Panda 100HP Replacement
Discussion
After about a year of a love/hate relationship with a Panda 100HP, I've MOT'd it and think it’s time to say goodbye.
What I loved about it was its uniqueness and being able to surprise people at traffic lights. It's a genuinely fun car to drive and very practical the whole maybe two times I've needed to use the boot. Also, cheap insurance!
What I didn't love was the ride even after putting a higher profile tyre on it. The turning circle and small mirrors means it's actually a bit of a pain in the city, my old MK4 Golf was much easier to place and manage during rush hour city centre traffic and to park.
What I want is something just as nippy but slightly easier to live with day to day. So far, my short list is a MINI or Suzuki Swift Sport but of which are creeping into my price range.
TL/DR
Budget: 2K
Mileage: 6K per annum mostly city driving
Looking for something small/fun/economical/interesting - will settle for two of the four
What I loved about it was its uniqueness and being able to surprise people at traffic lights. It's a genuinely fun car to drive and very practical the whole maybe two times I've needed to use the boot. Also, cheap insurance!
What I didn't love was the ride even after putting a higher profile tyre on it. The turning circle and small mirrors means it's actually a bit of a pain in the city, my old MK4 Golf was much easier to place and manage during rush hour city centre traffic and to park.
What I want is something just as nippy but slightly easier to live with day to day. So far, my short list is a MINI or Suzuki Swift Sport but of which are creeping into my price range.
TL/DR
Budget: 2K
Mileage: 6K per annum mostly city driving
Looking for something small/fun/economical/interesting - will settle for two of the four
Silenoz said:
Clio 182
Fiesta ST
Mini Cooper S
Peugeot 207 GTi
All within your budget on Auto Trader
Clio 182 - nearest one 175 miles awayFiesta ST
Mini Cooper S
Peugeot 207 GTi
All within your budget on Auto Trader
Fiesta ST - cheap ones available locally, big increase in tax and insurance without a big jump in performance may rule it out
Mini Cooper S - Cooper S may be above what I want to pay in running costs but keeping an eye on Cooper's and well spec'd Ones
Peugeot 207 GTi - not sure it interests me enough
Twingo RS, would love but availablity is a problem, don't know what it is with Scotland? Anyone have experience with the 1.2 turbo? Seems to be on par performance wise with the Panda and seeks under the rader with insurance
I have a 133 abit non standard. The GT with the 1.2 tce engine is a good shout and softer than a 133 so will be good on the Scottish roads.
My son had a GT till he wrote it off and I liked it and was still very playful down country lanes. If I remember correctly the rear seats are easy to remove and it turns into a van!
My son had a GT till he wrote it off and I liked it and was still very playful down country lanes. If I remember correctly the rear seats are easy to remove and it turns into a van!
avenger286 said:
I have a 133 abit non standard. The GT with the 1.2 tce engine is a good shout and softer than a 133 so will be good on the Scottish roads.
My son had a GT till he wrote it off and I liked it and was still very playful down country lanes. If I remember correctly the rear seats are easy to remove and it turns into a van!
Don't know why but the Twingo's are catching my eye only thing is they seem to be very rare up here. Another option is one I just found out existed today is the Clio with the 2 Litre and 138BHP, that could be quick and comfortable. My son had a GT till he wrote it off and I liked it and was still very playful down country lanes. If I remember correctly the rear seats are easy to remove and it turns into a van!
All I do is traverse Edinburgh City Centre so poor narrow roads, cobbles and speedbumps and my main concerns, I fear something like a RenaultSport 172/182 would turn into a nightmare very quickly.
Aside from the gearbox what sort of things should I be looking for for with something like this?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/mini/mini-cooper-green-1...
https://www.gumtree.com/p/mini/mini-cooper-green-1...
We looked at the Clio 2.0 for the Mrs but she wasn't to keen. We actually ended up with a 1.3 mazda 2 and that's a nice car. They do a 1.5 sport version. I used to work for Mitsubishi and they do a 1.5 colt and a 1.5 turbo all above should fit in budget also.
I would love another 133 (as mine is a rally car now) or the colt turbo. Both rare and shock people as they don't have a clue what they are.
I would love another 133 (as mine is a rally car now) or the colt turbo. Both rare and shock people as they don't have a clue what they are.
Mercury00 said:
What suspension components do you need to make the ride better? I always thought OEM was the softest.
Shocks and springs are the normal recommendations but the lack of an anti-roll bar, the high centre of gravity and the short wheelbase means it's never going to be great for my needs. I feel like I need to say I like the car but it doesn't suit my needs and it's going to cost me little to change so why not?
kieranblenk said:
Toyota Yaris T Sport/SR
I've got a T Sport Yaris fun and quick enough around town, but body roll through corners isn't great, and seems to eat tyres quickly. mpg consistently around 35-40. Very roomy in the back too for what it is, and can get extra boot space as rear seats can move back and forth- I think the Twingo has the same idea. Hope this helps! 
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