OPINION: NEW Fiat Panda or some other car?

Hmm_Messiah

HI

A friend is thinking of buying a Fiat Panda , as its possibly the only new car he can afford, we allowing for scrappage etc

He was all set but then heard the usual things from people re Fiat, and it being an old persons car etc

He is now stressing big time so would appreciate if any more well-informed folk had an opinion on the choice of car, or recommend the others near to the price - maybe up to 1500-200 grand more ?

really woud be appreciated - I know all dependent on him as an individual -but any opinion welcome

L1011

The Panda is extremely, extremely reliable for its price point. You have to throw all perceptions of the brand away. Its not built in Italy, its built in Poland for starters - different factory, different labour force, different work ethic.

Its also very cheap, but it does have the disadvantage of being 7 years old. However the new model hasn't even been announced yet so could be a while away. Default spec is decent but the interior of the eco active model is solid plastic.

macroman

Brilliant car for the money. Don't let the association with women or older people put you off it, the base spec has all the mod cons and a lively engine. Fuel efficient, cheap to tax, they seldom go wrong if they do it's not expensive to put right and there's a good dealer network.

The Ford KA, Opel Agila and FIAT 500 are all based on the Panda chassis, so they must be doing something right.

MYOB is right in saying a new model is coming soon. If they want the latest and greatest advise them to wait a while, if they want a cheap reliable car tell them nows as good a time as ever.

ruamar

The missus has one, really good drive, comfortable, cheap to run and a surprisingly elevated driving position.

Apparently the new one is due out next year.
Test photos most of the new details are blanked out but it doesn't look to have changed too much.

Here's more news on the new launch

L1011

The spy pics are actually the new small Lancia chassis using a Panda bodyshell as a disguise, apparently

alias no.9

The Panda is a good little car, functional and robust but also fun to drive. It does provide the platform for the Fiat 500 and Ford Ka but not the Open Agila which in its current form is a clone of the Suzuki Splash. The most closely related Fiat to the Opel Agila would be the unloved Sedici which along with its Suzuki cousin the SX4 is based on the Swift platform, a shortened version of which underpins the Suzuki Splash and Opel Agila.

2 Espressi

I'd love one as a runabout, the 100Hp version looks like great fun as well.

si_guru

2 Espressi wrote: »

I'd love one as a runabout, the 100Hp version looks like great fun as well.

Ditto... I would have 3.. the Panda 4x4 Cross, the 100hp and a diesel..

Smashing car.

Hmm_Messiah

thanks all

will pass your replies on


very helpful

disco girl

Hiya,

I have an 05 Panda, 1.2 engine.

Great car altogether, have had no problems with it and have owned it since 2006.

Unfortunately I will need to sell it as I am going to need a bigger car...as baba no 3 is on the way!!!

Would anyone know how much I would get on a trade in?

Cheers

L1011

About 2500-3000, maybe a bit less. A brand new 1.1 is under 7k on scrappage now.

si_guru

disco girl wrote: »

Hiya,

I have an 05 Panda, 1.2 engine.

Great car altogether, have had no problems with it and have owned it since 2006.

Unfortunately I will need to sell it as I am going to need a bigger car...as baba no 3 is on the way!!!

Would anyone know how much I would get on a trade in?

Cheers

Congrats on the baby!