RE: Fiat Panda 100HP: Catch it while you can
Discussion
This is worth a read - http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2056...
Targarama said:
Yes, but Pandas are about cheap running costs and in a class below. You can buy a lot of cars for £3k. I averaged 40mpg with mostly in town use. Group 5 insurance, nothing goes wrong.
I was thinking more 'last of the old school hot hatch'. I can't believe a Panda works out that much cheaper than a Clios either. There was sod all in it insurance wise for me and the road tax was similar. Surely the MPG isn't that different and parts are laughably cheap for both of them.RossP said:
No, its not. HTH. 
Driven both, was considering both as a replacement for my 306. The Clio is quicker, grips better, is more practical and features similar flimsy build quality. Edited by Motorrad on Thursday 22 January 12:49
skyrover said:
Owned a Fiat once.... never again.
And in contrast...Owned around 35 Fiats... Keep coming back.
People chuckle about these small little cars but Fiat's warm hatches (couldn't really call the 100hp a hot hatch) really are a lot better than people give them credit for. Nippy, revy engines in light, tight chassis which are a joy to drive.
The Seicento sporting and Cinquecento before it had the same formula. Notably slower (1.1 8v 55hp) but a right hoot to drive. The 500 may be based on the same car but it got a big fat and heavy. The Panda 100hp is the better handling car but the 500 got the turbo.
I have had mine for a year now and still absolutely adore it. Like a lot of people, including the article writer and my car's previous owner, it was bought as a general runabout to join my weekend toy, as running an Exige as daily was getting a chore after 3years. They seem to be a popular choice for this sort of prospective owner.
It's great affordable fun, in a (just) practical enough package, with a surprisingly high amount of standard kit (climate, Bluetooth etc). Mine also has the rare 'Pandamonium' pack that has been mentioned previously, comprising of red calipers, silver mirror caps and the side stripes.
It's great affordable fun, in a (just) practical enough package, with a surprisingly high amount of standard kit (climate, Bluetooth etc). Mine also has the rare 'Pandamonium' pack that has been mentioned previously, comprising of red calipers, silver mirror caps and the side stripes.
Craikeybaby said:
I'm looking for a "sensible" car to run alongside my MR2 for mountain bike transport and hadn't really considered one of these, as the girlfriend currently drive a 500. Would 2 Fiats in the fleet be a bad idea?
No but taking the front wheel off or using a cycle carrier gets annoying quickly. That's the reason I ended up with a estate car for bike duties. Just sling a couple in the back and off you go.Motorrad said:
Craikeybaby said:
I'm looking for a "sensible" car to run alongside my MR2 for mountain bike transport and hadn't really considered one of these, as the girlfriend currently drive a 500. Would 2 Fiats in the fleet be a bad idea?
No but taking the front wheel off or using a cycle carrier gets annoying quickly. That's the reason I ended up with a estate car for bike duties. Just sling a couple in the back and off you go.
Two seats in the back, and a decent boot for the car's size. As has already been said, the suspension is very firm so the ride is massively bouncy on poor roads.
I've been very surprised by the build quality of the Panda - certainly feels better put together than the last few small hatchbacks I've been in. The whump when the doors shut and the lack of any rattles or vibrations from inside is very pleasing for such a small car.
I've been very surprised by the build quality of the Panda - certainly feels better put together than the last few small hatchbacks I've been in. The whump when the doors shut and the lack of any rattles or vibrations from inside is very pleasing for such a small car.
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