Fiat Panda

[TheInsanity1234]

So hello folks.

As you guys may know, I'm very tempted by the 1.4 Panda as my first car, but they're getting a tad thin on the ground, and maintaining it might cost a bit more than I like, and apparently the ride has a bouncy pogo-like feel to it, great fun when you're in the mood, but I daresay exceedingly irritating for when you're tired and just want to get home.

This does mean I'm now more leaning towards the normal Pandas.

Has anyone here had any experience with them, and probably could give small reviews of how they drove e.t.c

[Silk]

So hello folks.

This does mean I'm now more leaning towards the normal Pandas.

They cost a fortune to feed and are reluctant to breed in captivity.

[akirk]

So hello folks.

This does mean I'm now more leaning towards the normal Pandas.

They cost a fortune to feed and are reluctant to breed in captivity.

actually bamboo is a remarkably cheap crop - very fast growing and renewable - just check with the home owner before planting it

Alasdair

[TheInsanity1234]

I'm talking about Pandas of the Fiat variety, the ones that run on petrol not bamboo

[Horse]

Of no use to help you choose, but . . .

In the mid-1980s, the three village bobbies N of Newbury (Esst Ilsley etc) shared a patrol car, typically a Ford Escort. Then someone had a flash of inspiration and got them a Panda 4x4. It looked, frankly, ridiculous - plain white, single blue light on the roof, and suspension making it look like it was on stilts.

The first night that the East Ilsley bobby had it, he had a call out to suspected poachers. He arrived, and could see them the other side of the field. They stayed there, pointed and laughed. He drove over the field and nicked them.

[Horse]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7528 ... 94cb_z.jpg

Although not the TVP one

[TheInsanity1234]

Well I've been looking at the 4x4's, as they'd be fabulously useful in winter... (Well, not really, more for driving around muddy bits with no issue - a good excuse as any...?) The only issue is there doesn't seem to have been many made, and they do command quite a premium.

Maybe I'll have to stick to a boggo Eleganza then

Love the story about the police one though!

[trashbat]

I haven't driven one so can't help you there, but I can't imagine maintaining any Panda variant will be particularly ruinous. Quite reliable, not that complicated, nothing exotic parts-wise and the FIRE engines are widely used and very well known. Plus Fiat specialists and a decent owner community exist.

One thing I can tell you is you can take any car and someone somewhere will tell you not to get it because of XYZ, e.g. bouncy suspension. It's up to you to filter and assign values to this stuff.

[TripleS]

I haven't driven one so can't help you there, but I can't imagine maintaining any Panda variant will be particularly ruinous. Quite reliable, not that complicated, nothing exotic parts-wise and the FIRE engines are widely used and very well known. Plus Fiat specialists and a decent owner community exist.

One thing I can tell you is you can take any car and someone somewhere will tell you not to get it because of XYZ, e.g. bouncy suspension. It's up to you to filter and assign values to this stuff.

Aye, some people seem quite insistent that Peugeots are a load of troublesome junk, but I've not found that to be the case.

Shut up, silk: you just didn't know how to look after yours.

Best wishes all,
Dave - quarrelsome old git, still inclined to question some of the things he is told.

[Ancient]

Never driven a panda, but as a driver of several Suzuki Vitaras I can assure you that bouncy suspension has one distinct advantage - it lets you know when you are getting the balance wrong going into corners! Excellent training aids.

[Horse]

Never driven a panda, but as a driver of several Suzuki Vitaras I can assure you that bouncy suspension has one distinct advantage - it lets you know when you are getting the balance wrong going into corners! Excellent training aids.

Remember the Suzuki 'Jimmy'? Known for being top-heavy / narrow wheelbase and, occasionally, upside down . . .

[Ancient]

Yep, the Suzuki Rollover!

[TripleS]

Never driven a panda, but as a driver of several Suzuki Vitaras I can assure you that bouncy suspension has one distinct advantage - it lets you know when you are getting the balance wrong going into corners! Excellent training aids.

Remember the Suzuki 'Jimmy'? Known for being top-heavy / narrow wheelbase and, occasionally, upside down . . .

Er, track?

I suppose the wheelbase on a bike is normally a bit on the narrow side.

[revian]

Never driven a panda, but as a driver of several Suzuki Vitaras I can assure you that bouncy suspension has one distinct advantage - it lets you know when you are getting the balance wrong going into corners! Excellent training aids.

Don't see the problem. Just fit a side-car... first determining whether you are going to turn left or right most for placement of such.

Ian

[TheInsanity1234]

Never driven a panda, but as a driver of several Suzuki Vitaras I can assure you that bouncy suspension has one distinct advantage - it lets you know when you are getting the balance wrong going into corners! Excellent training aids.

Don't see the problem. Just fit a side-car... first determining whether you are going to turn left or right most for placement of such.

Ian

Why not just pop one on both sides?

Or perhaps those training wheels they put on bicycles for little kids?