Panda 100HP, 18 y/o male.

[TAHodgson]

Currently have a MK2 Punto 1.2, which does me for now, first car and all that. And an MX5 mk1 that my dad owns, which I have the use of whenever I want. Now the punto is severely underpowered, but quite good fun (isn't your first car always?!) And the '5 is ridiculous amounts of fun, but being young, ferrying mates, fuel prices etc A little 2 seater that's really quite bad on fuel isn't ideal.
So i've been looking at Panda 100HP's, that are now becoming ridiculously cheap, and look like they will be affordable late 2011/early 2012 for me. What's the general opinion on them? I've read that they are generally regarded as quite good fun for what they are, but sensible at the same time.



...And I like the way they look

[robsco]

I'd have one, without even a moment's thought. They're one of the most fun cars out there, regardless of cost. The engine is exactly what you'd expect from an Italian hatch; fizzy, eager and very revvy, just what they do best.

Hooked up to a lovely little 6 speed gearbox and subtle good looks and you're onto a winner. Excellent handling too, though the trade off is a firm, jiggly ride.

[Baryonyx]

I would have thought insurance would have been the main problem with them for an 18 year old. They look like decent enough cars.

[ragezx14r]

I have never been in one but i like the look of them too. Go for it mate

[TAHodgson]

Baryonyx said:

I would have thought insurance would have been the main problem with them for an 18 year old. They look like decent enough cars.

Forgot to mention, insurance isn't really an issue. Run a small crash repair and wheel refurbishment business with my dad, so am on a trade policy. For my first year they basically just governed my car by engine size, to >1.2. After september that is lifted, and it's around then that i'll have the money to purchase

[Jayho]

Baryonyx said:

I would have thought insurance would have been the main problem with them for an 18 year old. They look like decent enough cars.

They're not that bad actually, only group 7 I think and not many Chavs drive them cos they dont look "cool" to them.

To OP

I think they look good in a funky kind of way. They're quite highly rated by a few PH'ers I think. Out of interest how much are they getting nowadays? Similar group of warm hatches are also getting quite cheap, so you might want to have a look at the other ones.

[nickythesaint]

That is one of those cars I'd love to have a go at through some nice bent and twisties. Looks like a heap of fund. Evo love it!

[eldar]

I recently spent some time driving a poverty spec 1.0. Despite no power it was entertaining to drive with a bit of planning and momentum preservation.

[Targarama]

I have one. Fun car. Not actually that fast, but it doesn't matter. Insurance group 5 so wouldn't be too pricey for a young 'un without a trade policy. Early models £4,000. Mine has been 100% reliable in the 4 years I've owned it from new.

[TAHodgson]

Jayho said:

They're not that bad actually, only group 7 I think and not many Chavs drive them cos they dont look "cool" to them.

To OP

I think they look good in a funky kind of way. They're quite highly rated by a few PH'ers I think. Out of interest how much are they getting nowadays? Similar group of warm hatches are also getting quite cheap, so you might want to have a look at the other ones.

A few have gone for sub £4k, but i'd be looking closer to £5k, unless a properly nice early one came up.
And what exactly are the other 'warm' hatches in this group?

Edited by TAHodgson on Sunday 3rd July 22:17

[Jayho]

TAHodgson said:

A few have gone for sub £4k, but i'd be looking closer to £5k, unless a properly nice early one came up.
And what exactly are the other 'warm' hatches in this group?

Edited by TAHodgson on Sunday 3rd July 22:17

Fabia VRS', less fun on the twisties but seems to be ideal to the OP in terms of good on fuel.

Yaris T-Sport, Ignis Sport, C2 VTR, Swift Sport - All either similar pricing or cheaper than the Fiat, and are also quite fun on the twisties.

Clio 182's are also coming to very affordable prices, and some claim high 30's to low 40's MPG.

ETA - By no means am I discounting the Panda, think they are fantastic cars, but seems easier to test drive a handful of cars in the same class and make up your mind from there.

Edited by Jayho on Sunday 3rd July 22:33

[TAHodgson]

Like the idea of an Ignis Sport, but have been told they only like to run on Super unleaded, and even then the fuel economy isn't brilliant. But as with the Panda, I really like how un-obvious it is!

[Jayho]

TAHodgson said:

Like the idea of an Ignis Sport, but have been told they only like to run on Super unleaded, and even then the fuel economy isn't brilliant. But as with the Panda, I really like how un-obvious it is!

I get low 40's to mid 40's MPG and run only on super. Last tank I did was 308 miles to 32L.

The Panda's are smashing cars, and I'm sure you wont be disappointed, I'm simply letting you know there are alternatives. TBH I have considered getting one before, but I just couldnt get around the idea of not having my Ignis anymore.

As I said, you might want to make a list of all the cars you like or are in the same class as the Panda you want, and just go out and test drive them all. That way you'll find what your heart desires most, then look at the figures (MPG/Service intervals ect) and let the brain and heart find the perfect car.

Is there no longer any Cap on your trade policy?

[gtidriver]

I have a white one and i love it, ive covered nearly 20000miles since september and all its needed is a service which was£150 at fiat canterbury.

The front tyres will be changed this week as theyve stared to wear down and are near the bars.
Theres plenty of meat left on the front pads too.
Just been to check and ive done 19887 miles and an average of 39.2mpg.Not bad as i dont really drive it carefully.
look for one with the optional sunroof as its quite dark inside with rear tints. And the stereo upgrade sounds better, more speakers and a small sub under the drivers seat.
The ride is quite hard and can be a bit bouncy,but a lot of it is st uk roads, ive taken it to paris twice, belgium 6-7 times and later this year itll be going to frankfurt for the motorshow coming back via the ring.Runs much smoother on european roads.
There is a down side though,only a 35 ltr fuel tank so range is around 300-350 miles on a run or 220-250 around town.


when i trade in im buying a punto evo abarth.

[nickythesaint]

What about the Suzuki swift, is that in budget?

Also very good car in that segment.

[TAHodgson]

Jayho said:

Is there no longer any Cap on your trade policy?

There wasn't a 'cap' to begin with so to speak, but I was basically told it would benefit mine and my dad's wallets if I stuck to something 1.2 or less for social, domestic, pleasure and commuting usage. And renewal time is september, so we're assuming it will be completely lifted, or raised. As I do agree with the insurers on this one, and 18 y/o being able to drive any car in business hours is a liability. So I think i'll leave it a while before I get the M3 haha

But the panda just seems right, although I still haven't driven one or any of it's competitors. Will be on the list of things to do soon!!

[ChevronB19]

I've got one - and I love it. Very similar in ethos to a 205GTI. but be prepared for a very bouncy ride!

[Rollcage]

Haven't looked so don't know, but there must be a set of replacement dampers and springs that will sort out the ride. It is the only significant criticism of the car I've seen.

[TAHodgson]

I'm used to a punto on rock solid coilovers dropped 40mm, so it must be better, shirley?

[Baryonyx]

nickythesaint said:

What about the Suzuki swift, is that in budget?

Also very good car in that segment.

A Suzuki Swift will probably be a bit cheaper now, I'd have thought, even for a clean, well looked after model. Excellent cars too, I spent most of 2009 driving one and I loved it. If I was after a small, relatively low powered hatch that was fun I'd go for the Swift Sport.