Anyone got a fiat panda?

[caroline7758]

I'm thinking about changing my car- don't need a big one any more and my OH reckons the Panda is the cheapest to buy and cheapest to run. Has anyone here got one and what do you think of it?

[caroline7758]

[ACE]

You don't really expect anybody to own up to that surely.

[cornykev]

The matiz is cheaper and cheaper to run, Ace told me not to tell, but what the hell, he said next time he's working localy he wants to have a burn up in it.     ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[GRACELAND]

You don't really expect anybody to own up to that surely.

Whats that on your Drive Ace  ;D

[grawrc]

The first Pandas (of the genus Fiat :P0 apparently had serious stability problems but I think that has been sorted.

[caroline7758]

The matiz is cheaper and cheaper to run,

Have you got some figures I can quote to my OH on that, Kev?

[Melbourne12]

I'm thinking about changing my car- don't need a big one any more and my OH reckons the Panda is the cheapest to buy and cheapest to run. Has anyone here got one and what do you think of it?

We're Fiat enthusiasts.  Once you've got over the initial embarrassment of having a Fiat on the drive, you'll love them.  We don't have a new-style Panda, although we used to have an old one, but the reviews are positive.

On our fleet at the moment is a Fiat Idea, which is brilliant for space as well as economy - ideal for trips to the lottie.  They were discontinued in 2007, but there are late model bargains to be had.  It's a bit taller and longer than the Panda, but still small.  We've also got a Fiat Doblo, but that's a bit big if you're downsizing.

[caroline7758]

We have had Uno, Punto and Cinquecento in the past without any huge problems. My Scenic has been a lot more trouble.

[flossy]

 
  Sorry , read this as a ' flat panda ',  I couldn't waite !    ???

  --  will get my coat,     :-[

[lewic]

Fiats used to be renowned for rust and unreliability, but this was ages ago and they may be OK now!

Check out Honest John's website www.honestjohn.co.uk. Very useful info on used cars of all ages, reliability, good/bad points and things to watch out for. You can email him with queries, and he might be able to recommend something small and cheap to run.

Parkers http://www.parkers.co.uk/ is good for checking details of fuel economy, insurance groups, performance etc.

If you want to scare yourself with Health & Safety details, try here http://www.euroncap.com/home.aspx

Not an expert, but am looking to upgrade my car so have been doing a bit of research!

[caroline7758]

In case anyone's interested, I have now got an 08 registered Fiat Panda. £4,800 after trade-in, £35 tax and average 55mpg on the motorway today, so hoping to save a fair bit of money as long as it's reliable! ApparentlythePandas are made in Poland rather than Italy which is reckoned to be a good thing. Fingers crossed!