Fiat panda, yay or nay?

meoklmrk91 · 24-02-2012 11:00pm #1

By most accounts this is a fun, reliable little car. I don't have much to spend but it seems like I can get a lot for my money here, good spec, good year etc.

I have been looking at one for just under 3k, an 05 with 48k and a long nct and it's from a dealer too. It's the 1.1 model, although you get taxed as a 1.2 because our taxation system is crap. Any opinions?

Here is the one I have been looking at.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3032870

colm_mcm · 24-02-2012 11:07pm

I'd have the 1242cc engine every time.

meoklmrk91 · 24-02-2012 11:08pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

I'd have the 1242cc engine every time.

More fun?, more reliable?

colm_mcm · 24-02-2012 11:12pm

More torquey, better fuel consumption, and as far as I remember, better specced too.

questionquick · 24-02-2012 11:25pm

Check out the review on Parker's.co.uk .they agree 1.2 is quicker and slightly more economical

meoklmrk91 · 24-02-2012 11:44pm

Interesting, there is a 1.2 for the same money, same colour as well, and it's an 06 instead of an 05, just thought it would be handy to trade in my polo instead plus the 1.1 was closer to home. Thanks lads, any issues I should look for when checking one out?

Here is the 1.2 model.
http://www.donedeal.ie/donedeal/contact/report.jsp?id=2572281

colm_mcm · 24-02-2012 11:51pm

Watch out for power steering faults. Far as I know the head gaskets aren't really an issue on these although it's still worth looking.

Lack of proper maintainance would be the biggest fear.
As long as everything works, it has lots of NCT, and it's not too expensive, give it a go.

colm_mcm · 24-02-2012 11:53pm

this one?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2572281

colm_mcm · 24-02-2012 11:57pm

07 for 3k

1.1 though.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3024385

meoklmrk91 · 25-02-2012 12:00am

colm_mcm wrote: »

07 for 3k

1.1 though.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/3024385

Good value but the mileage isn't great and there is no mention of a service history, it's on the short list of those I will be calling tomorrow though just in case there is one. Tbh the 06 1.2 seems like better value for what is is.

AugustusMinimus · 25-02-2012 12:08am

the 1.2L 4x4 has a 0-60 time of 20 seconds :eek:

Overtaking stationary objects would be dangerous in that.

CiniO · 25-02-2012 12:44am

AugustusMinimus wrote: »

the 1.2L 4x4 has a 0-60 time of 20 seconds :eek:

Overtaking stationary objects would be dangerous in that.

1. I don't think OP is looking for 4x4
2. It's not engine power that makes overtaking safe, but driver skills. Trust me about that. I've driven Cinquecento 0.7 litre engine 30HP when I was 17. It was over 30 seconds 0-60, but I still could overtake most cars on my way, and I did - safely;)

meoklmrk91 · 25-02-2012 12:55am

CiniO wrote: »

AugustusMinimus wrote: »

the 1.2L 4x4 has a 0-60 time of 20 seconds :eek:

Overtaking stationary objects would be dangerous in that.

1. I don't think OP is looking for 4x4
2. It's not engine power that makes overtaking safe, but driver skills. Trust me about that. I've drive Cinquecento 0.7 litre engine 30HP when I was 17. It was over 30 seconds 0-60, but I still could overtake most cars on my way, and I did - safely;)

Nope not after the 4x4 by any means, although if your going for off road it is actually meant to be very good for its price and size.

Nope I am after, some comfort and gadgets, in an economic car.

Fiat panda, yay or nay?

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