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

What does this car say about you?

Possibly brave but also might well be in the know, they are a rare beast.

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

Cute with attitude, especially in black.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No

What are you likely to buy next?

Back to a Mini

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£7,450

When did you buy the car?

December 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Quite a good deal - car was pre-registered in July '08 but only had 25 miles on the clock. Tried to push for more as had no part exchange but dealer would only conceed to floor mats and a tank of petrol.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Down sizing to a car that was cheaper to run but was still fun to drive with a little bit of poke.

What was the dealer like?

Actually not that bad - friendly and in the know. Pre-set short test drive route was poor, so asked for longer and more varied one. Dealer bit iffy about that but at first so was prepared to look elsewhere. However, agreed to it and got a good long drive on in various traffic and road conditions. After sales the dealer declared car SORN, so caused me much hassle when trying to get road tax. Think it was some money saving scam on their part - not impressed.

What's it like to drive?

Quick and eager with sharp steering and cornering (especially with Sport mode engaged). It makes me smile, bit of a hooligan and surprises many other drivers at its turn of speed and agility. However, driving position is flawed (Italian ape - long arms, short legs), the seat is very high even on lowest setting, which although very good for visibility, is at odds with sporty pretentions. The ride is very unsettled on all but the smoothest roads but I don't think it as noisy as some motoring journalists have thought. Controls fall easily to hand but would like larger wing mirrors. Feel a bit vulnerable in heavy motorway traffic - this is a tiny car.

What's it like to park?

So, so simple.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing has gone wrong yet. Seems very well screwed together for a Fiat.

What's most practical about your car?

Small and easy to park - boot is larger than you think.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Like the audio controls on steering wheel and standard bluetooth connection is good for a car in this price bracket. Sport button actually does do what it says despite some motoring press saying it is just a gimmick.