Fiat Panda (2004 - 2011) 1.3 Multijet Dynamic 5d (2007/57) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
That its a fun car I care more about economy and getting from A to B than about style or power.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
My family like it! but neighbours think I've made a big mistake. They know about the problems the multijet engines have.
Would you buy this car again and why?
No I'm seriously put off by the problems I have read about the Engine. Cam-chains that don't last long and very expensive to replace. Water getting into cylinders due to air filter. Key and immobiliser problems.
What are you likely to buy next?
Something economical, good quality and reliable like a VW Polo diesel TDi or Peugeot 307 Hdi.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£3,700
When did you buy the car?
July 2014
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not sure. Outside of exhaust back box was rusted through. Asked them to change it when signing the papers but they only painted it despite an MOT advisory. Only got ONE key. Will cost me £70 for another key.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted a cheap economical car with excellent MPG and very low tax.
What was the dealer like?
Ok. Didn't pay too much attention to the rusted back box I told him about. Dealer MOT'd car and it had an advisory about the back box. Normally you expect dealer to correct all advisories!
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Very nice to drive. I like the high up gear stick. Speedo and rev counter bit difficult to see when driving, as seat height is too high and can't be lowered in the Dynamic.
What's it like to park?
Very easy to park. Short and narrow. Has City button to make steering very light but don't know why you need it unless you have no strength or muscles in your arms!
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Engine leaks oil. Rear exhaust back box rusted through. Discovered Cam-chain replaced at less than 40,000 miles. A common problem with 1.3 fiat multijet cars. Exhaust mounts badly rusted. Oil stains inside coolant bottle. Just wish I'd researched it online, the Panda 1.3 multijet has a string of potentially serious problems. Air filters that fill with rain and wreck engine, cam-chains that only last 40,000 miles. Regular Clutch replacements after a short time, weird complicated emergency start if keys fail. Etc etc. Despite being very cheap to run I fear regular maintenance costs and repairs will wipe out any savings on fuel or tax I make!
What's most practical about your car?
Cheap to run 50 mpg urban Only £30 a year tax. Has 5 doors.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
High up gear stick on dashboard. City steering. Makes steering very light, but steering is light anyway. Rather pointless. Don't know why they just couldn't have put in air con instead.
