Panda 100hp time
Discussion
Story Time
10 years ago I wanted to replace my VW Bora with something more fun, and top of my list was a 100hp, so I went to look at getting a 2 year old one from the main dealer. My main recollection of the test drive was the salesman telling me there's lots of speed cameras about (I wasn't speeding!) and immediately lighting a Lambert and Butler as we returned to the dealership. Obviously he wasn't a fan of the Panda's ability to make 45mph feel like 75mph but I was. That said it wasn't enough for me to get over my aversion to finance, and I ended up with a Ford Puma.
Ever since then, every time I see one on the road they bring a smile to my face, but the prices seem to be going one way as the dodgy ones fall out of circulation, I suspected I'd missed the boat.
I knew a guy who was driving one and was talking to him about this and turns out he wanted to sell as it as had a couple of problems and he'd lost patience with it. Not only that but he would be happy to straight swap with my MX-5.
If you look at my car history it's very front wheel drive so I was excited to get that MX-5 and restore it back to stock, then learn the joys of rear wheel drive. I did have some fun in the summer with it, but the problem was I was only ever compelled to drive it for driving's sake and I just don't get much time to do that. So I never gelled with it fully, and it ended up untaxed and developing a leaky hood and a misfire.
TLDR tell us about the car
So it's no minter, the swap with the MX-5 was described as the first swap where both parties come off worse.
That said externally it's one of the most clean cars I've ever owned, the paint and body appear very straight, which is ironic as this car is the first insurance write off I've owned; not just Cat D but also Cat N.
It had a prang in 2015 and from what I've seen so far it's been repaired to a good standard, and then it had another front end in 2021, I believe it's standard practice to immediately write off a previous write off? I have the pictures of it from the salvage auction and there's no visible damage whatsoever.
Just like the one I test drove it's a late car (2009) so gets the larger wing mirrors which I like.
The other problems were an intermittent loss of clutch hydraulics, a heater that doesn't work, one missing arch trim and it wants an MOT.
The guy who I swapped it with spent a bit of money on it; removing the previous aftermarket suspension which was too firm in favour of OEM (which as everyone knows is very firm!) and renewing a lot of the front end. He also had the wheels refurbed so I've got to look after them now!
It did come with a tank of petrol which is an appreciating asset at least.
The clutch performed for a quick test drive down a farm track and I was laughing almost immediately, it's actually better than I remembered, but that might be to do with the lack of a salesman on the verge of a panic attack sitting next to me.
So first step was to fix the clutch, previous owner had already sourced a slave cylinder, and stick it through MOT and see what the tester thought...
10 years ago I wanted to replace my VW Bora with something more fun, and top of my list was a 100hp, so I went to look at getting a 2 year old one from the main dealer. My main recollection of the test drive was the salesman telling me there's lots of speed cameras about (I wasn't speeding!) and immediately lighting a Lambert and Butler as we returned to the dealership. Obviously he wasn't a fan of the Panda's ability to make 45mph feel like 75mph but I was. That said it wasn't enough for me to get over my aversion to finance, and I ended up with a Ford Puma.
Ever since then, every time I see one on the road they bring a smile to my face, but the prices seem to be going one way as the dodgy ones fall out of circulation, I suspected I'd missed the boat.
I knew a guy who was driving one and was talking to him about this and turns out he wanted to sell as it as had a couple of problems and he'd lost patience with it. Not only that but he would be happy to straight swap with my MX-5.
If you look at my car history it's very front wheel drive so I was excited to get that MX-5 and restore it back to stock, then learn the joys of rear wheel drive. I did have some fun in the summer with it, but the problem was I was only ever compelled to drive it for driving's sake and I just don't get much time to do that. So I never gelled with it fully, and it ended up untaxed and developing a leaky hood and a misfire.
TLDR tell us about the car
So it's no minter, the swap with the MX-5 was described as the first swap where both parties come off worse.
That said externally it's one of the most clean cars I've ever owned, the paint and body appear very straight, which is ironic as this car is the first insurance write off I've owned; not just Cat D but also Cat N.
It had a prang in 2015 and from what I've seen so far it's been repaired to a good standard, and then it had another front end in 2021, I believe it's standard practice to immediately write off a previous write off? I have the pictures of it from the salvage auction and there's no visible damage whatsoever.
Just like the one I test drove it's a late car (2009) so gets the larger wing mirrors which I like.
The other problems were an intermittent loss of clutch hydraulics, a heater that doesn't work, one missing arch trim and it wants an MOT.
The guy who I swapped it with spent a bit of money on it; removing the previous aftermarket suspension which was too firm in favour of OEM (which as everyone knows is very firm!) and renewing a lot of the front end. He also had the wheels refurbed so I've got to look after them now!
It did come with a tank of petrol which is an appreciating asset at least.
The clutch performed for a quick test drive down a farm track and I was laughing almost immediately, it's actually better than I remembered, but that might be to do with the lack of a salesman on the verge of a panic attack sitting next to me.
So first step was to fix the clutch, previous owner had already sourced a slave cylinder, and stick it through MOT and see what the tester thought...
Cambs_Stuart said:
Love the idea of both parties in the deal driving off sniggering "Sucker".
But that panda looks a really solid base. Is the plan to use it as a fun runabout?
The Mazda has already had a full respray which is slightly annoying because I spent about 10 hours polishing it!But that panda looks a really solid base. Is the plan to use it as a fun runabout?
Yes but also use it for commuting and allow my wife to use the Mercedes when she needs it. Although the way fuel prices are going I might end up using the Panda more often than not!
molineux1980 said:
I pondered one when my Fiesta Zetec S was becoming too expensive to fix 4 years ago.
I ended up with a ZC31 Swift Sport which I love and still own, but I do have a fondess for these and wonder how they compare to the Swift.
Enjoy!
I remember going in one of those when a colleague had them new, and it felt very revvy as you'd expect, I did consider them myself when I was looking at the Pandas all those years ago but they seemed a bit more expensive then.I ended up with a ZC31 Swift Sport which I love and still own, but I do have a fondess for these and wonder how they compare to the Swift.
Enjoy!
Maybe these will both work simultaneously one day
So to bring the story up to date I ordered one of these and was that fitted by mechanic along with the slave supplied at a cost of £84.
Then it was off for MOT, I wanted to make sure there were no hidden nightmares from it's accidents that could render the project a dead end.
This gave me the opportunity to drive it to the test centre; 'go kart feel' is incredibly overused but I will use it here to describe the lack of suspension more than anything else, it really feels completely stuck to the road surface and it's hilarious! It might get wearing after a while but at the moment I love it.
I was pleased to see the heater was in fact working on the way there, but also seemed the temp gauge was sitting low, only hitting the middle when stationary, stuck thermostat? Sounded better than having to take the dash out to me!
I still went on and dropped it off for MOT and...
No less than four majors, all related to the front suspension, not the best parts / installation by the previous owner then!
That said it's at least pleasing no expensive issues were flagged up, two new ball joints and a bit of fettling again by the mechanic (£57) and it ought to pass now.
Having driven the car back to the garage I found that initially the temp gauge / heater both behaved as before, so I thought, right I'll stick my diagnostic gear on it.
Suddenly the car sat happily around 90 degrees no matter what and the heater stopped working! What's with all these intermittent faults on my cars at the minute... any thoughts welcome, should I just go ahead and get the thermostat done?
After that initial wobbler the temp gauge continues to behave relatively normally, it did drop a tiny bit in traffic which is pretty weird, the stat probably is on the way out?
I didn't actually do a full diagnostic scan, only looked at the water temp - my time with the car has been limited so far, but the good news is it's passed it's MOT
Tonight I'll have a proper poke around. Even if the stat is failing the car is still getting to temp and I have had no hot air through the heating since driving to the MOT, I suspect it's going to be an actuator failure in the heating box, which means taking the dash out.
I didn't actually do a full diagnostic scan, only looked at the water temp - my time with the car has been limited so far, but the good news is it's passed it's MOT
Tonight I'll have a proper poke around. Even if the stat is failing the car is still getting to temp and I have had no hot air through the heating since driving to the MOT, I suspect it's going to be an actuator failure in the heating box, which means taking the dash out.
Cleaning this back to back with the Mercedes was quite a contrast in effort, it's amazing both will fit 5 people.
The keen eyed among you will notice that I have changed something;
The roof rails are gone, I actually didn't mind the way they looked but the noise! How you could tolerate them on the motorway is beyond me.
Took it out for a drive as pictured above and again the temp gauge sits quite low when driving at speed, plugged OBD reader in (no codes btw) and temp was reading around 74-76 degrees on the move with the gauge sitting below the centre. From what I've read this isn't right and the needle should stick reassuringly in the middle.
Also I've found the heater actuator can be bodged without taking the dash out which is nice, but what is nicer is the heater was working lovely today!
I'll get a thermostat and a cam belt put on and go from there, it continues to be highly entertaining to drive, and such a contrast to my other car!
lb3nson said:
300sl-24 said:
Mine was the same and I changed the thermostat which comes complete with housing, sensor etc for about £36 and half an hour to fit. This made the temp sit bang central once warmed and not move. Give an extra 3mpg too!
You can buy an all metal thermostat housing, the original is plastic.
https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Pr...
You want the Original Birth one
Also worth it for the higher rev limit that sitting at the correct temp brings as well! 7000 from 6500 IIRCYou can buy an all metal thermostat housing, the original is plastic.
https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Pr...
You want the Original Birth one
I’ve followed your advice and ordered that thermostat plus a cambelt and water pump kit to get free postage… they’ll be going on next week.
Electroclash Grey is the best colour for them in my opinion 
It's been a while since I've updated, but I've gone a bit mad with it to be honest, the cambelt and water pump are now fitted along with the thermostat, and a full service to boot.
Not content with that considerable expense I decided to address the other thing that was stopping me from really pushing the car, the tyres, there was Nankang NS-II one end Deflin DX-550 the other - a brand so obscure it doesn't seem to have any internet presence.
The car actually seemed fairly grippy on them but that's probably something to do with the fact they were the wrong size; 205/50 being both too wide and extra profile, no doubt why the tyres were fouling the drop links at the MOT.
Still now I knew the bigger tyres would fit I looked at my options in various sizes, and when I saw I could have Michelin PS3s in 195/50 and at a reasonable price I just had to do it.
Overkill? Almost certainly. The tyre fitters noticed the lower arm bushes were NBG while they had it up so I added that to my ever increasing list of expenditure.
One other thing I'd ordered was a wheel arch trim which had been missing, £50 seems to be the going rate, I think they are NLA new.
Finally this morning I took it for a proper drive after all this money spent! I'm pleased to report it hasn't disappointed in the slightest, the grip is now hilarious, as is revving it right out.
The car was well ahead of my ability to push it which is kind of what I wanted, looking forward to getting to know it better.
As for problems I've ignored the heating still either blows hot or cold as it wants, so I assume the air mix paddle is just flapping around in there, that's fairly high up the list of things to look at, but it is getting warmer now so less of an issue for a few months.
Then there's the Arbarth badges, aesthetically they don't look bad I guess, but while I like the 595 it's actually the Panda which I've always wanted, I don't want to give the impression I'm some wannabe 595 owner.
Also will probably invest in a heat gun to try and restore the black plastic.
But right now, I'm just gonna use it for a bit and ban myself from further spending for a short while!
It's been a while since I've updated, but I've gone a bit mad with it to be honest, the cambelt and water pump are now fitted along with the thermostat, and a full service to boot.
Not content with that considerable expense I decided to address the other thing that was stopping me from really pushing the car, the tyres, there was Nankang NS-II one end Deflin DX-550 the other - a brand so obscure it doesn't seem to have any internet presence.
The car actually seemed fairly grippy on them but that's probably something to do with the fact they were the wrong size; 205/50 being both too wide and extra profile, no doubt why the tyres were fouling the drop links at the MOT.
Still now I knew the bigger tyres would fit I looked at my options in various sizes, and when I saw I could have Michelin PS3s in 195/50 and at a reasonable price I just had to do it.
Overkill? Almost certainly. The tyre fitters noticed the lower arm bushes were NBG while they had it up so I added that to my ever increasing list of expenditure.
One other thing I'd ordered was a wheel arch trim which had been missing, £50 seems to be the going rate, I think they are NLA new.
Finally this morning I took it for a proper drive after all this money spent! I'm pleased to report it hasn't disappointed in the slightest, the grip is now hilarious, as is revving it right out.
The car was well ahead of my ability to push it which is kind of what I wanted, looking forward to getting to know it better.
As for problems I've ignored the heating still either blows hot or cold as it wants, so I assume the air mix paddle is just flapping around in there, that's fairly high up the list of things to look at, but it is getting warmer now so less of an issue for a few months.
Then there's the Arbarth badges, aesthetically they don't look bad I guess, but while I like the 595 it's actually the Panda which I've always wanted, I don't want to give the impression I'm some wannabe 595 owner.
Also will probably invest in a heat gun to try and restore the black plastic.
But right now, I'm just gonna use it for a bit and ban myself from further spending for a short while!
I have been doing the commute in the Panda since the start of the month, and with 1000 miles on the trip computer this is the result;
Good enough to save me around £150 a month in fuel over the Mercedes at the moment. It's obviously not the best motorway cruiser in the world (keep having thoughts about getting a shed vectra or similar) but it's much better than I was expecting. It's impressively refined at speed for an old little car and the revs are tolerable below 80mph.
I did take it down some more exciting roads on my birthday and it remains awesome fun on a twisty road, I'd like to take it on a track day as I've never done one before, I imagine I'd be checking my mirrors an awful lot though!
Good enough to save me around £150 a month in fuel over the Mercedes at the moment. It's obviously not the best motorway cruiser in the world (keep having thoughts about getting a shed vectra or similar) but it's much better than I was expecting. It's impressively refined at speed for an old little car and the revs are tolerable below 80mph.
I did take it down some more exciting roads on my birthday and it remains awesome fun on a twisty road, I'd like to take it on a track day as I've never done one before, I imagine I'd be checking my mirrors an awful lot though!
Like anything, a track day will be just a matter of finding the time, but I fully intend to do it.
In the more dull world of commuting I averaged 43.5mpg over the first 2k miles with it, I've ran it on super for the last couple of weeks and seen 44mpg easily, and it does feel a bit more sprightly to boot.
It's also been working hard, tip runs completed with ease, and it will fit a ladder inside, just!
I've lifted my self imposed ban on spending on my cars and the Panda was first to benefit with a £69 hunter wheel alignment from Kwik Fit.
I knew the alignment wasn't 100%, unsurprisingly given so much of the suspension is new, but it really has transformed the car, there's so much more grip and traction from what I thought were high levels before.
Took it for a dawn drive on Sunday and it put the biggest smile on my face, getting a corner just right then revving the engine right out to the red line is so satisfying, and it's all happening relatively slowly!
I think I mentioned my distain for the Abarth badges on the first post, and it turns out it's an even bigger problem than I thought. The amount of people who have asked me something to the effect of 'I didn't know they did an Abarth one of them?' to which I have to say that it isn't has really surprised me! Even the guy at Kwik Fit mentioned it so I marched straight to the Fiat dealer and ordered the right ones, £84 well spent!
If anyone has any good adhesive removal tips for paint please let me know as this needs to go too!
In the more dull world of commuting I averaged 43.5mpg over the first 2k miles with it, I've ran it on super for the last couple of weeks and seen 44mpg easily, and it does feel a bit more sprightly to boot.
It's also been working hard, tip runs completed with ease, and it will fit a ladder inside, just!
I've lifted my self imposed ban on spending on my cars and the Panda was first to benefit with a £69 hunter wheel alignment from Kwik Fit.
I knew the alignment wasn't 100%, unsurprisingly given so much of the suspension is new, but it really has transformed the car, there's so much more grip and traction from what I thought were high levels before.
Took it for a dawn drive on Sunday and it put the biggest smile on my face, getting a corner just right then revving the engine right out to the red line is so satisfying, and it's all happening relatively slowly!
I think I mentioned my distain for the Abarth badges on the first post, and it turns out it's an even bigger problem than I thought. The amount of people who have asked me something to the effect of 'I didn't know they did an Abarth one of them?' to which I have to say that it isn't has really surprised me! Even the guy at Kwik Fit mentioned it so I marched straight to the Fiat dealer and ordered the right ones, £84 well spent!
If anyone has any good adhesive removal tips for paint please let me know as this needs to go too!
Thanks for all the 100hp love, glad I'm not alone in having wanted one for so long, I have to say I couldn't be more pleased with it and it totally lives up to expectation.
Camera phones have come on a bit!
The Puma would definitely win a magazine test, in-fact I know that Autocar did a twin test between the SportKa and the 100hp and gave the nod to the Ford. I don't have to re-read that review to know what will have swayed them, the 100hp doesn't have the steering feedback of the Fords and it doesn't have the throttle adjustability.
Personally I only miss half of one of those things, the Fords steering is very nice but It's also very nice to be able to park with almost no effort. I'm sure everyone is much more used to electric power steering since the 100hp was new.
On the throttle adjustability it doesn't have the lively rear end of the Puma, instead it's incredibly grippy and neutral. I have gone into a corner way too hot in it and it tightened its line on the brakes in a way I wasn't expecting. The puma would likely have got out of shape in the same scenario. Of course if you're Tiff you can use that to your advantage, but I am not!
Basically it's much more predictable and user friendly and I like that on the road, I find it more entertaining because the trust I have allows me to push harder.
As for most other aspects of being a car, the Panda wins hands down.
I was worried because a Panda 4x4 hire car I had did give me a bit of back ache but these are lovely.
There's also an OMP strut brace & ulster sport back box (sounds pretty stock tbh), the guy I bought it off returned it to OEM suspension from the lowered kit it had on it.
Cambs_Stuart said:
Having previously taken some badges off, I'd recommend you get some dental floss, get that behind the badge and work the floss along to break through the adhesive.
Then use a good quality tar remover to take off the reminder. Some people have recommended WD40, but I like harsh chemicals.
The panda looks good. Like the rainbow picture!
Then use a good quality tar remover to take off the reminder. Some people have recommended WD40, but I like harsh chemicals.
The panda looks good. Like the rainbow picture!
Sofa said:
Get a bottle of Goo-Gone off Amazon and pop a bit on with a soaked paper towel or something. Then work any sort of thread you've got- fishing wire, string, an elastic band, anything that isn't metal basically, behind the badge and it'll pop off. A bit more Goo-Gone to remove the residue and then give it a good wash and you'll be free of the shackles of 'Abarth Power'.
You may well need to give it a good paint correction though... I removed the incorrectly placed 125i badge from my car and even after an admittedly amateur polish it still shows up in the right light. For me and my driving the 100hp wins hands down but I can see why others would disagree.
Always been a big fan of the idea of the Panda 100HP- I have very fond memories of my R50 MINI and it does seem like these are cut from a very similar cloth, while being more practical and more reliable!
Thanks for the advice, I actually have both tar remover and WD-40 sitting in my toolbox so being a tight arse I will start there.You may well need to give it a good paint correction though... I removed the incorrectly placed 125i badge from my car and even after an admittedly amateur polish it still shows up in the right light. For me and my driving the 100hp wins hands down but I can see why others would disagree.
Always been a big fan of the idea of the Panda 100HP- I have very fond memories of my R50 MINI and it does seem like these are cut from a very similar cloth, while being more practical and more reliable!
Edited by Sofa on Tuesday 28th June 03:00
a11y_m said:
I've still got a soft spot for these (history of hot hatch ownership here). It's the type of thing I'd hope to add in 10 years time when my kids start driving: something that's still fun to drive when their dad 'borrows' it.
Looks good. Had to double-check that wasn't a banana sticking up from the roof on one of the last photos
Looks good. Had to double-check that wasn't a banana sticking up from the roof on one of the last photos
PistonBroker said:
Followed a slammed blue one out of Taunton on Saturday evening. He was having loads of fun!
I'm 44 and had my daughter in the car, so I wasn't going to try and keep up. I imagine he was quite chuffed at dropping a Boxster!
Reminded me I'd half considered one for said daughter next year. Though I expect she'd rather a 500 and I daren't think what insurance might be for a 17yo on one of these!
It would make a fantastic first car if insurance allowed but I would get a quote, I wonder if the availability of replacement parts would put insurers off.I'm 44 and had my daughter in the car, so I wasn't going to try and keep up. I imagine he was quite chuffed at dropping a Boxster!
Reminded me I'd half considered one for said daughter next year. Though I expect she'd rather a 500 and I daren't think what insurance might be for a 17yo on one of these!
Mildlyinterestd said:
A lovely thing!
Always fancied one but there isn't as many about these days. Interested to know how it drives compared to your Puma, I think that's the most go kart like car I've ever had and wondered if the Panda was as fun.
I'm glad you mentioned my Puma as I realised I had a picture of it in the exact same place, it happens the rainbow appeared outside the dealer I bought it from (nearly 10 years ago, gulp!). Always fancied one but there isn't as many about these days. Interested to know how it drives compared to your Puma, I think that's the most go kart like car I've ever had and wondered if the Panda was as fun.
Camera phones have come on a bit!
The Puma would definitely win a magazine test, in-fact I know that Autocar did a twin test between the SportKa and the 100hp and gave the nod to the Ford. I don't have to re-read that review to know what will have swayed them, the 100hp doesn't have the steering feedback of the Fords and it doesn't have the throttle adjustability.
Personally I only miss half of one of those things, the Fords steering is very nice but It's also very nice to be able to park with almost no effort. I'm sure everyone is much more used to electric power steering since the 100hp was new.
On the throttle adjustability it doesn't have the lively rear end of the Puma, instead it's incredibly grippy and neutral. I have gone into a corner way too hot in it and it tightened its line on the brakes in a way I wasn't expecting. The puma would likely have got out of shape in the same scenario. Of course if you're Tiff you can use that to your advantage, but I am not!
Basically it's much more predictable and user friendly and I like that on the road, I find it more entertaining because the trust I have allows me to push harder.
As for most other aspects of being a car, the Panda wins hands down.
MrBig said:
Always wanted to drive on of these, they just get so much praise, never seen a bad word said about them!
Have you got the Abarth Sabelt seats in there? They are brilliant, really supportive and comfortable too.
Yes well spotted, not all the POs mods were bad like the badges, they are great seats! Have you got the Abarth Sabelt seats in there? They are brilliant, really supportive and comfortable too.
I was worried because a Panda 4x4 hire car I had did give me a bit of back ache but these are lovely.
There's also an OMP strut brace & ulster sport back box (sounds pretty stock tbh), the guy I bought it off returned it to OEM suspension from the lowered kit it had on it.
Can relate to the stories above, although I maintain it's really surprisingly pleasant below the legal limit on the motorway. There is an awful lot of tyre noise though, but nothing the radio volume can't mask!
I'd like to drive one on the standard 45 section rubber back to back to confirm my suspicion that the increased section really transforms the ride.
I'm also up to an easy 44/45 mpg after having the tracking done, I wasn't expecting that to improve but I suppose it makes sense.
So after being mugged to the tune of £93 at the main dealer I had a set of Fiat badges. The rear popped off with the slightest touch, revealing that it had been stuck on with a load of mastic! Evidently they don't make an Abarth badge to fit the rear of a panda so someone had hacked up a front one and stuck it on this way.
There was a lot more than in this picture, it was nearly an inch thick. This made the adhesive removal process much harder than I expected, however AutoGlym tar remover and a Tesco Clubcard were the only tools required. Fortunately the plastic locating pins had been left behind the mastic otherwise it would have made putting the new badge on much harder. Dental floss made short of the 'Powered by Abarth' badge. The new rear badge is simply self adhesive and I'm so much happier with the car thanks to this small difference.
For anyone interested, the front badge is bolted on with a single central bolt, undoing the four bumper bolts on the slam panel allowed for enough access to change it.
Also, this is more a story for my other thread, but if anyone was wondering - 4x 20" wheels with tyres will fit behind the driver, yes the boot would close!
I'd like to drive one on the standard 45 section rubber back to back to confirm my suspicion that the increased section really transforms the ride.
I'm also up to an easy 44/45 mpg after having the tracking done, I wasn't expecting that to improve but I suppose it makes sense.
So after being mugged to the tune of £93 at the main dealer I had a set of Fiat badges. The rear popped off with the slightest touch, revealing that it had been stuck on with a load of mastic! Evidently they don't make an Abarth badge to fit the rear of a panda so someone had hacked up a front one and stuck it on this way.
There was a lot more than in this picture, it was nearly an inch thick. This made the adhesive removal process much harder than I expected, however AutoGlym tar remover and a Tesco Clubcard were the only tools required. Fortunately the plastic locating pins had been left behind the mastic otherwise it would have made putting the new badge on much harder. Dental floss made short of the 'Powered by Abarth' badge. The new rear badge is simply self adhesive and I'm so much happier with the car thanks to this small difference.
For anyone interested, the front badge is bolted on with a single central bolt, undoing the four bumper bolts on the slam panel allowed for enough access to change it.
Also, this is more a story for my other thread, but if anyone was wondering - 4x 20" wheels with tyres will fit behind the driver, yes the boot would close!
As with the Mercedes that got the wheels above this went up for sale, but unlike the Benz which I priced keenly - I priced this one strong (it's almost as if I don't actually want to sell it )
It remains on AT and I would part with it for the right cash but the way I see the prices of these will only go up and I don't want to sell a sorted one only to be unable to afford another!
Luckily I can save some cash by keeping it off the road, I'm currently just day insuring it when I want to use it as I can't find a cheap insurance quote, probably something to do with it being a double cat D... if anyone knows any good classic insurers who would touch this it would be appreciated.
Anyway I'm glad it didn't sell yet as the other week I took it for my first autoSOLO, I hadn't heard of it before, although I had heard of the US version Autocross.
The Panda ought to be mighty at it but it was all a bit of a learning curve for me. I still had a fantastic day out and would recommend it to anyone, it's a great value day of competitive motorsport. There was some cool cars there too, but annoyingly the fastest of all were the MX-5s - maybe I shouldn't have swapped mine after all
)It remains on AT and I would part with it for the right cash but the way I see the prices of these will only go up and I don't want to sell a sorted one only to be unable to afford another!
Luckily I can save some cash by keeping it off the road, I'm currently just day insuring it when I want to use it as I can't find a cheap insurance quote, probably something to do with it being a double cat D... if anyone knows any good classic insurers who would touch this it would be appreciated.
Anyway I'm glad it didn't sell yet as the other week I took it for my first autoSOLO, I hadn't heard of it before, although I had heard of the US version Autocross.
The Panda ought to be mighty at it but it was all a bit of a learning curve for me. I still had a fantastic day out and would recommend it to anyone, it's a great value day of competitive motorsport. There was some cool cars there too, but annoyingly the fastest of all were the MX-5s - maybe I shouldn't have swapped mine after all
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