Today's What Car thread - replacing a Panda Multijet

[Rollcage]

My dad has had his Panda Multijet from new, and it is now nearly 5 years old and approaching 60k miles. It has been a great little car,both in terms of reliability and economy - even the dealer hasn't been too bad!

He fancies changing, and is looking at the latest Euro 5 compliant Multijet - these list at about 12k, which I think is a touch expensive, even allowing for considerable discounts being available. When he bought his current one (it is an 06 plate) , it was a much cheaper car - I dont think he paid much more than 7K , though it was a cracking deal at the time.


He wants a 5 door compact diesel that is in tax band C or below, and it has to be an easy car to get in and out of, as Mum needs that - the Panda is ideal in this respect. Other than being priced on a level with the Fiat, that's it!


I have indicated that a Hyundai i20 would be worth a look, as may a Citroen C3 and maybe a Mazda 2.
(really liked the new Hyundai ix20, but it is really 2k too much)


Any other suggestions?

[Rollcage]

I forgot to say that he doesn't want an MX 5 or a mapped 335!

[Xavier259]

Would I be correct in assuming that the main reason for a diesel is fuel economy? If so he would probably be better looking for at small engined petrol cars, as this would give a much wider range of cars to choose from. Some suggestions:

• Kia Picanto
• Suzuki Alto/ Nissan Pixo
• Citroen C1/ Peugeot 107/ Toyota Aygo

All of the above are available with 5 doors, are tax band C and below and all have a combined fuel economy figure of around 60-65 MPG.

HTH

[deveng]

I'd go for the Mazda 2, but I'm not sure if it comes as a 5 door?

[Papa Hotel]

The original post suggests that your dad just wants another diesel Panda... so why not keep the one he has?

[Rollcage]

Papa Hotel said:

The original post suggests that your dad just wants another diesel Panda... so why not keep the one he has?

This is quite correct, and my feeling also! However, the Euro 5 Panda has a decent extra kit level to his existing one, which appeals to him. (Stuff like alloys, roof bars, front fogs, aircon, etc)

As for petrol engines, I have mentioned this, but he likes the torque and economy of the diesels - he averages over 60mpg ,and tends not to dawdle!

I have said to him that he could pay for a LOT of repairs with the money it would cost to change, but I think he's got the idea in his head now!

[Rollcage]

Having looked into things a bit more, I think that a Citroen C3 Picasso 1.6hdi Connexion would do- heaps of kit, decent engine and well priced after discount. I know its not a very PH car but does anyone have any experience of one or a regular C3, which also fits the bill?

[h4muf]

Rollcage,how much does he want for the panda?

[edo]

Rollcage said:

My dad has had his Panda Multijet from new, and it is now nearly 5 years old and approaching 60k miles. It has been a great little car,both in terms of reliability and economy - even the dealer hasn't been too bad!

He fancies changing, and is looking at the latest Euro 5 compliant Multijet - these list at about 12k, which I think is a touch expensive, even allowing for considerable discounts being available. When he bought his current one (it is an 06 plate) , it was a much cheaper car - I dont think he paid much more than 7K , though it was a cracking deal at the time.


He wants a 5 door compact diesel that is in tax band C or below, and it has to be an easy car to get in and out of, as Mum needs that - the Panda is ideal in this respect. Other than being priced on a level with the Fiat, that's it!


I have indicated that a Hyundai i20 would be worth a look, as may a Citroen C3 and maybe a Mazda 2.
(really liked the new Hyundai ix20, but it is really 2k too much)


Any other suggestions?

Why not just get a 6 month old car and save a fortune over new?

[edo]

2010 Fiat Panda Hatchback 5-Door 1248 cc 1.3 16v Multijet Dynamic
Trade Seller: Arbury Fiat Walsall

5 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Diesel, 3,000 miles, Electro Grey Metallic, Driver And Passenger Air Bags,Power-Assisted Steering,5 speed manual gearbox,Remote Central Door Locking,Front Electric Windows,Body Coloured Bumpers,Manual Door Mirrors,Reach Adjustable Steering Column/Wheel,Four Speakers,Immobiliser,Electronic Brake Force Distribution,Cup Holder,Front Head Restraints,Seat - ISOFIX Anchorage Point,Anti-Lock Brakes,Spare Wheel,Radio/CD,Cloth interior. Demonstrator.

£7,995 Non VAT Qualifying

[Rollcage]

Very good points, I said the same! If we found a pre reg car then that might do.
As for how much he wants for his, it wont happen until May, but I reckon it must be worth giving £3500 a go for a private sale.

[jsg612]

Some variants of the new Clio 1.5 dCi can be had for cheap. Available in 5 door, very spacious, realistic 60-70mpg on a steady run and only £30 to tax.

Not really a fan of them myself but for an older chap would be ideal.

[Rollcage]

Just a quick update, dad went for a Nissan Note DCi in the end - he decided to get something a little more grown up than the Panda, which incidentally has just come back from a trip to France and Belgium. Covered over 1000 miles at a touch over 64mpg calculated!

The Note will have to quite a car to be as cheerful and dependable as the little Panda, it has been an absolute cracker of a car in every way.