2011 Fiat Panda 1.2 any good?
Discussion
elephantstone said:
My step mums learning to drive and were buying her a car. Think we could be picking up one today. Its not the latest model. Is it gonna be a decent little car for her?
Yes, no , maybe...Basically what do you think?
Or lets examine the facts:
-it's a mass produced compact hatchback
Does she need a mass produced compact hatchback? If yes then you are likely on the right track
Mother-inn law had a 2004 model from new and has just traded it in for a lightly used 2010 car.
Grandmother-in-law had a 2003 model from new and has just traded it in for a brand new 2013 car.
Excellent cars, that do exactly what they say on the tin. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, comfortable and solid feel.
Just watch out for the lower spec trims - things you may automatically think to be standard such as central locking, aren't.
Grandmother-in-law had a 2003 model from new and has just traded it in for a brand new 2013 car.
Excellent cars, that do exactly what they say on the tin. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, comfortable and solid feel.
Just watch out for the lower spec trims - things you may automatically think to be standard such as central locking, aren't.
I have the Fiat 500 with the same engine and which is the same basic platform underneath. If the Panda drives like the 500 it will be great! They're fun little cars and the 1.2 is a nice motor. Frugal, cheap to insure and maintain. They seem to manage all roads very well, although you may struggle 4-up on a motorway The boot in the 500 is decent with the rear seats folded so I imagine the squarer Panda is the same or better. But tbh there are so many decent small cars around at the moment it really boils down to price and aesthetics IMHO. I liked the look of the 500 better than the Panda, so bought it.
The boot in the 500 is decent with the rear seats folded so I imagine the squarer Panda is the same or better. But tbh there are so many decent small cars around at the moment it really boils down to price and aesthetics IMHO. I liked the look of the 500 better than the Panda, so bought it.The one before it I drove and was a passenger in another it was surprisingly good. Nice ride, positive gearbox that's easy to reach on the dash, good stereo, positive brakes, decent driving position and my friends was reliable. Light steering with not much feel (every jap/italian supermini I've tried is similar though) and not much grip but that doesn't matter to your step mum I'm sure. Quite good on fuel for a petrol because it's light.
I preferred it to the Punto in many ways but I think the Punto looks better and has a nicer looking interior. I expect the new model is more of the same but it looks more rounded and upmarket. I've driven and been in a 1.2/1.4 petrol they were both as I expected. No idea what the diesels are like.
I preferred it to the Punto in many ways but I think the Punto looks better and has a nicer looking interior. I expect the new model is more of the same but it looks more rounded and upmarket. I've driven and been in a 1.2/1.4 petrol they were both as I expected. No idea what the diesels are like.
I have a 2010 Active Eco 1.1, so very similar to what you asked about. Tbh, it's been absolutely brilliant for what I needed over the last few years, which was a dirt cheap car to commute in. Averaged around 52mpg, typical service at a fiat dealer is around £150 and tax £30. Totally reliable and surprisingly comfortable, couple of very minor items done under warranty otherwise faultless. I commuted in mine from Shropshire to near London for 3 years without any trouble and have done some longer trips to Aberdeen and back in relative comfort!
I have just replaced it with a Mini Cooper S as I now fly upto Aberdeen, so no longer need a commuter mobile, hence it is going up on Autotrader/PH soon. Not sure of the PH rules on advertising, but if you want any details or a chat about them in general please pm me as I'm relatively local to you, if not, no worries they are a great cheap little car and good luck with the search
I have just replaced it with a Mini Cooper S as I now fly upto Aberdeen, so no longer need a commuter mobile, hence it is going up on Autotrader/PH soon. Not sure of the PH rules on advertising, but if you want any details or a chat about them in general please pm me as I'm relatively local to you, if not, no worries they are a great cheap little car and good luck with the search
Just a small note which is to add that they only seat 4 where a Fiesta Mk 6 will seat 5 IF that is a consideration.
I can vouch for the economy of the Panda - I spent hours and hours driving on Gran Canaria, up and down mountains and, even after a week, I still had to return the car with some fuel in it.
I can vouch for the economy of the Panda - I spent hours and hours driving on Gran Canaria, up and down mountains and, even after a week, I still had to return the car with some fuel in it.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff