 and the Picanto in 3 pot form, and they're frankly terrible. Suggestions, please, as to what else to look at?

 

[porta]

I looked at an ignis for a friend (about 6ths back) and they were so impressed with the car I took them in, he’s decided he’d rather have a second hand 4x4 panda…I took him in the MK3 diesel Cross and then he had a go in the real MK3 Cross TA (as opposed to the 169), he was holding out for a ‘last of’ with few miles but not had any look yet, at the money he wants to spend, so he’s trundling around in his Clio till one crops up

 

[porta]

in other words, there’s nothing like a panda

 

[koalar]

I've recently driven the i10 and the Picanto in 3 pot form, and they're frankly terrible. Suggestions, please, as to what else to look at?

I take it wasn't the 1 liter 100hp version then


Does it need to be small and have the same carrying capacity as the panda

 

[porta]

From Top Gear in 22/23 on the Panda
Verdict:

BUT IS IT ACTUALLY A GOOD CAR?​

There’s so much choice in this city car segment – although it’s getting increasingly small as the economics of making tiny cars get harder to justify – that you can take your pick of what you want your little pony to focus on.

You want a sophisticated small car? Get a Volkswagen Up. Like your long warranties? Go for a Hyundai i10 or a Kia Picanto. Want a tiny SUVfor the city? There’s the Toyota Aygo X. The likes of the Suzuki Ignis and Smart’s electric-only Fortwo offer niche alternatives should the others disappoint, while the larger Dacia Sanderocompetes on budget.

But the Panda is a great all-rounder among this competition – it’s great fun to drive around town, offers a decent amount of space and is endearingly cheap rather than painfully so.

 

[jrkitching]

Does it need to be small and have the same carrying capacity as the panda

No, at this stage I'm not trying to limit my options.

in other words, there’s nothing like a panda

There's nothing like a Mk3 Panda with the Euro4 60HP engine. In my opinion, the best value and most practical small car ever made, period.

But sadly they don't make it anymore, so I can't buy another new one.

I have to find something else.

So, do I try to buy something as close to the concept as possible, or do I think completely outside of the box.

Next on the list to try is the Swift; probably what I would have bought in 2010 if I hadn't bought the Panda. But that's now another 3 pot mild hybrid, so I'm not hopeful that I'm going to like the current model.

This will almost certainly be the last car I'll ever buy, so I'd like it to be one that I'm going to get along with.

 

[SPORTPACK50]

Seat Ibiza?

 

[jrkitching]

Seat Ibiza?

Good thought. It's certainly a contender, and I need to organise a test drive.

 

[Shuggie]

Seat Ibiza?

The best VW group cars are the cheapest and most basic models. I once test drove a basic Seat Arona 95hp (similar underpinnings to the Seat Ibiza) and it was charming, but I took out a lease on the 115hp model with DSG gearbox, bigger wheels etc. That car had a brutal ride, horrible hesitant gearbox and it remains the only car that I've ever asked to hand back early.

 

[The Panda Nut]

We bought 2 newer Pandas last year and both have been a success. Both inside and only just inside the 30 tax bracket. Both around 20k on the clock. Yes we have needed two tyres (cracked) and a clutch slave plus a pair of wipers but no regrets. My wifes 2014 has had a cambelt and albeit whiney since is still incredible condition at 44k. All 3 seem to run so well. If its a new car and not electric, its not future proof. Im holding back from any new Ice cars as the future is unclear. Why not source the best 2nd hand Panda you can get. Could be a 10 year stop gap at a very acceptable cost. I have the same issue with all the new cars available. None hit the spot.

 

[koalar]

Always fancied a twingo

Rwd and engine in the boot

Just not got the space

Modus has rear sliding seats more rear passenger space or boot space as needed, less economical

Drove a splash for a few months, very similar to the panda

 

[epifant]

Do you get the Inster Cross in the UK?

 

[porta]

Coincidentally I saw an inster today, looked alright from the back but, whoever was driving it was in the middle of a rural road causing chaos for those coming the opposite way…not sure if he’s used to driving humvees or didn’t want to scratch his new car…

 

[jrkitching]

If its a new car and not electric, its not future proof. Im holding back from any new Ice cars as the future is unclear.

I'd agree with both those statements.

At this stage in my life, I'm wondering just how future proof it has to be?

Part of me is thinking that if this is to be my last car, to make it something I really want to drive. But there's precious few cars available now that fit that category...

Coincidentally I saw an inster today

Until last week, I'd dismissed the idea of an EV. But at the price point of the inster, maybe I should take a closer look...

Thus far, I've not even driven an EV.

 

[sandeel999]

I bought a 19 plate ignis, 15000 miles and love it so much I gave the wife the panda, did 76mpg on a long trip the other day and gets 60 plus almost anywhere. It sits high like the panda and is so much quicker pulling away.
More comfortable seats and more room in back for passengers and a bigger boot. Yes tax is higher at £190.00 but my 8 months with it so far have been a joy.
New panda ? not for me and tried to keep away from any mhev stuff on the ignis or panda.
Would I but a panda again, yes pre mhev and low miles, but mine is 11 years old, always garaged, always serviced, had 2 cambelts etc and been pampered really.
Costs on panda in 11 years 2 bulbs, 2 bits on suspension all its ever had other than servicing, and twice cleaned MAP sensor after issues.
Still on factory exhaust back axle and sump like new as treated early in its life. Will run it to 20 or 30 if I can.
But yes we'll happy with the ignis and if I need some panda I nick it of the wife.

 

[porta]

I'd agree with both those statements.

At this stage in my life, I'm wondering just how future proof it has to be?

Part of me is thinking that if this is to be my last car, to make it something I really want to drive. But there's precious few cars available now that fit that category...



Until last week, I'd dismissed the idea of an EV. But at the price point of the inster, maybe I should take a closer look...

Thus far, I've not even driven an EV.

I’ve driven three EVs now not including our electric bug, they impress on setting off but you can really feel the extra weight and this caused me to back off quite a lot, on corners I would readily take a panda on wife’s renegade. The tyre’s on these things must be doing a LOT of work.
None of them would be suitable for us as we need towing capability, and range, even with a small trailer, is severely curtailed and none have the capacity to haul a laden sheep trailer.
I drove the Jeep Avenger (PSA product in overalls) and it was ‘alright’, the 4x4 version, 4XE, wasn’t available at the time but media reports say it’s a better riding and handling car than the full electric!
The Renault 5 looks fun, if you want to spend lots of cash on the top of the range or the eye watering Alpine!

 

[Twotone2]

I've just recently bought a new Nissan Townstar petrol van, there's an electric version too but no diesel version now.

There's a lot of tech in it, it basically drives itself, incredible actually.

It's a Stelantis built van as Nissan don't make vans it's basically a Renault Kangoo with a five year warranty.

Anyway I'd have a look at a Nissan car if I were you, electric or petrol.

My wife's Panda TA 4X4 is brilliant though poor milage notwithstanding but it's still not done 10,000 miles so hopefully the milage will improve slightly once it's properly run in.

 

[rmjbn1]

I like a Suzuki

If the Swift is MHEV only now, then Ignis would be my choice if it has to be new.

Or +1 for a recent used pre-MHEV Panda or Swift. MHEV is probably fine in the right circumstances, but I don't think it's for me.

There's nowt else out now that appeals to me.

 

[koalar]

I like a Suzuki

If the Swift is MHEV only now, then Ignis would be my choice if it has to be new.

Or +1 for a recent used pre-MHEV Panda or Swift. MHEV is probably fine in the right circumstances, but I don't think it's for me.

There's nowt else out now that appeals to me.

Ignis and swift use to suffer from input bearing failures

Which means if your willing to repair one yourself some bargains can be had


No idea if latter cars are the same

 

[The Panda Nut]

I'd agree with both those statements.

At this stage in my life, I'm wondering just how future proof it has to be?

Part of me is thinking that if this is to be my last car, to make it something I really want to drive. But there's precious few cars available now that fit that category...

Until last week, I'd dismissed the idea of an EV. But at the price point of the inster, maybe I should take a closer look...

Thus far, I've not even driven an EV.

I'd agree with both those statements.

At this stage in my life, I'm wondering just how future proof it has to be?

Part of me is thinking that if this is to be my last car, to make it something I really want to drive. But there's precious few cars available now that fit that category...



Until last week, I'd dismissed the idea of an EV. But at the price point of the inster, maybe I should take a closer look...

Thus far, I've not even driven an EV.

You will like the drive Im sure, but how boring. Im sorry but I don't trust the overly complex computer installations in any of the new cars, I certainly dont trust the residual values, and any talk of battery leasing would have me 10 miles away in 8 minutes. St' ories on here of utterly silly EV teething issues that the dealer wont / cant solve leave me cold. End of life disposal seems difficult and I wonder about insurance. Add in tyre costs and life, brake issues resultant from re-gen braking and the fact that I could do nothing at all in the event of a minor glytch casung a breakdown and I really am left utterly unimpressed. The fire risk in the event of an accident is worse even than from a petrol car. All in just too many concerns on things I dont understand for me to get involved before I really need to. The more time elapsed the more the issues will be seen understood and hopefully resolved. Older EVs are so old hat and low range and uninteresting they are effectively unsalable. The only way to have an ev is a relatively short term lease if its affordable. Im concerned we will be forced out of petrol cars by fuel taxation so a new ICE is a big risk. Hence back to the best second hand car to fill the gap over the next 5 to 10 years. EV tech is movong so fast I recon the service life of one is so short you couldnever justify the cost of a new one which may become worthless in say 7 years if the price is anything over £14K. A decent late Panda really looks like a sensible thing right now. Anyone can and will repair them, pre April 17 tax is £35 and insurance is cheap. Needing a new car right now really is a bit of a disaster. I would definitely stay absolutely centre stream and mid range, concentrating on economy as a major driver. Heaven knows what that means but I wouldnt buy Stellantis as I think the whole outfit is rocky and may go bust. Backup may be poor and even non existent at short notice. So that leaves the gynormous Toyata Yaris, the Suzuki Vitara, the i10 Hyundai ( I dont trust the warranty following a post from I think Puggit Auld Jock, and dont like the dealers at all) and VAG group as the only sensible places to go. My own thoughts are keep my Panda in immaculate condition so if forced to go EV route a conversion would be viable. That would almost certainly see off my driving days. I dont even like thinking of the options. If you get something and its as reliable as Panda I for one shall e pleased for you. Or you could buy a Grande Panda. LOL Though that does look relatively attractive in the current market place. Its no Panda though.

I think if forced to change I would be looking seriously at Suzuki or Dacia.

Mercedes 600SEC
Bently Continental
Jag XFR
Jag XJ
Range Rover.... None of which are environmentally acceptable and fit for purpose on the narrow Norfolk lanes so back to Suzuki.