Panda Yet another 100HP

[Aston Martin]

He was going to get his cambelt and water pump next week anyway and maybe a service if needed. Last night I was driving with the climate set to 32 degrees, 30 minutes later, ice-cold air into my face.

I drove to York today with no heater.


Also, does anyone know the engine code? Me and the mechanic were looking on his system to see if he needs a special tool for the engine. They listed a 1.1. 1.2 and the 1.3 D. I suggested the 500 1.4 16v, but the diagram looks like an 8-valve.

Anyway, he said it's best if I can find an engine code to make sure he orders the right one.

 

[BlueDan]

Also, does anyone know the engine code? Me and the mechanic were looking on his system to see if he needs a special tool for the engine. They listed a 1.1. 1.2 and the 1.3 D. I suggested the 500 1.4 16v, but the diagram looks like an 8-valve.

Because you could only see one cam pulley on the end? Because one set of cams turns the other in these engines.

Other likely matches: Stilo 1.4 16v, mk2 Punto 1.4 16v.

 

[Aston Martin]

Because you could only see one cam pulley on the end? Because one set of cams turns the other in these engines.

Thought so.

I assume also the 500 1.4 16v?

 

[BlueDan]

Launch ones maybe. Perhaps newer ones are 1.4 with a multiair head? I think they are in the States, anyway. Maybe we just get the two pot twinair here.

Perhaps there's some other farty little differences. Like how the Cinq Sporting 1.1 had slightly bigger exhaust valves than the mk1 Punto 1.1 (I think??). Probably no difference for cam locking tools though.

 

[Dev100]

You don't need to heel and toe in a panda, the box is too short throw and low range for it, read the road better and speed up your hand foot coordination instead.

 

[Aston Martin]

He was due for cambelt, water pump and heater bodge today. But something has happened, they guy who owned the place has gone, no sight of the apprentice and no cars inside. Guy inside said I can rebook for next week.

 

[Aston Martin]

Asked for quotes at nearby garages, £250 for cambelt and water pump seems great?

 

[BlueDan]

Get the proper pump. My local garage ordered a pattern part and it had a shorter impellor-y bit compared to the existing unit. He had the sense to source one from FIAT and use that instead.

Maybe it's shorter on the 1108/1242 engines?

 

[Aston Martin]

Yorkshire still seems to be the home of HP's.
Seen 3 on my way to Wakefield, one had roof rails which looked kinda cool, I wasn't in mine.

Think I've seen 5 this week.

 

[Aston Martin]

Another day another stupid Panda.

I press the demist button and it just smells of damp. Not when on face and feet, just demist/up.

 

[Aston Martin]

Yesterday I finally spotted the elusive Cross. I was going to move my car next to him, but then i'm a crazy person.

.....

Tomorrow will be a year of ownership and the MOT runs out tomorrow too. (He's booked in for Monday.)
What have I learned in 1 year? That the car is stupid and an awful daily-driver.

If you're thing of buying one, don't... just buy an Eleganza instead.

 

[neilwill]

Really mine is fine, nothing to ever report. Came home yesterday hard down the A50 doing some numbers then slowed into home town roof open heater on, radio 2 turned up! Hehe.

 

[BlueDan]

Mine is still OK as commuter vehicle for me nearly three years on, though I regret having pair of RainSport 3 put on the front... deafingly loud above 45 or so

 

[nobbles]

Again today, at 15MPH on a wet roundabout and the car thinks it's a 200sx. It didn't spin, but you definitely feel it wanna go.

Try swapping the tyres from the back to the front. If the front starts to behave badly then your tyres are not very good. I have nangkangs on the front and F1's on the rear. I have no issues with the rear and the nangkangs at the front are pretty good, although not so good in the rain (if you push) so I drive within the tyre limits. With a short wheelbase it's probably better to have the worst tyres of the set on the front. They will also wear quicker so you can replace them with a good set.

 

[AB100]

What have I learned in 1 year? That the car is stupid and an awful daily-driver.

If you're thing of buying one, don't... just buy an Eleganza instead.

No, buy a later Dynamic instead. Average 44mpg and £30 a year tax. Keep the 100hp in the garage just for the occasional blast.

 

[Punto MC]

The other day, I decided to give the Panda a rest (and me!) and have been using my good ladys 107...


More compliant ride...better driving position...generally easier going nature.....


However...I'm now wanting the Panda again




One just needs a break from time to time to appreciate the finer things in life...even more

 

[fpan]

Any car that gets driven daily can eventually become boring in the end especially if it is more driver oriented.

I drive my wife's 120d to work most days and when I first get into the Panda, its throttle response, willingness to rev and general feedback makes it a legal rocket go kart.

After a couple of days driving the Panda I wonder why it is so slow and want to change it with something else.

I've booked half a day on track which should hopefully keep me entertained.

 

[Gavv8]

I've driven mine every day for almost two years and not bored with it yet, if anything after a day driving an artic I look forward to it even more

 

[fpan]

I've driven mine every day for almost two years and not bored with it yet, if anything after a day driving an artic I look forward to it even more

Almost anything would be better than the artic

I took mine for a spirited drive across some bumpy country roads today and although it was fun I could really do with something that is more compliant and you are not scared to overtake.

On smooth roads it's a revelation though (and mind you the Konis are only on 1/8th from soft).

Due to the rear axle and short wheelbase I don't think much can be done (if anything) to improve it.

I don't know if I am seeing through rose tinted glasses or memory fails me as it's been 15 years since then but even my 1.0 AX may have been more fun than the Panda (at least in the ride quality area despite having yellow Bilsteins fitted)

 

[Gavv8]

I enjoy driving an artic and I'm not scared to overtake anything in my 100hp, you have to use the entire rev range then it goes like stink.