Fiat Panda 100HP?

*BigBird*

Does anyone have any experience of the Fiat Panda 100HP? What's it like to drive?
What's the build quality like? Can it cope with motorways? (My folks live 250 miles away and I visit every couple of months)

I'm looking to change my Mini Cooper S as, although I love it to bits, it is crippling me financially (very un-MSE!) and the only thing I've seen that appeals to me as much as the Mini is the Panda.

Dan29

Sorry, haven't driven the new Panda, but was wondering if you didn't like the look of the Fiat 500?

Keith

Save a wedge of cash and buy something a few years old. If it's just for a weekend why not get an old MX5/Eunos

Markyt

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article1524371.ece

I still want one.

*BigBird*

Dan29 wrote: »

Sorry, haven't driven the new Panda, but was wondering if you didn't like the look of the Fiat 500?

I do, but ideally I want something with 5 doors.

*BigBird*

Keith wrote: »

Save a wedge of cash and buy something a few years old. If it's just for a weekend why not get an old MX5/Eunos

I will be doing a daily commute in it - which may soon be 70 miles a day, mostly on motorways.

Also needs 5 doors and the same number of seats.

And to look funky.

Hard to please? Moi??

*BigBird*

Markyt wrote: »

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article1524371.ece

I still want one.

Good old Jezza! If he hates it, then I just love it even more :rotfl:

Keith

*BigBird* wrote: »

I will be doing a daily commute in it - which may soon be 70 miles a day, mostly on motorways.

Also needs 5 doors and the same number of seats.

And to look funky.

Hard to please? Moi??

I'd say Fabia VRS but it's not exactly funky.

No idea on the Panda, but check out reliability on Honest John, Fiat used to be poor for it, check owners clubs before you buy too.

The Mini, it's probably keeping value a lot better than the Panda will and running costs can't be that much more can they? No idea on service costs (use an independant) or real world mpg either do.

Hintza

I have two Pandas OH and my daughter. I think you should look at either the 1.2 or the multijet (save a wedge on fuel). I have only driven the 1.2 and it is very responsive and fun to drive you should be able to get one pretty cheap.

For reviews HERE or the 100bhp HERE

PCP deals HERE
Fiatsupasaver for deals HERE

EBay is now full of dealers and is also worth a look to get an idea of prices.

Good luck.

PS I like the 500 too but still trading a bit high and no real discounts yet.

vikingaero

The 100HP is a hoot to drive. It begs you to thrash it on every journey. You may want to reconsider because it's not the most economical car for the engine size.

But what really put me off was the ride - it was so hard that I've never driven a car so slowly over roadhumps.

Mobeer

If you like a Mini and want something more affordable, how about a Mini with a diesel engine?
Manufacturer says: 72 mpg, 9.9 sec 0-60, 121 mph