Panda: 1.2 Petrol or 1.3 Diesel

boombang

Hi, looking for a secondhand Panda. Not for daily driving, only for weekend use (drives to Wicklow from Dublin plus short spins to the inlaws). Diesels are more expensive to buy. If I'm doing small mileage am I mad to go for the diesel engine?

Drove the diesel in Fiat 500 rental and was well impressed. Also drove a petrol Panda rental: found it wanting, but assumed it must have been the 1.1.

Also, will probably buy in the UK on account of prices. Plus, I know pre 2008 cars have more powerful engines on account of emissions rules.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

bazz26

If you don't actually have a lot of use for a diesel then I don't see the point in buying one. The Panda petrol is very good on juice as it is so unless you are doing the mileage then it's hard to justify buying a diesel one. Also if you need something with a bit more poke then what about a Grand Punto Sporting 1.4?

boombang

Thanks. Hadn't considered going for a larger car. Will take a look at the 1.4 Punto. Any idea of how their build quality is rated vs Panda?

bazz26

Not much difference in build quality between the Punto and Panda, actually the quality of materials would be a bit better being from the class above. Punto shares alot of DNA with the Corsa.

boombang

Thanks Bazz.

Did not know about the Punto/Corsa link. Have driven and liked the latter. Encouraged.