Fiat Panda or Idea?

Ducky101

I've been needing to get a new (used) car for a while now, and I've been thinking about a diesel Fiat Panda - mainly because I've heard the mpg is great. However 2005/06 pandas I've seen tend to be around the £3500-£4000 mark if they have low mileage (~60k) and as this is quite a lot of money to me I have been holding off and keeping an eye on the market.
Last week I noticed a Fiat Idea for sale for £2000, 2004 model with 80k on the clock. Apparently it has the same 1.3 multijet diesel engine as the Pandas I have been looking at, and as it has the same footprint as a punto it is not too big for my needs - but the Idea seems to be incredibly rare on the roads, and I am wondering why! I am guessing the Idea's mpg will not be as good as the panda due to the larger size of the car, but does anyone have any experience of the Idea, and any thoughts on whether it might be a good alternative to a panda?

OddballJamie

Never seen one on the road, had to have a Google as I hadn't heard of the model either. Looks bit like a Meriva-!!!-A Class.

The C3 1.4hdi is worth a look at in that price range too. £20-£30 tax, 60mpg+.

Tilt

The Idea is one of the few Fiats I don't know a lot about TBH. As you say, they are a rare beast. But having had 13 Fiats of my own and having worked at a main dealership, I am very pro the marque.

I suggest that you join the Fiat forum and pose the question there.

http://www.fiatforum.com/

mharford

Hi Ducky 101

Yes, the Fiat Idea is quite a rare site. I've had one of these for the period of two weeks and it took me a long time to find a comfortable driving position. I did find it relatively smooth to drive though. The seats are quite supportive and my passengers commented it as having comfortable seating in the back. The steering is responsive and the engine, although not sporty is powerful enough and works well in and around town and well as on A roads and the motorway.

I hope this helps.

Best regards

MH

Ducky101

Thanks mharford, how did you find the Idea on fuel consumption?

OddballJamie, I have considered the C3 but I cannot find a diesel model in my area, not in my price range anyway.

I presume if the Idea is similar mechanically to the Panda and Punto it will be similar in terms of reliability?

OddballJamie

What area are you from? I still have email searches setup on Autotrader and they sent me a 03 1.4hdi plate C3 in exclusive trim for £2k yesterday in the West Midlands.

Tilt

Ducky101 wrote: »

Thanks mharford, how did you find the Idea on fuel consumption?

OddballJamie, I have considered the C3 but I cannot find a diesel model in my area, not in my price range anyway.

I presume if the Idea is similar mechanically to the Panda and Punto it will be similar in terms of reliability?

Well I have had both Puntos and Pandas among my previous collection of Fiats. With the exception of a seized Turbo on a brand new Uno Turbo (which was all sorted under warranty with little fuss), I can honestly say I have experienced no reliability issues.

With respect to Jamie, I would certainly recommend Fiat over Citroen or any other French make for that matter.

cool-dog

Tilt wrote: »

With respect to Jamie, I would certainly recommend Fiat over Citroen or any other French make for that matter.

Really, I would advise not to get a Fiat, unless you like unreliability. A new Fiat yes, you will be fine for a few years. But would not risk it with a used one.

Tilt

cool-dog wrote: »

Really, I would advise not to get a Fiat, unless you like unreliability. A new Fiat yes, you will be fine for a few years. But would not risk it with a used one.

And what experience do you have to give this opinion?

I am on my 13th one which I have personally owned (not all brand new). In addition to that, I used to run a car rental business which had 6 new fiats amongst the fleet and also, I have worked as a after sales manager at a main dealer.

My current Punto (HGT) is 13 years old, has 75k on the clock and every thing still works. It even has the original clutch.

My son has just acquired a Uno which is 20 years old. It runs like a dream (although compared to mine the steering is heavy) and it cost him just £100 to get it through the MOT.

I think I know what i'm talking about.

Hintza

cool-dog wrote: »

Really, I would advise not to get a Fiat, unless you like unreliability. A new Fiat yes, you will be fine for a few years. But would not risk it with a used one.

The thing Fiat were and still are very good at are small cars. Our Panda is thrashed up and down farm tracks is a Cat D and apart from a couple of wishbones on the front is fantastic.

Touch wood, it is still on the original exhaust!

OP if you can rustle up a bit more money there still might be some old shape Pandas around at £5.5k

http://www.fiatsupasaver.com/ItemDetail.aspx?mID=3

Or pre-reg new ones at £6.5k

http://www.fiatsupasaver.com/selectacar.aspx?vid=88

With small Pandas doing very very well residual wise this would not be too crazy an idea.