Kia Picanto vs Fiat Panda? (concluded - see last page)

agrinnall

I've been driving a Panda for nearly 3 years now, having downsized from a Porsche Boxster (possibly the only person in history ever to do that trade in ). I've done 48,000 miles and it's never let me down, there have been a couple of warranty repairs done but they were things spotted by the dealer at service time that hadn't caused me any problem at all. While handling and performance clearly isn't in Porsche territory it is pretty enjoyable to drive, although I would suggest you look at the 1.2 engine rather than the 1.1. It's currently fitted with steel wheels and winter tyres (bought for £260 from mytyres) which have made driving in the winter months much easier. I have fitted 5 adults in for short journeys and 3 plus luggage for longer ones and it's suprising how much can be crammed in with the seats down, such as a wheelbarrow.

I did drive a Picanto that I hired in Spain a few years ago but the only thing that sticks in the memory is getting a speeding ticket on the way to the airport :mad:.

Kilty_2

agrinnall wrote: »

I've been driving a Panda for nearly 3 years now, having downsized from a Porsche Boxster (possibly the only person in history ever to do that trade in )

:rotfl:.

Renault Twingo is also in the mix now since the 1.2 Bizu special edition is £6488 @ Arnold Clark. 1.2 Panda is a consideration because the difference is only a couple of hundred quid at the moment.

Kilty_2

Went hunting today:

Renault Twingo : Cheap and nasty. Nuff said really.

Fiat Panda: Still not driven one - salesman was downright insulting with the part exchange price even though I've had better offers elsewhere. Left abruptly.

Kia Picanto: Love it. Nippy, seems well screwed together, enough room etc. Been offered a blinding finance deal too so I think it'll be this one.

Tilt

Kilty wrote: »

Went hunting today:

Renault Twingo : Cheap and nasty. Nuff said really.

Fiat Panda: Still not driven one - salesman was downright insulting with the part exchange price even though I've had better offers elsewhere. Left abruptly.

Kia Picanto: Love it. Nippy, seems well screwed together, enough room etc. Been offered a blinding finance deal too so I think it'll be this one.

Is there another Fiat dealer within reach? I would recomend that you try one!

whatmichaelsays

I had a Picanto as a hire care and hated it. Not driven the Panda but the reviews seem favourable.

I'd also suspect that the Kia would depreciate a touch more heavily than the Panda, although that's nothing more than a hunch.

Kilty_2

whatmichaelsays wrote: »

I'd also suspect that the Kia would depreciate a touch more heavily than the Panda, although that's nothing more than a hunch.

It'll have 4 years warranty left at 3 years old......

Kilty_2

Tilt wrote: »

Is there another Fiat dealer within reach? I would recomend that you try one!

I'm thinking about it however I'm not sure they'd come close to the deal I've been offered for the Picanto.

Tilt

Kilty wrote: »

I'm thinking about it however I'm not sure they'd come close to the deal I've been offered for the Picanto.

Mmm, the reason being that Panda's are possibly selling well enough not to offer big discounts/deals. I know there is a waiting list for the new 500 so maybe it is rubbing off on other small models in the range.

Inactive

Tilt wrote: »

Mmm, the reason being that Panda's are possibly selling well enough not to offer big discounts/deals. I know there is a waiting list for the new 500 so maybe it is rubbing off on other small models in the range.

The Panda is being discounted, a 2011 model 60 plate with delivery miles can be had for £5750.

Both the Picanto and the Panda are being replaced with new models shortly.

Kilty_2

Inactive wrote: »

The Panda is being discounted, a 2011 model 60 plate with delivery miles can be had for £5750.

Both the Picanto and the Panda are being replaced with new models shortly.

I assume the 1.1 Active Eco is the model that's @ £5750 (where?), not the 1.2 Active (Euro V model)

Anyway, Picanto is coming in at £6050 OTR with a very good finance deal.