PANDA 100 hp, think that I am going to like it
Discussion
Picked up a brand new Panda 100 hp in New Orleans Blue on Thursday for my good lady and I have to say, I am quite looking forward to driving it!
A new car is always nice I know but this little thing is the first car that my wife has had that I am actually looking forward to drive. Because of the deal available, ( namely being able to trade a very beaten and dilapidated Punto in and not get banged over the head for it! ), it was a bit of a no brainer but in all honesty I did steer her into the 100.
We are off for the weekend to celebrate out 23 rd wedding anniversary later today and I am looking forward to the journey almost as much as the occasion, I really do think that I am going to like it
A new car is always nice I know but this little thing is the first car that my wife has had that I am actually looking forward to drive. Because of the deal available, ( namely being able to trade a very beaten and dilapidated Punto in and not get banged over the head for it! ), it was a bit of a no brainer but in all honesty I did steer her into the 100.
We are off for the weekend to celebrate out 23 rd wedding anniversary later today and I am looking forward to the journey almost as much as the occasion, I really do think that I am going to like it
Well fellas, I am back!
The little car is fun for sure although the wife and I did find the ride a little harsh at times but that is what's known as a sports suspension I guess ?
I love the fact that it feels as planted as it does ( very confidence inspiring ) and it seems to go exactly where you point it with incredible accuracy. I also like the size and general feel of the thing although I think that were it a tad smaller in the cockpit then I would not be able to tolerate it. I do not suffer from claustrophobia at all but there seems to be a cut off point and the interior of the Panda is about 5mm more than that point. I am only 5'9" so leg room is not a problem but I am broad, ( some may prefer the term 'fat', and I do not refute that, but I think that I am broader than I am fat ), and find this to be the prohibiting factor. Am I held tight or is it a squeeze?
The controls are light and take some getting used to but once mastered are a delight and I do like the six speed box.
All in all a good 350 odd miles but I wasn't to stringent with trying to extract every last drop of power and will wait until 1K ml's and a change to a premium grade of oil before I really start with the choir practice.
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, it was pretty good on fuel too, something that I am definitely not accustomed to.
The little car is fun for sure although the wife and I did find the ride a little harsh at times but that is what's known as a sports suspension I guess ?
I love the fact that it feels as planted as it does ( very confidence inspiring ) and it seems to go exactly where you point it with incredible accuracy. I also like the size and general feel of the thing although I think that were it a tad smaller in the cockpit then I would not be able to tolerate it. I do not suffer from claustrophobia at all but there seems to be a cut off point and the interior of the Panda is about 5mm more than that point. I am only 5'9" so leg room is not a problem but I am broad, ( some may prefer the term 'fat', and I do not refute that, but I think that I am broader than I am fat ), and find this to be the prohibiting factor. Am I held tight or is it a squeeze?
The controls are light and take some getting used to but once mastered are a delight and I do like the six speed box.
All in all a good 350 odd miles but I wasn't to stringent with trying to extract every last drop of power and will wait until 1K ml's and a change to a premium grade of oil before I really start with the choir practice.
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, it was pretty good on fuel too, something that I am definitely not accustomed to.
Edited by GTWayne on Monday 17th March 18:35
We're into our seventh month of 100Hp ownership...
faultless - fun and frugal..
even hooning I can't get much below 38MPG
it handles well and yes the ride is harsh - whopee do...
I've driven the equivalent 500 and quite frankly whilst the 500 is cosmetically nicer - the 100Hp is the better car...
Love it to bits..
Enjoy.
SImes.
faultless - fun and frugal..
even hooning I can't get much below 38MPG
it handles well and yes the ride is harsh - whopee do...
I've driven the equivalent 500 and quite frankly whilst the 500 is cosmetically nicer - the 100Hp is the better car...
Love it to bits..
Enjoy.
SImes.
good to hear feedback on the 100. I was sorely tempted last year, but decided to put on hold until after my wedding in May. Running a 3tr petrol v6 is getting too expensive nowadays.
Incidentially, does anyone remember that episode of TG when clarkson ran up to Scotland and back on a tank of diesel - watched a repeat the other day, cost of diesel 78.9 per litre!
Is it a buyers market for the 100hp with the 500 being launched, is there any good deals to be had?
Incidentially, does anyone remember that episode of TG when clarkson ran up to Scotland and back on a tank of diesel - watched a repeat the other day, cost of diesel 78.9 per litre!
Is it a buyers market for the 100hp with the 500 being launched, is there any good deals to be had?
Deals are there yes, although I'd say it would depend on the dealer and how much they want your business. Aside from haggling, Fiat are still doing the free insurance/or finance deals on the 100HP.
My other halfs had here for 6 months at the end of this month and still loves it. Very capable little car and choppy ride aside its a hoot to drive. Feels built to last and after 7k the engine is now nice and loose and rev happy!
My other halfs had here for 6 months at the end of this month and still loves it. Very capable little car and choppy ride aside its a hoot to drive. Feels built to last and after 7k the engine is now nice and loose and rev happy!
Just had a quick flick on autotrader and found this:
>>> It only has 1 mile on the clcok and comes in at under 7k.. Are the dealers feeling the squeeze from the damand for the 500 do you think? http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/FIAT...
>>> It only has 1 mile on the clcok and comes in at under 7k.. Are the dealers feeling the squeeze from the damand for the 500 do you think? http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/FIAT...
I too did not really like the rear tints but in reality, I don't spend any time at all in the back of the motor, so it is not really a problem in as far as looking through them from the inside. The look from the outside is a small mater really and as has already been stated, I am only concerned with being inside as that's where I will normally be if near the car
I have just had a gander @ the aforementioned glass and it is hard tinted, not film, and so replacement with clear items is the only solution I am afraid.
I have just had a gander @ the aforementioned glass and it is hard tinted, not film, and so replacement with clear items is the only solution I am afraid.
Edited by GTWayne on Friday 21st March 17:43
RNN14 said:
I've been thinking about the 100 to replace our ageing Cinq - the only thing (slightly) bothering me is the rear-tints. Does anybody know if these are just (removeable) film, or is the glass itself that colour?
I don't think they are removable film, but I can't say I've ever looked that closely.
I would admit that I would never, ever, tint rear windows on a car out of choice. However, on Sarahs grey 100HP it does set it off nicely. Looks even better on the white ones.
So while I wouldn't choose them, they hardly ruin the car imho. The higher driving position however is something you really need to try. I can live with it as I only use it once a week or so, but some others might feel differently. I think if I did drive it every day I'd probably get used to it.
One interesting thing about the Panda for me is how spot on the ergonomics are. It wasn't until we got it that I realised just how rubbish the driving position in my Lupo GTI is. You sit much much lower in the VW, and its comfortable, but compared to the Panda it now doesn't feel right at all in terms of pedal/steering wheel reach.
So while I wouldn't choose them, they hardly ruin the car imho. The higher driving position however is something you really need to try. I can live with it as I only use it once a week or so, but some others might feel differently. I think if I did drive it every day I'd probably get used to it.
One interesting thing about the Panda for me is how spot on the ergonomics are. It wasn't until we got it that I realised just how rubbish the driving position in my Lupo GTI is. You sit much much lower in the VW, and its comfortable, but compared to the Panda it now doesn't feel right at all in terms of pedal/steering wheel reach.
Beemer-5 said:
I just bought a 4000-mile Panda 100HP for £6500 from a dealer. Great buy.
That was a really good buy I saw a '06 with 8.5K miles on ebay and it went for £5,800, and it was in the colour of choice!, but I had already promised my good lady that she would have a new one; Moral of the story: Think ( a lot! ) first, speak only when absolutely necessary. It is too late for me as I am 23 years down the road already and did not take heed early enough and as a direct result have slipped into 'digging hole mode' without realizing and feel that I am now too old to change, if only I could put that shovel down from time to time.
^ You are indeed correct to a degree about not needing huge power to have fun but it is a different kind of fun. I have a 650 bhp Ultima, ( talk about the whitest, most powdery chalkiest chalk V a very yellow and virtually unbearably mature veined cheese ), and so feel qualified to compare here and the thing that I enjoy the most about the 100 hp is that in the Ultima, on the road at least, you kind of feel that you are a cheat as even big bikes don't really stand much of a chance but the Panda is more satisfiing in this area because it feels an accomplished performer for what you have to work with and therefor you it makes you feel more accomplished as a reasonable driver.
You certainly have a nice range of cars.
I'd disagree, slightly, about the 'bike versus Ultima' bit, though!
For a mere £4,200, i recently bought a vgc, almost stock condition bike, which would give you all the headaches you can cope with, even in the Ultima!
(2004 Suzuki Hyabusa, with race exhaust and Power Commander.
185 bhp and 215 kgs means plenty of go!)
I'd disagree, slightly, about the 'bike versus Ultima' bit, though!
For a mere £4,200, i recently bought a vgc, almost stock condition bike, which would give you all the headaches you can cope with, even in the Ultima!
(2004 Suzuki Hyabusa, with race exhaust and Power Commander.
185 bhp and 215 kgs means plenty of go!)
Up until 2004 I was into to bikes and had a nice little stable too even if I may say so myself ( GSXR 1000 Rizla rep, SP2, GSXR1000 k4 ETC. ) and during my brief spell ridding bikes one thing dawned on me after a rather spirited pull away from the lights with a Porsche Turbo: You really don't have to ring the bikes neck to beat a car off of the line, you can toy with most cars and destroy at will. Now, bear in mind that I now have this insider knowledge on board and picture, if you will, my first encounter with a proper bike @ the TLGP. First of all I don't think Valentino could have even seen an Ultima before and if he had not been wearing a crash helmet I am sure that his eyes may have popped right out of his head! Well, the lights changed, I got the jump, and he was history. I have yet to see the back of a bike as I leave the lights but if the day ever comes, I will let you know
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