General Yes or no

[Blueboy54123]

Hi general long time no speak I am thinking of purchasing a 2013 fiat panda diesel 1.3 trekking it has done 71000 miles not sure of service history yet its bodywork is immaculate as is the interior and has been well looked after im going 150 mls on Saturday to see it in person it passed its MOT in Feb with no advisories and had a full service at the same time im hoping you can advise me on any issues you know about before I go i will be paying £2600 for it so any advice is much appreciated

 

[koalar]

Hi general long time no speak I am thinking of purchasing a 2013 fiat panda diesel 1.3 trekking it has done 71000 miles not sure of service history yet its bodywork is immaculate as is the interior and has been well looked after im going 150 mls on Saturday to see it in person it passed its MOT in Feb with no advisories and had a full service at the same time im hoping you can advise me on any issues you know about before I go i will be paying £2600 for it
so any advice is much appreciated

Wrong section post 2012 is mark4 319

Has it had a timing chain done

Sills and rear subframe are the major areas

Off road damage, although most don't go off road

High pressure pump weeping

Start it from.cold

Make sure the 4x4 system is working and not whining

Centre prop bearing is a common failure

 

[Blueboy54123]

Hi koaler thanks for replying it isn't a 4x4 its front wheel drive with a switch to lock the wheels not sure about the chain so no prop shaft its lovely condition not a scratch on it no sign of wear on interior just had 2 heater plugs fitted and a service and clear mot that ls all I've got to go on

 

[porta]

Hi koaler thanks for replying it isn't a 4x4 its front wheel drive with a switch to lock the wheels not sure about the chain so no prop shaft its lovely condition not a scratch on it no sign of wear on interior just had 2 heater plugs fitted and a service and clear mot that ls all I've got to go on

Everything @koalar said, except for the 4x4 bits

 

[Mike1alike]

Mainly yes. Especially if you like it after you see it live, too.

 

[Blueboy54123]

Mainly yes. Especially if you like it after you see it live, too.

The pictures and the condition is pulling me towards it and the mileage the service history is really good but it missed one in 2025 but its just had one in Feb along with a green mot the other ones with advisories are all for tyres except one which was brake discs and pads which were done at the time thanks for replying

 

[Blueboy54123]

The pictures and the condition is pulling me towards it and the mileage the service history is really good but it missed one in 2025 but its just had one in Feb along with a green mot the other ones with advisories are all for tyres except one which was brake discs and pads which were done at the time thanks for replying

Just concerned about the timing chain not being done

 

[Mike1alike]

Just concerned about the timing chain not being done

Well... question about and figure it out when was it done if ever and consider the price for it added to selling/buying price and have it done after buying if everything else fits. Or try bargain for that value in the selling price...

 

[Blueboy54123]

Well... question about and figure it out when was it done if ever and consider the price for it added to selling/buying price and have it done after buying if everything else fits. Or try bargain for that value in the selling price...

I've tried bargaining she has already dropped it down barring the chain it is £2600 I've looked elsewhere and it seems a steal but on the other hand could be heading for a fall as not got enough to pay for a timing chain

 

[Mike1alike]

I've tried bargaining she has already dropped it down barring the chain it is £2600 I've looked elsewhere and it seems a steal but on the other hand could be heading for a fall as not got enough to pay for a timing chain

Well... how much is a timming chain where you are, plus labour? I get you are not doing thst yourself... Would be cheaper, if you're not overcharging...

 

[koalar]

I've tried bargaining she has already dropped it down barring the chain it is £2600 I've looked elsewhere and it seems a steal but on the other hand could be heading for a fall as not got enough to pay for a timing chain

It's a gamble

Koalar random thoughts | FIAT Panda (Mk3)

Clutch, gearbox problem You can see the pessure plate here And from further back The inside is normally covered in oil if the input seal/bearing has gone

www.fiatforum.com

In other countries the warranty isn't honoured unless the chain is replaced at 40k miles

Here in the UK there's no service interval on the chain and at least two engines in vans have done 1/2 a million miles on the original chains

But we have had at least two on here the let go at around 70-90K

I dont know how much it cost to have it changed at a garage, full kit is normally over £100 and it's not a simple job 400-600 would be my estimate

 

[Blueboy54123]

Well... how much is a timming chain where you are, plus labour? I get you are not doing thst yourself... Would be cheaper, if you're not overcharging...

No idea mate I've heard around £600 all in as for doing it myself can't even bend down if I dropped a tenner on the floor

 

[DaveMcT]

Timing chain is a pain but any competent mechanic should be able to do it. Chain run beyond 100,000 miles are known for breaking. Cars newer than 2012 are arguably less prone to that. Any rattles are caused by the chain being worn out. I personally like the engine so believe the costs of replacing the chain are worth doing. Parts are not silly money but there's more labour than a timing belt replacement.

Make sure the oil pump drive sleeve is replaced (the oil seal wears a groove) and not all timing chain kits contain the part. It's ebay item no 126636410913