Panda 100hp or ibiza 1.9tdi?

[chbarnsley]

My clio has finally given up and now i am looking at a new car. I would like an upgrade from a gutless 1.2 16v. I was thinking about either a panda 100hp or ibiza 1.9tdi both having 100hp i feel that would be enough to keep insurance reasonable (as i am 18)and keeping me entertained in the process.

Has anyone had either of the cars, if so what are they like? Are there any other alternatives? I have around £3000 to spend. The idea of remapping the ibiza and gaining another 20/30 hp appeals to me.

Thanks in advance

I am new to the forum so i apologize if its in the wrong section.

[itcaptainslow]

Panda is much, much more fun. I'm not sure I would if any of my commute involved a long motorway stint but as a baby B-Road blaster they're a hoot.

(Yes I've driven one)

Not driven an Ibiza far enough to comment-from what I have experienced the 100HP is the petrol head's car, the Ibiza is the more sensible choice.

[kambites]

I'd go for the Fiat. The Ibiza is very nose-heavy with the 1.9 diesel lump in it, which ruins both the ride and the handling.

[vx220]

Ibiza will be in its element on the a roads/motorway, but dull everywhere else

Really dull...

[chbarnsley]

Thanks for the input guys, ive never driven a diesel so im unsure what they are like to drive. Are there any other alternatives to panda or ibiza you could recommend? As i am unsure i could get a decent panda for 3 grand, they seem to be rather thin on the ground around my area.

[itcaptainslow]

You'll get a really decent MG ZR/ZS, ride quality is a bit better than the Panda and is just as much of a hoot, in particular the ZS is a sublime handling car. Not sure you'll insure a 160/180, but the ZS120 should be within reach.

[sideways man]

I have a skoda fabia 1.9 tdi. Same thing with different badges,really.

Good points- had it 5 years/113k miles and its been totally reliable.
It's the Elegance model,so has heated seats, 8 speaker stereo, and other toys.
Had it mapped to 130 bhp with 230 LBFT torque,and up to 3k rpm it pulls like a train-then runs out of puff,so you change up a gear do it again.
Driven sensibly it does 55 mpg all day long.

Bad points. Not the prettiest shape, handling is pretty uninspiring. Ride is a bit crashy over big bumps.

Conclusion. For reliable A to B motoring get the Seat.
For fun times get the Panda.

I have a another car for 'weekends'.When the fabia dies, I will probably get another as it is perfect for the work commute.

[CallorFold]

Fabia VRS? Although you'd want to do a quote first. Not sure if it would fall under sensible or silly.