Used Fiat Panda
Background
Fiat's original Panda, from 1980-1996, has become something of a classic: cheeky, fun and cheap. It was basic, utilitarian, boasted countless special editions and had a tendency to rust, until increasingly strict safety and emissions legislation saw it phased out in 1996. However, the used Fiat Panda was astonishingly popular - these original versions inspire much affection from owners for their sturdiness, reliability and affordability and can still be seen on roads today. Sensibly, Fiat chose to capitalise on this reputation by relaunching in 2004, whereupon the new Fiat Panda promptly won a European Car of the Year award and deservedly so. Minor improvements were made in 2005, 2007 and 2009. The original powerplant options of 1.1 and 1.2-litre petrol engines were, thankfully, supplemented in 2005 with a 1.3 litre diesel Multijet and in 2006 with a 100bhp 1.4 petrol. 2005 also saw the re-entry of a previous favourite among the original range, the ultra-rugged Panda 4x4.
Bang for your buck
The new Fiat Panda's high body style shows a clear nod to mini-MPV principles but its design in general is fairly conservative. While sticking to the original's boxy shape, the new Panda is smoother and more elegant, with a slick front end and a huge but smart tail light cluster. Furthermore, it has a very practical five doors, unusual in a car of this size but cleverly managing not looking out of place here.
Building on the original used Fiat Panda's principles of economy and practicality, you could never mistake the new generation's somewhat insubstantial interior for that of a luxury brand, but the layout is sensible and will be familiar to Fiat owners, with a basic fascia and dashboard mounted gearstick. Where the new Panda does triumph is in its structural solidity and stellar array of safety features, even on entry level models. All models boast at least two airbags, going up to six in others. ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution became standard in late 2005 while the body structure is carefully designed to cushion initial impacts and then direct energy away from the rigid passenger compartment.
Fiat have made an effort to give this tiny vehicle a big car feel and it pays off, with 99% interior lining doing a sterling job at soundproofing and clever layout maximising interior space. While it doesn't quite have the personality of its predecessor, the new shape Fiat Panda represents a rise in quality standards for Fiat and is an easy leader in the city car range, as shown by its 8th place out of 152 cars surveyed by Top Gear in 2006 for reliability, craftsmanship, ownership costs, driving experience and service received.
What you'll pay
An entry-level 2003 1.1-litre used Fiat Panda Active starts at about £2,500, plus another £200 or so for the Dynamic 1.2 and the same again for a Dualogic gearbox option. A range topping 1.2-litre Dualogic Eleganza commands about £3,500 with a 2004 registration. The 1.3-litre Multijet Dynamic is the one to go for but is harder to find.
What to check
A slew of faulty distributor caps were quickly replaced under warranty but apart from that, the Panda is pretty sound, with basic but well proven engines and mechanicals. True to city car type, parking damage is fairly common, in addition to some off-road knocks on the 4x4s.
Parts
Alternators retail at £85, rear exhaust sections around £65, front brake pad sets around £35 and a replacement headlight about £70. Consumables are reasonable with air filters at £7, fuel filters £15, oil filters £6 and spark plugs about £4.
How it drives
While the 1.1 litre used Fiat Panda is adequate, it is slower, noisier and dirtier than the not much more expensive 1.2 and really not worth the saving on purchase price. Go instead for the 1.2 or, even better, the 1.3 Multijet diesel, which offers 70bhp and excellent fuel economy. Its 35 litre tank should get you up to 586 miles, which is astonishing for a car of this size, while emissions of 114g/km make this one of the cleanest engines out there. The 4x4 is also good fun even if you don't plan to go off-roading.
The Panda's clutch and gear change deserve high praise, making acceleration nice and easy, while the useful 'City' button gives an ultra-light steering system for three-point turns and city parking. It's a cracking little car.
There's an abundance of choice on RAC Cars.com for cheap used Fiat Panda cars for sale so take your time and pick a cracker.