What's made you not grumpy but not smile either today?

[porta]

Thanks for the comments folks. I've always thought white suits them well and goes very well with the black trim. Of course our Backy is white so we're probably biased!

Not fussy about leather steering wheel but actually like the "normal" handbrake. The split rear seat might come in handy if we've got a grandchild aboard and need the extra space. More interested in the history. going to look up the MOT history this afternoon although I'll be very surprised if it reveals much.

Preston? Thanks Steven. That's not all that far away from us, couple of hours or so driving in good condition so it's not like it's spent it's life in Brighton or Barnstaple.

The garage has a very good reputation and I'm guessing they'll be happy enough to let me crawl all over it if I decide to go further.

Anyone able to comment on the situation with regard to the electronic gateway "problem"

What I have gleaned so far on the security gateway is that, the 2012 onward Panda didn’t get the SGW introduced in 2016/7, as it wasn’t felt necessary as Fiat were going to ‘run out’ the model, (it’s now soldiering on until at least 2027). So, for the standard models, TA, 1.2 and multijet it appears that, at least till 2019, it doesn’t have one, my TA Cross doesn’t. I’ve no idea if the hybrids do but, even so, Gendan do a SGW bypass lead.
I’ve just received my Gendan ‘enthusiast’ package, of interface, seven leads and also invested in the bypass lead, but it’s peeing it down so will not be testing it yet, the barn is full, so no space to get the Jeep and Panda in. In fact, there’s no space to get a push iron in!

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

hi paj have sold my 2017 panda travelling up to see the boss in the mental health ward (32 miles each way ) bless it only done 49 thousand mls felt crampted as i am 6ft 1 ins regret the boss will never come home only places available when a place comes to take her is much further away hence gone mad got a quobo trecking diesel 1-3 and stays on our coast road better mowermender70

Hi Mowermender - I'm guessing from your "handle" that we have similar interests re horticultural/landscaping machinery?

Sorry if I seem "thick" and slow on the uptake but do I take it correctly that "the boss" is your other half? If so, I'm so sorry to hear of her situation. Mrs J has been very ill and hospitalized a couple of times over the last year with pneumonia and both times I really wasn't sure if she was coming home. Now they've found a "node" - what's that? - in one lung. (she's never smoked either). It's a very lonely and desperate feeling when you return home without your soul mate. I wish you and her well.

Like the idea of the Quobo for those journeys, I'd imagine more comfortable than the Panda? or maybe not? I'm very comfortable taking the Panda down to my brother's house in the borders and enjoy the leisurely pace. Scottish government is considering reducing single carriageway road speed limits to 50 mph I saw in the news today and allowing HGVs to increase from 40 to 50 on them at the same time. That could be interesting!

Stay safe and I wish you well - Jock

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

What I have gleaned so far on the security gateway is that, the 2012 onward Panda didn’t get the SGW introduced in 2016/7, as it wasn’t felt necessary as Fiat were going to ‘run out’ the model, (it’s now soldiering on until at least 2027). So, for the standard models, TA, 1.2 and multijet it appears that, at least till 2019, it doesn’t have one, my TA Cross doesn’t. I’ve no idea if the hybrids do but, even so, Gendan do a SGW bypass lead.
I’ve just received my Gendan ‘enthusiast’ package, of interface, seven leads and also invested in the bypass lead, but it’s peeing it down so will not be testing it yet, the barn is full, so no space to get the Jeep and Panda in. In fact, there’s no space to get a push iron in!

Thanks for that. Looks like, if I stick with the 1.2 in particular, I'll not need to worry about the gateway then. I had talked to Grant about the bypass lead before they offered it - when my boy was considering a new Tipo - but then he bought the KIA instead so I never followed up on it. - Thanks again for the info.

 

[mowermender70]

Hi Mowermender - I'm guessing from your "handle" that we have similar interests re horticultural/landscaping machinery?

Sorry if I seem "thick" and slow on the uptake but do I take it correctly that "the boss" is your other half? If so, I'm so sorry to hear of her situation. Mrs J has been very ill and hospitalized a couple of times over the last year with pneumonia and both times I really wasn't sure if she was coming home. Now they've found a "node" - what's that? - in one lung. (she's never smoked either). It's a very lonely and desperate feeling when you return home without your soul mate. I wish you and her well.

Like the idea of the Quobo for those journeys, I'd imagine more comfortable than the Panda? or maybe not? I'm very comfortable taking the Panda down to my brother's house in the borders and enjoy the leisurely pace. Scottish government is considering reducing single carriageway road speed limits to 50 mph I saw in the news today and allowing HGVs to increase from 40 to 50 on them at the same time. That could be interesting!

Stay safe and I wish you well - Jock

 

[mowermender70]

thanks paj yes wife for 57 years she went and had both flu and covid jab next night found her on barthroom floor rushed to hospitial came round and had lost her memory and dose not know me. she has now been in the mential health ward 6 months and have been told she will not come home .i have known her for over75 years since i was 5 regards mower mender70 (yes been with hort machines since i was 9 ) had a lawn mowing round then started our own garden machinery business down in west sussex claim to fame countax mowers and garden tractors i still get called mr countax

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

thanks paj yes wife for 57 years she went and had both flu and covid jab next night found her on barthroom floor rushed to hospitial came round and had lost her memory and dose not know me. she has now been in the mential health ward 6 months and have been told she will not come home .i have known her for over75 years since i was 5 regards mower mender70 (yes been with hort machines since i was 9 ) had a lawn mowing round then started our own garden machinery business down in west sussex claim to fame countax mowers and garden tractors i still get called mr countax

So sorry to hear that. There are parallels with us although I didn't meet Mrs J until I was a teenager. I first caught a glimpse of her at a barbeque when she'd shimmied up a big flag pole! I made a real hash of the expensive education my father paid for and returned to home where I was made to attend crammer classes in an attempt to get me some meaningful exam results. From then on we kicked about in the same crowd - she's a bit younger than me and I would hurry over from my classes to pick her up from the school gates and see her home. It just seemed that we were fated to be together. Got married, had the kids, etc. Then, years later, Covid came along, before we knew it was Covid, and she caught it and because they didn't know what she'd got they stuck her in an isolation ward and she got pneumonia for the first time. Only just survived that but I spent several very lonely and worrying weeks on my own at home and visiting her in full isolating gear with breathing mask and all the gear - wasn't allowed to touch her, just stand at the bottom of the bed, I doubt if she knew I was there. She survived it but then, last year, she got a very bad cold/flue which turned into pneumonia again and she spent another week or so in the hospital with me being told to prepare myself for a poor outcome - They obviously thought she was going to succumb. However, tough wee soul that she is, she pulled through and now appears to be well but last week's MRI scan has revealed this "node" in her lung for us to worry about. What a life eh? On the other hand she appears fit and well at this time, going swimming with the grandchildren and doing all the stuff she has always done. So, all you youngsters, enjoy life to the full while you're still young and fit and able, 'cause it can be all a bit disappointing when you get old! I've come to terms with it all by convincing myself to "live for the day" as much as I can and enjoy "small mercies"

Take care and look after yourself.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Used Fiat cars for sale. Fiat Dealer Edinburgh | Hope Scott Garage

Spend less on a used Fiat for sale in Edinburgh. At Hope Scott Garage you'll find a superb range of quality used cars on our forecourt.

www.hopescott.co.uk

Decided this thread was appropriate because in many ways I'm smiling at having seen this advert and I'm sorely tempted to go along and take a look at it. The garage is an old established one which is just round the corner from where Mrs J lived when we were courting. It's a small "family" business which is well regarded.

On the other hand it's a lot of money for a used Panda and I've always been suspicious of ultra low mileage vehicles. Even if owned by a "little old lady who only went shopping in it" I'd be expecting to see more miles on it.

The reggie no - PL - is somewhere way down south? so I'd like to know why it's found it's way up here and, with a car from outside my area, I'm always suspicious of flood damage etc. But, it's a bonnie looking thing in the photos isn't it?

Anyone able to tell me if the newer Pandas, like this one, are "infected" with the security gateway "thing" which makes using MES difficult if not impossible to use?

If Becky's rear axle fails her MOT 3 weeks from now and this car is still in stock, it's going to be hard not to go and take a look. - Maybe someone will buy it before then and take the temptation away. I'll probably be better off buying one of the last that qualified for the £30 tax anyway? as has been in the back of my mind for a while.

At that miles and condition it looks a good price. Rachels 2016 Pada Easy was £6400 with 17K. I think the clutch as more worn than it should be but it works fine and its smooth. The hadbrake needs manual adjustment every year (all the 1.2s we have had did, so not much of an issue and we had two badly pershed tyres. Touch wood aprt from the pollen filter very clearly never having beenchanged since new, in spite for a full Fiat service history the rest of it has been without issue, If you are thinking of going up to a 319 make the do the cam belt, bleed the clutch and make the hand brake work on 4 clicks it should be solidly holding. Check the tyres and that teh air con is cold as holed condensers are seemingly common. Im tempted to look at that one myself, but since the oils been done Ruby has been restored to zero rattling and a totally quiet start up. The 319 is a lot bigger than the 169 but they are a step up and still small enough for Mrs PN to feel happy. You do need a HUGE pile of repairs to justify the cost though. FYI Daffo 2011 Panda mylife 1.2 69hp in great visible condition but needing £500 spending got us £600 in px A 2019 with 3000 miles would I am certain be a sound buy. Be quick or it may become my No2.
Nah its still not worth moving Ruby on shes at 43K and seems to be near perfect and good for a long while. I think the 319 axle design is less likely to be prone to failure too.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Thanks for the comments folks. I've always thought white suits them well and goes very well with the black trim. Of course our Backy is white so we're probably biased!

Not fussy about leather steering wheel but actually like the "normal" handbrake. The split rear seat might come in handy if we've got a grandchild aboard and need the extra space. More interested in the history. going to look up the MOT history this afternoon although I'll be very surprised if it reveals much.

Preston? Thanks Steven. That's not all that far away from us, couple of hours or so driving in good condition so it's not like it's spent it's life in Brighton or Barnstaple.

The garage has a very good reputation and I'm guessing they'll be happy enough to let me crawl all over it if I decide to go further.

Anyone able to comment on the situation with regard to the electronic gateway "problem"

I have no evidence of electronic gateways on my 2019 Panda or indeed any of the others. I dont think Pandas are affected by this, or not at this age. I can access anything I want with MES. You are of course right about the white Jock. Its clearly the best colour. LOL We now have 3 white ones and Im glad to say the paint quality is one of the strong points. £600 for a differnet clour?? NO WAY JOSE! Kaths 2017 was in the last two weeks of the £30 road tax cars. Now its £190 after April 2017 !!! I agree the leather steering wheel is not a deal breaker but they do feel nice. Im glad to say with a white car, at least, the leather has stayed properly attached to the wheel for nearly 6 years in Noop, unlike the one in my dark blue Panda100. As I paid extra for the elather wheel and plastic 'leather@ grar lever bits its a good thing too. The Panda 100 leather wheel disintegrated long before this time period had elapsed.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Concluded my insurance today (apart from actually paying) we are averaging about £360 eachcar this year but these are top policies with the lowest excess and all extras thrown in except breakdown and hire cars which I dont want. All family member are named drivers on all cars. Chris Knott gave us the FF discount which may be 10% but off how many cars I didnt check. I read the reviews of the cheap quoting companies off Comapre Meerkats and decided immediately I didnt want to do business with any of them. CK are great to deal with and fast to answer the phone... WITH A HUMAN so Im back with them.

 

[StevenRB45]

Saw this and made me laugh a bit..

Mainly because with the Toyota I can relate.

With the 4m long Citroën you stick it in the middle of a 5m parking bay don't even have to consider if I can open the boot I've got half a metre of free space either end.

4.6m long Toyota in a 5m bay if you're reversing into a bay like you should...and there's a wall at the back of the bay you've actually got to consider where the hell you stop otherwise you can't open the boot. To open the boot alot of the time you end up sitting with nose on the edge of the bay.

Of course in terms of modern cars it's a tiddler certainly not 5m+ some SUVs and saloons are up to...but these big practical cars don't really seem to fit on the road particularly well.

Some might say...you can solve this by parking nose in but I don't like reversing through foot traffic which is usually the case in shopping centres etc.

 

[StevenRB45]

This came up on my Facebook feed..

This has got to be someone making things up to drive business...unless VW has finally perfected the plastic crank bearing this cannot be a thing.

Don't press the clutch you'll shoot the crank out the engine eventually. Strangely it's been a thing on Toyotas for a good 20 years at least...and you know much they are known for premature failure.

That and I've done it every day... multiple times a day since my driving lessons given it's how I was taught to reduce load on the battery and starter.

Somehow this has the feel of someone hearing hoofbeats and immediately assuming "zebras".

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Some might say...you can solve this by parking nose in but I don't like reversing through foot traffic which is usually the case in shopping centres etc.

When we were regularly visiting my daughter when they lived in rural southern Maryland - due to hubby's work - the two largest local outdoor shopping malls insisted on you reversing into parking spaces for safety reasons. I thought it was a good idea. The problem with doing it over here is our miniscule parking spaces which then make it impossible to get your trolley round to the back of the vehicle if cars are parked beside you. The parking spaces over there are positively palatial in comparison. The other thing which was very noticeable was that pedestrians in the Mall car parks had absolute priority and people drove very slowly as a result, giving way to people pushing trolleys etc - which I also thought was good.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

This came up on my Facebook feed..

View attachment 462018

This has got to be someone making things up to drive business...unless VW has finally perfected the plastic crank bearing this cannot be a thing.

Don't press the clutch you'll shoot the crank out the engine eventually. Strangely it's been a thing on Toyotas for a good 20 years at least...and you know much they are known for premature failure.

That and I've done it every day... multiple times a day since my driving lessons given it's how I was taught to reduce load on the battery and starter.

Somehow this has the feel of someone hearing hoofbeats and immediately assuming "zebras".

I'm especially sensitive to this following my encounter with a triumph 2000 in the workshop many years ago. This 6 cylinder engine was especially prone to wearing it's crankshaft thrust washers and the car in question would actually stall if the clutch was depressed at idle - you had to apply throttle to stop it stalling. The crank had so much end float you could tug the pulley back and forward with a loud clunk at the end of movement in each direction! When I took the sump off you could see the crank was in the process of milling it's way into the block and it had spat what remained of the thrust washers into the sump! - engine beyond repair.

So, despite the view of many, that you should depress the clutch when cranking an engine to reduce the gearbox drag, I've never done this and, as long as the vehicle has a serviceable battery, I've never had a problem even on the coldest days when you might expect thick oil to cause problems. I was therefore filled with dismay when I found my Ibiza required this to be done and my new Scala (Skoda) is the same. There's a switch on the clutch pedal which is activated by depressing the pedal so you can't avoid doing it. You can't voluntarily switch it off either and I've been meaning to have a chat with the lads at AVW to see if they can disable it with their dealer tool, just haven't had a suitable opportunity yet. VAG aren't the only ones doing it and I have spoken to a number of friends still working in the trade, all of whom agree with me that they don't like it, but say it doesn't seem to be causing a lot of engines to fail? With the ultra thin transmission lubricants in use today the only reason for this has to be "Nannying" the idiots who shouldn't be behind the wheel in the first place?

 

[StevenRB45]

I seem to remember reading about a clutch interlock or whatever it's called on a MK1 Yaris these cars are notoriously long lived...and yet every time you start the engine you had to have your foot on the clutch.

Unless the bearings are substandard it really shouldn't cause a problem.

Parking wise I think I've spent too much time at soft plays...there's nowt worse than coming out with everyone else at the end of a 2 hour session and then having to reverse through a bunch of excited half pints who are not taller than your window line while the parents are on the phone. This may be why both of our cars have both a camera and sensors to assist at this point the Mazda without the camera was always an adventure and not a fun one.

Although I will say our local supermarkets tend to have a pavement between every other row...so I just park in those rows if I'm trolley shopping and run the trolley down the pavement to the rear door.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

I seem to remember reading about a clutch interlock or whatever it's called on a MK1 Yaris these cars are notoriously long lived...and yet every time you start the engine you had to have your foot on the clutch.

Unless the bearings are substandard it really shouldn't cause a problem.

The EA211 engine family is relatively new and, I think, has had a push to start clutch in all it's applications. Hopefully they factored this in when designing it.

 

[Cheest]

Did AI write that? My 05 Wrangler won't start without pushing the clutch to the floor. My daughter's first car, a 1954 Nash Rambler, was the same way. Jeez!

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Did AI write that? My 05 Wrangler won't start without pushing the clutch to the floor. My daughter's first car, a 1954 Nash Rambler, was the same way. Jeez!

I think you've had it on manual trannys for many years? My brother in law's last two pickups (trucks?) have had it. Maybe, as most of your stuff are automatics so this protects the inexperienced? I've always had an automatic rental when over your side visiting - don't think the rental companies do manuals? Mind you I really enjoy driving an auto trans but I'll never own one as the repair costs scare the pants off me!

 

[porta]

I prefer the sound of 22l V8 diesel!!!

Me teaching ‘dangerous debs’ how to drive it, we weren’t drinking, honest

 

[Cheest]

I think you've had it on manual trannys for many years? My brother in law's last two pickups (trucks?) have had it. Maybe, as most of your stuff are automatics so this protects the inexperienced? I've always had an automatic rental when over your side visiting - don't think the rental companies do manuals? Mind you I really enjoy driving an auto trans but I'll never own one as the repair costs scare the pants off me!

I know that my 79 Fox body Mustang didn't have it. I had the bruises to prove it. Mrs.Cheest, who still can't drive a manual, tried one one time to start the Mustang as I was standing outside behind it. She turned the key without pushing in the clutch and smacked me. She promptly jumped out of the car and went back into the house, never again to attempt a manual transmission. Weird, because I taught both her sisters and my oldest to drive manuals. Her middle sister, to this day will not buy a car without a manual. Her choices are looking pretty slim for the next car on this side of the pond.

The Nash was interesting as the starter button was on the floor board behind the clutch pedal. It looked like a second dimmer switch.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

This came up on my Facebook feed..

View attachment 462018

This has got to be someone making things up to drive business...unless VW has finally perfected the plastic crank bearing this cannot be a thing.

Don't press the clutch you'll shoot the crank out the engine eventually. Strangely it's been a thing on Toyotas for a good 20 years at least...and you know much they are known for premature failure.

That and I've done it every day... multiple times a day since my driving lessons given it's how I was taught to reduce load on the battery and starter.

Somehow this has the feel of someone hearing hoofbeats and immediately assuming "zebras".

I’m sure I’ve seen this as a reoccurring issue on the Golf R. Pretty much every VW/every car for the last 10 years has required the clutch down to start them, I think it would be a problem across all brands and models if the clutch down was the issue.

I’m sure even the DSG cars can develop this issue, but I have not seen any real explanation of what causes it.
Let’s be honest though, if you’re buying a 300hp golf, you’re not doing it to drive at 20mph all day every day, and I am sure the R cars get more than their fair share of abuse.