Fiat Panda (2004 - 2011) 1.3 Multijet Dynamic 5d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I hope it says that I'm not a car snob and that I care about leaving at least some of the world's natural resources to the next generations.

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

I don't really care but I suspect my neighbours and workmates think it's 'sad' to be driving such a car. However, two family members have both bought the same model and love the car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - in fact I have just done so having passed on my original car to my son. I have bought a secondhand one as I think Fiat have shot themselves in the foot with the pricing of the new Panda. I know it's arguably better looking but why is does a multijet now cost £14k when the previous one could be had for £7k.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Panda multijet when Fiat get sensible with the pricing.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,250

When did you buy the car?

December 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

I used Broadspeed and got a new 1.3 multijet with alloys, aircon, metallic paing, roof bars and split-fold sliding rear seat for £7250 on the road. The car was supplied by Mangoletsi.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Cheap to buy and insure to my son could learn to drive. Economical.

What was the dealer like?

Excellent but have never used them since as they are too far away. My local FIAT dealer is rubbish and wanted £2000 more for the same vehicle.

What's it like to drive?

Easy to drive. The ride is a little choppy and unrefined compared to my wife's old Yaris. It has a sort of sit-up-and-beg driving position with good visibility. There's a little too much body-roll when cornering for my liking but generally this is a great car which cruises comfortably, quietly and economically at motorway speeds.

What's it like to park?

.Piece of cake!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Oh yes. The engine filled with rain water through the air intake and my local dealer told me the engine seized and offered me £150 for the car. In the event, I cleared the water by removing the injectors and turning the engine over. The car now has 90,000 miles on the clock. The only other issue is that the brake discs wear out at the same rate as the pads so that new discs are often required every 40-45,000 miles. Not an expensive job to do though.

What's most practical about your car?

It's a mall but comfortable, reasonably economical and comfortable car. We have travelled long distances with three adults and three bikes on the roof and still got 55mpg. If only the multijet had a 6th gear this would be the perfect car for me. It makes me laugh to see people driving arouind in oversized cars they don't need and to hear them complain about the cost of fuel!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Sliding rear seat is a useful option. Have never used the City steering function though I'm sure it's useful for some people. The time-delay 'headlights off' function is really useful for me. Some people don't even know about it. It's activated by pulling the headlight flasher after the engine has been switched off. Each flick of the flasher stalk turn the lights on for a 30 second increment.