Fiat Panda (2004 - 2011) 1.1 Active ECO 5d (2009/09) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I drive a small cheap car and probably stick to speed limits.

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

They like it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I will probably keep it untill it dies or pass it on to a family member. The new model is already on sale ( and looks horrible) so who knows what I will buy in 10 years or what car companies will be around.

What are you likely to buy next?

Either a very similar replacement small cheap car, or if requirements have changed a second hand base spec mid sized car like a Vectra or Mondeo.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,995

When did you buy the car?

January 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Franchise dealer so prices were always going to be higher than private but got a free oil change, replacement tyre and wheel trim (the only things which needed to be done on a car with 6months warranty remaining). I got a good deal although probably not a fantastic deal, happy though.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a small cheap car that would cost pennies to run, tax and insure. I needed it to be capable of fitting a manual wheelchair in the boot, have rear doors and be capable of the occasional motorway run.

What was the dealer like?

Ok, helpful and polite and not pushy. I bought with cash and got a decent amount off the sticker price. Some problems, they promised an oil change but didn't do it, I had to ring up and go back, not the end of the world but ok. After the warranty is over I will give it a 50% mix of home and independent garage servicing.

What's it like to drive?

Pretty good under 40mph. Gets faster than this very slowly. Ok on corners, not too much body roll, very easy on crowded streets as it is so narrow. Comfortable and smooth. Pedals are a bit close together.

What's it like to park?

Steering only needs one finger even without the stupid city button. Flat rear so no estimating distance and excellent visability: Could not be easier.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Front electric windows stick a bit in cold weather. Probably just need a little bit of silicon lubricant. Wipers have a quite annoying electrical click when in use.

What's most practical about your car?

Small and cheap, dead easy to park and quite a lot of space in the back with the rear seats down.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It has a CD player although this has to be switched off manually, no other gadgets really a very basic car. Heater gets the car warm quickly.