Fiat Panda (2004 - 2011) 1.2 Dynamic 5d Auto (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

If you're ignorant of the Panda's credentials it says I'm either a skinflint who knows nothing about cars, or for those that do know, that I know a good budget car which is cheeky, economical and fun to drive.

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

Most of the girls really like it, and most of the boys say 'What did you buy THAT for?!' Although, my mate who drives a BMW M3 thinks it's pretty nippy (!!) and was very grateful when I rescued him when his rear wheel drive car got stranded in the recent snow.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Probably not. I like a lot it and it suits me for now, but due to it's narrow wheelbase it doesn't do speed humps very well, which is a bit of chore in London. Plus despite liking it, the image of it from other drivers is a bit wearing, everyone wants to over (or under) take it.

What are you likely to buy next?

Again, something well reserched and reliabile, but still economical but with a bit more street cred, I like to go against the normal Ford/Vauxhall/Renault marks, I quite like the look of the new Mazda 2 3-door but could be tempted by the new Fiesta Zetec.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,100

When did you buy the car?

September 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got a fantastic deal, as a friend's girlfriend was an independent dealer and she got the Panda in part exchange the day before and I got it for trade price of £3100 for an 06 model with 23K on the clock. For the same age and condition, the average advertised price was around £3,800. Delighted!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Petrol Costs, high increase in insurance costs, mostly town driving. That it had a good reliability record (despite it being a Fiat). Also, that it was reviewed as great fun to drive and nippy enough for a 1.2 engine. Voted Autotrader 'Best Value' car of the decade, plus numerous other awards and most owner reviews were very positive

What was the dealer like?

Brilliant, I've found a car dealer for life.

What's it like to drive?

Great fun and pretty nippy and due to it's size it's great for town traffic and 3 point turns are a thing of the past, it'll turn on a 6 pence. Due to it's height it's pretty roomy too and the high driving position is a bonus in traffic. The only downside is the seats are fairly uncomfortable for long trips, I'm over 6 ft and as there's no height adjust on the seats, my lower thighs are constantly unsupportive and I get a bad back. I think this is constant problem with smaller city cars though as had problems with similar sized models in the past (should have know better). Update: Dec 2010 Also, having recently driven it in the recent heavy snow, it is AMAZING! Got caught in the snow drifts in the North East and also London and watched smugly as other cars skidded.

What's it like to park?

A doddle, I can't believe where I can park it, spaces seemingly fit for motorbikes it squeezes into which is a joy in central London. It also has a city mode for ultra light steering, but haven't had much use for that, it's easy enough anyway due to it's size, the back windscreen is virtually the end of the car, couldn't be easier.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Owned for 3 months now and no problems and reports are that it's very reliable (considering the repuation Fiat's have generally). But it's built in Poland and the Fiat 500 and the new Ford Ka are based on the same chassis and engine, so it can't be bad.

What's most practical about your car?

The semi-auto gearbox. Never really liked autos but having the flexibility of driving auto and then changing up or down at will without a clutch is fantastic. Will always buy tiptronic from now on. Also, the semi-auto in 'eco' mode is more economical than the manual which for an auto is amazing.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

There's not much on mine, CD Player, remote central locking is about it, not even air-con which I miss, but getting an aftermarket mp3 connection fitted.