Fiat Panda 100HP (2006 - 2010) 1.4 16v 5d (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not sure. People always trying to race you away from traffic lights becomes old after about a week, I suspect most will think its a Max Power panda with a 1.1 engine!!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Some like it, some don't. Had all the usual Fix It Again Tomorrow jokes etc. Those who like the car are usually impressed by the level of standard kit, or how quick it is.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. It's a giggle to own and I'm very pleased that I did, but it's too small and impractical for me. Fiat also needs to try and sort the ride out on any future faster Panda's. It would surely help sales and could improve the driving experience greatly.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something bigger, I more practicality than the little Panda can offer.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

My 100HP was just over 1 year old when I purchased it. Paid £8K for a car which had covered only 6400 miles from new, and saved just over £3500 on the new price.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had driven a few lower spec Panda's and always found them to be great little cars. I Never bought one as the engine range was too weak. When the 100HP was launched I decided this was the Panda for me.

What was the dealer like?

Excellent. I purchased my 100HP from Rayrigg Fiat in Windermere and could not fault any part of their service. Rayrigg had a black 100HP which I just missed, however they located me a 100HP in my colour choice (Passadoble Red) within a week. Fiat dealerships have a bad name for customer service, and it pays to visit a few before making a purchase. I found the local dealership in Carlisle (now closed) useless, which was why I made my purchase in Windermere.

What's it like to drive?

It's the best thing about the car! It's ability in corners is remarkable for something which looks a little top heavy. The 16v engine loves to rev, the exhaust burbles at idle and pops on overrun!! Disc brakes all round give great stopping power, and the six speed gearbox keeps the revs low enough on motorways. The gearbox ratios are very well suited to the car. If only the ride was a little softer, it's simply too firm for the size of car. As a result the chassis struggles to put the extra power of the 1400 engine to good use on bumpy roads, as the tends to skip over the surface due to it's short wheelbase. In a nutshell its a very playful car which won't get you into too much trouble. Just see if you can live with the hard ride.

What's it like to park?

If you try you can almost touch each end of the car at the same time!!. It's a very box like shape with excellent visibility all round. As a result nothing this side of a bicycle is easier to park.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing. Fiat seem to have sorted their problems of old and are now producing very well made cars. My 100HP never missed a beat even at -18 in the winter of 2009. Whilst not a fault, the standard fit Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres are totally hopeless on snow & ice. My daily commute involves about 9 miles of un-gritted rural roads so I purchased a set of winter tyres. Once fitted the little car was unstoppable.

What's most practical about your car?

Not much! It has 5 doors, a small boot and a small glove box!. Really Fiat have made the best of the space available as 4 adults can fit (just!!), but if you need practicality look elsewhere.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The factory fitted Bluetooth. It worked superbly, Except each time you erased a handset the car would say something in Italian. Never did find out what, but the Bluetooth worked great all the same.