New toy. Fiat Panda 100HP

[jimbo2728]

Having owned Clio 172's (Cup and standard), an Alfa 147 GTA and most recently run an E46 M3 (on loan for 3 years from a pal who bought an M4), this is the most underpowered car I have owned by some margin, however, it is an absolute blast to crash around in. I say crash, because potholes and speed bumps are well documented foes of the Panda. Its setup is borderline ridiculous with what feels like little or no damping at all, however, it does seem to take the punishment of a grotty road fairly well to its credit.

Other minor moans are that the interior is fairly low rent, but then what else can you expect from a cheap Italian hatchback?

The cons are significantly outweighed by the pros and I am already loving it after just 2 weeks of ownership. Huge amounts of grip, very darty steering, a gutsy little 1.4l four pot and a snappy little 6 speed box make for an agile little terrier. It's brill.

I have taken a fair grilling from friends about the purchase, as most see it as just a Panda and a bizarre choice for someone who is as in to cars as I am. However, I defend my decision on the basis I only need a runaround as I commute by train to London each day and the family bus F15 X5 doesn't satisfy the need for something fun at weekends. I also think it's a car that "those that know, know" if that makes sense. Only about 1700 right hand drive cars left in the UK, so rare too! Not got too many plans for it, but I may get some springs and dampers to try and sort the ride a little.

Any tips, pointers or advice about the car in general is very welcome!

Thanks for looking,

Jim

[M1C]

Had one for a year. Loved it.

Agree with your comments.

Still do a triple-take each time i see one.


Good times:

[deltashad]

These are becoming little icons, must be a hoot to drive... Very cool....

[ScoobyChris]

We had three in the family at one point (mine was grey and the girls’ ones were blue). Great cars at the time and I racked up 60k in the 3 years I had mine and took it out on many weekend blasts and had a lot of laughs in it.

Two things I felt could improve it were more power (on smoothish roads the chassis could handle quite a bit more) and better damping (on rough or undulating roads it got quite bouncy) but I sold it just before it got out of warranty so didn’t bother!

Chris

[anomaly]

Love it, I've always wanted one of these. You've got the best colour too!

[jimbo2728]

Thanks, I wasn’t sure about the colour at first, but the mileage (41,500) and price was too hard to say no to. I now LOVE the colour. A few dings but nothing major. It really pops in the sun!

anomaly said:

Love it, I've always wanted one of these. You've got the best colour too!

[Sammarine]

Change the rear shocks to koni. It really sorted mine out?

[M1C]

Nay!!! Electroclash grey FTW!

[M1TT J]

I’ve got one as my daily driver and to potter about in and have to agree it’s such a blast! And those that know “know”

[Steve126]

Before you spend a load of money on springs and dampers, try removing the rear bump stops and see what difference that makes to the ride.

My 100HP is completely standard apart from the fact the bump stops are missing and that doesn't have the bouncy ride that is mentioned in every thread about these cars. It is firm and you know about it if you find a pothole, but it is reasonably comfortable most of the time and certainly doesn't bounce. Fiat Coupe bump stops are meant to improve the ride if you don't like the idea of having nothing fitted and they only cost about £20 for a pair.