Panda 100HP - what to look for?

Panda 100HP - what to look for?

Author
Discussion

Frimley111R

Original Poster:

15,491 posts

233 months

Tuesday 26th August 2014
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Hi All,

I am looking at an earlyish one of these, apart from the usual checks is there anything specific to this model I need to know?

Thanks

alex_p

217 posts

204 months

Wednesday 27th August 2014
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Hi,

I've had one for the last couple of years, it's a factory spec 08 plate and has about 49k on the clock.

Other than a tyre and a lower wishbone (and probably another one this year) it has needed nothing but servicing while I've owned it.

Steering wheel and gear stick gaiters can get scruffy and split due to all the use, and wheels seem easy to kerb, but other than that I can't think of anything specific to look out for on this model.

Mine doesn't have ESP, which is a plus as it can't be fully disengaged, and some people swap the rear dampers out for a less bouncy ride.

The brakes are very sharp and the suspension is very firm, so don't think there is anything wrong with the first one you drive, unless you don't lose a filling!

All in all I love mine, it is practical, gives 40+ mpg, cruises at 80 without too much noise and loves to be ragged.

Frimley111R

Original Poster:

15,491 posts

233 months

Thursday 28th August 2014
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Thanks Alex!

xyyman

1,073 posts

224 months

Saturday 30th August 2014
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'Er indoors had one of these for 40k trouble free miles, sold because something bigger was needed. It was a fantastic car and so much fun and quite practical. As has been said the only issue was the ride quality which was improved when Eibach springs all round were installed and a change of tyre also improved things, I fitted Toyo Proxes T1R if I remember correctly. A better, but more expensive, solution I am told is the fitment of adjustable Koni dampers. At the end of the day its not that bad to live with and just so much fun. I would have another like a shot.

Dan Friel

3,605 posts

277 months

Thursday 4th September 2014
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xyyman said:
A better, but more expensive, solution I am told is the fitment of adjustable Koni dampers. At the end of the day its not that bad to live with and just so much fun.
I can vouch for this.. I'm 4.5 years and 80k miles into Panda 100HP ownership and it's been a blast. The koni's were a decent upgrade.

JFReturns

3,692 posts

170 months

Tuesday 9th September 2014
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As above, terrific little car and great fun.

Other than usual checks, coolant system is a potential week spot so check the reservoir. Cambelt should have been changed by now, and rear suspension can wear quickly. But parts seem to be very cheap.

Matt_N

8,898 posts

201 months

Friday 26th September 2014
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Have always liked these, have had a few Fiats and had nothing but positive experiences. Fancy changing my 330i for something a bit cheaper to run whilst the missus is off work on sproglet duties and this is one of the options.