Audi A2 or Panda 100HP?
Discussion
Folks,
I'm currently selling my current motor and I am looking to replace it with 2.
One will be a cheaper to run, family wagon and the other is a daily toy for me.
Originally the plan was V70 and toy, but I'm thinking the more sensible option is something cheaper to run.
I'm looking around £6k for the sensible one, and the current shortlist is either an Audi A2 (either 1.4tdi sport, or 1.6fsi sport) or a Panda 100hp.
Both seem to fall within the budget, the panda obviously being newer, but us the A2 likely to wear better?
Any other options? I need to get the dog in the boot, with me, the mrs and our 8 year old daughter.
As for the fun motor, shortlist is currently down to Corrado, Mr2 or the old favourite Mx5
we also have the mrs' Ignis 4wd which is a fun wee buggy (great for skipping over the recent snow!)
cheers,
steven
I'm currently selling my current motor and I am looking to replace it with 2.
One will be a cheaper to run, family wagon and the other is a daily toy for me.
Originally the plan was V70 and toy, but I'm thinking the more sensible option is something cheaper to run.
I'm looking around £6k for the sensible one, and the current shortlist is either an Audi A2 (either 1.4tdi sport, or 1.6fsi sport) or a Panda 100hp.
Both seem to fall within the budget, the panda obviously being newer, but us the A2 likely to wear better?
Any other options? I need to get the dog in the boot, with me, the mrs and our 8 year old daughter.
As for the fun motor, shortlist is currently down to Corrado, Mr2 or the old favourite Mx5
we also have the mrs' Ignis 4wd which is a fun wee buggy (great for skipping over the recent snow!)
cheers,
steven
The Fiat is a hoot and remarkably well built. 500s have been proving pretty reliable in general.
The Audi is all aluminium with limited access to engine / major components - likely to prove specialist and expensive to service. Coupled with the fact that while highly competent it has an overly hard ride and is as dull as ditch water.
The Audi is all aluminium with limited access to engine / major components - likely to prove specialist and expensive to service. Coupled with the fact that while highly competent it has an overly hard ride and is as dull as ditch water.
jcelee said:
The Fiat is a hoot and remarkably well built. 500s have been proving pretty reliable in general.
The Audi is all aluminium with limited access to engine / major components - likely to prove specialist and expensive to service. Coupled with the fact that while highly competent it has an overly hard ride and is as dull as ditch water.
Can't comment on the Fiat as I've never had one. However I have had an A2 for 7 years and what you say about that is utter cock. It's as easy and as cheap to service as any other supermini. The ride is fine for me and being lightweight (relatively) it is nippy for its' size. It's also built like an Audi.The Audi is all aluminium with limited access to engine / major components - likely to prove specialist and expensive to service. Coupled with the fact that while highly competent it has an overly hard ride and is as dull as ditch water.
71notout said:
She's a Cairn Terrier
Good. You need to try both cars. The Fiat is very well built and 100% reliable in my experience. It does trump the A2 for hard suspension though. Your Cairn Terror may not like leaving the ground over every bump.I'm guessing here, but I expect the Fiat will be cheaper to insure (Group 5). I average 39-40mpg in mine.
gj88 said:
SystemParanoia said:
jcelee said:
The Audi is all aluminium with limited access to engine / major components
The entire bonnet lifts off after a couple of quick release fasteners are unlocked, access to the engine is therefore pretty good.I`ve got an A2 1.6 and it`s a decent enough little car, it`s bigger inside then a Panda for sure. The ride is firm. I get mine serviced at a good specialist and it`s quite cheap. A2 specific spares are quite expensive though.
It averages around 40mpg regardless of how it`s driven and after 73,000 miles is still reasonably solid inside.
Just a few things to note about the A2:
The "bonnet" does not open my neighbour puts their one to audi for bulb changes on the headlights as i believe it either a in through the arch job or bumper off. Also some A2's have the option of a shower head in the boot ideal for washing the dog (or what ever else) down if its got muddy or sandy at the beach or suchlike.
Ross
The "bonnet" does not open my neighbour puts their one to audi for bulb changes on the headlights as i believe it either a in through the arch job or bumper off. Also some A2's have the option of a shower head in the boot ideal for washing the dog (or what ever else) down if its got muddy or sandy at the beach or suchlike.
Ross
I've got a 500 1.4 sport which is basically identical underneath. Its surprisingly good fun once you get used to the EPAS and funny throttle response (not slow, but not consistant :S). Reliability wise it's been fine, as you would expect from an 18month old car, other than the rear brake pads recently starting to squeal.
Oh and its not THAT economical. Average about 40mpg with mostly motorway miles and the odd blast. More than makes up for it with the lovely italian 16v sound about 4000rpm though
Oh and its not THAT economical. Average about 40mpg with mostly motorway miles and the odd blast. More than makes up for it with the lovely italian 16v sound about 4000rpm though
Edited by Adam205 on Thursday 15th April 13:19
The Fiat's reputation as a hoot to drive is completely justified. Not only is it immensely chuckable it also feels nippier than the figures suggest I reckon. Luggage space isn't too bad with the seats down (you can get a bike in quite comfortably, think a friend who has one has managed two).
How are the residuals doing? That's not usually a small Fiat strong point. Also I'm in the camp that says the ride is a bit too frantic on rough tarmac - I found it compromised to the point of being distracting on really bumpy country lanes. Great fun though.
Not driven an A2, so they might be great. I'd be surprised if they were as much fun as the Panda, but I'd hazard a guess they were perhaps a little more civilised?
How are the residuals doing? That's not usually a small Fiat strong point. Also I'm in the camp that says the ride is a bit too frantic on rough tarmac - I found it compromised to the point of being distracting on really bumpy country lanes. Great fun though.
Not driven an A2, so they might be great. I'd be surprised if they were as much fun as the Panda, but I'd hazard a guess they were perhaps a little more civilised?
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