Can’t beat a big one , and as the world is going Ukrainian wise might not be here much longer so size doesn’t size is not that important, hope she’s talking the car 🤣🤣👍👍👍
We've had a 2010 Panda 100 for 11 years now. Absolutely the best small car ever....over 100k trouble free miles now, 4 doors, economical, nippy, great handling. I've no idea what we could replace it with.
Funny to hear someone describe the Fiat Panda like that - it is exactly how I feel about mine. I have had a model 2012+ for 7 years and it has done 160.000 km, and all in all it has done all right. And I really like it.
Love my 2007 1.1 Active, was my first car then I sold it to my friends mum and after 2 years I bought it back from her, I missed it too much! Have since treated the little panda to roof rails, 4x4 alloys. Such an excellent boxy design. 1108cc FIRE engine is indestructible. Weak points are suspension bushings and front droplinks. Corrosion on the subframes is also an issue (especially here in Scotland) but the bodywork and paint is of amazing quality. Zero Corrosion on the bodywork. Love my little 🐼 many happy memories in it and many more to come.
Despite loving fast cars, and luxurious cars all of my life, I have always also loved utilitarian and basic cars too. They make such good common sense and have a ‘feel good’ factor that you don’t get with other cars. I don’t think you can call yourself a ‘car guy’ unless you respect the cheap and cheerful as well as the expensive, fast and exclusive. Look at me - I’ve gone all philosophical 😊
Me and my wife (girlfriend at the time) were friends with an elderly couple. Unfortunately the chap died, but they had no children and not many people close to them. We didn't have a car at the time, so the lady asked if I would like to have their Panda, for nothing. Of course I didn't want anything for nothing, but she insisted. It was a fabulous fun car and fond memories.
Nothing can beat £250 Panda 😀😀😀 No matter how much money a man can have ,and how expensive car can he afford, it'll always come down to a question:" Is it really worth it???" 😉
It is rather telling that several of the most well respected motoring journalists endorse the Fiat Panda. I've not had one yet but I am sure I will soon. The overwhelming body of evidence means it is almost obligatory!
Yup defo worth it it’s not when you get there , it’s how you get there …. I’ll rather a Merc , bmw, Audi anyday. … it’s like asking do you like pvc shoes or leather shoes … you can wear both .. but I’ll buy leather …
@rouman7 ,I believe that there are people out there who don't have to work for money, and therefore, they don't think about how they spend them... But I still need to work for my money, and for me BMW, AUDI, MERCEDES, the value just simply isn't there 🤔
We have had an 07 100hp panda for 10 years. It has been the most reliable car I have ever driven, never broken down everthing still works as it should. 70,000 miles on the clock, still on original clutch. It does consume tyres at an alarming rate though and the fuel consumption is not great for a 1.4 litre engine, it averages 33-35 on a tank of mixed driving. However it handles like a go cart and is amazing fun to drive on the rural roads in Lincolnshire, only 99 bhp but in a car that weighs less than a door of a Range Rover it does surprise a few of the more expensive sporty hatchbacks out there. We have just bought a new car as both the wife and I have got a little older and the harsh ride was getting to us. But the Panda is staying in the family as our son is taking driving lessons shortly and it will be his first car. Hopefully it will serve him as well as it has us. Surprisingly cheap to insure for a 17 yr old too! Fiat certainly made an excellent car with the Panda range, if only red didn't fade so much..........
I loved mine, an 06 example. I originally I got it to use as a run around as my 4x4 was expensive to run, but I ended up using all the time. I got rid of the 4x4 as I just ran the Panda in the end, I liked it so much. My daughter owns it now.
I know it's a huge cliche but what I love about the Panda is how honest it is. There's something incredibly charming about it. Definitely a city car, though. Nothing wrong with that and as a city car it does its job incredibly well
Wow, excellent review. Clear, concise and unbiased. I'm debating to buy one of these and I think you just sold me. Worried about the accident protection, but I am mostly in the city.
I ran one of these for years, a cheap 4 year old buy, and it was absolutely brilliant. I ran from Stockport to Matlock through a couple of rough winters, and went all over the country in it. Brilliant little thing. Great review and extended test drive!
Love the Panda, one of those cars you could become quite attached to and before you know you’ve owned it 15+ years. Also, what is that bright thing in the sky 😮😂
An elderly acquaintance of mine had the 1.2 Panda & despite it not having much go in it the car was comfortable & very very easy to drive & it suited my Friend perfectly..just shows you don't need to spend thousands of pounds for something reliable & practical for every day use..
Empanda was a Goddess of the Rustics - who liked to "give bread". Very fitting for this car. A lot better than the old number system. My first car was a 1050cc 5 speed Fiat 127 in red. My dad did it up, resprayed it. Was in perfect condition. Cheap to run, simple to maintain, cornered well.
Great review. My wife had the 1.2 petrol version for 7 years. Was a good car to drive but the gearbox needed replacing. Checking the MOT history it's still on the road at 12 years old.
You really have taken automotive geekdom to a whole new level, with the origin of ‘Panda’. I think I can go one better 😂It took me a while, but I knew already those turning air vents were used on the Alfa 33, but I also knew they were used on a Ferrari dashboard in the 80s. Google Ferrari 328 dashboard 😂
Thanks Matt! I’d definitely look at owning a Panda judging by your video. I have also owned simplistic cars as I learnt my lesson of car ownership in 30 years of driving that every car I’ve owned has always been damaged by others when I’ve parked it up in supermarkets or car parks etc. Now I just buy mechanically serviced cars that have okay bodywork on a budget.
I bought a new Panda in 2012, and did 112,000 miles in three years, it was a fantastic car. It was as cheap as chips to run (which is why I bought is as business was a bit iffy at the time) and great fun to drive, even on my regular, fortnightly return trips from Maidenhead to Kilmarnock, although cruise control would have been a bonus. It was really comfortable for the driver, but I'm not sure I would want to be a rear seat passenger for too long a journey. In the three years and 112k miles it never once let me down. WHEN my numbers come up and I buy a pad next to Stamford Bridge I will definitely get another Panda for scooting around the Smoke.
It's encouraging that you can still get a nice practical little car that's fun to drive and has loads of character for not very much dosh. Great stuff !
Great little motor, they did a cloth double sun roof version & a 4x4 version back in the day. You had to stay on top of the bodywork though as it was prone to rust like all Fiats are.
Wife has a 57 plate 1.2 petrol 76 k on clock over due for its second timing belt on time basis .We have been to south of France in it and travelled across Spain from Santander .She won't part with she's 71 loves it .She has owned it about 12 years only Major expense was engine loom at fiat dealer been fine since .
Great cars. I’ve had two now. The first was an 09 mk 3, eleganza with alloys and roof rails. The second a mk4, 5-seater. Yes they did do 5 seaters, albeit by virtue of smaller rear seats and a central lap belt! They also had a split rear seat which was really useful as it effectively made the boot space larger at the expense of passenger space.
I've been driving a Fiat Punto mk2a since 2001, even though it was supposed to be a cheap temporary transportation solution, due to the purchase of a house, it stayed until today, it got under our skin... The mechanics are the same as on the Fiat Panda (type 169), same problems, but and durability... Inexpensive maintenance and servicing (only 2.8 l of oil goes into the gasoline variant with the 1.2 FIRE engine!) and, due to its simplicity, a very stable vehicle. We have changed a lot of cars since 2001, but the Punto always remains, my wife and daughter love it too!
If I lived in Europe I think I would buy a Panda. They are a triumph of substance over style but still manage to look good. I am tired of overcomplicated, expensive to run cars that are more driven by marketing and profit margins than good sense and practicality. There are better things in life to spend money on. A Panda would be satisfying to own and get the job done without wasting money.
My mom had one of these, also in red, and I got to drive it for 200 miles or so. Fuel economy was great from the 1.2L petrol but it wasn't very nice to be in, loads of road noise, vague steering and alergic to hills. Easy to park and good visibility, OK for a cheap city-only car. I don't want to imagine what would happen in a car crash. The 2018 model scored a whopping ZERO stars in the NCAP. This being an older and smaller I can only imagine it would fare worse. An impact from any side would be highly dangerous, especially with so many heavy 2 tonne SUVs about and heavy new electric cars. The primary job for this car was to move grandchildren from A to B so we traded in the old 2007 Panda for a 2012 Golf this year. If you are transporting your grandchildren in the back of an old Panda at over 50 MPH I'd reconsider. It's impossible to finds something else with such a small footprint, but almost anything else is likely to be safer.
Great review-James May used to own one and thought it was great. It was also the top selling car in Italy in 2022 with 8% market share. I did not know about Empanda though - apparently originally to be called Rustica but was changed at the last minute.
The models further down the range always feel too dinky for me personally, but I've always loved the Panda and especially the 4x4. They look especially nice in red. A pretty good option for those looking for something ULEZ compliant.
I own a 2022 Panda Hybrid. It pulls quite ok. It is a change from driving Reanults all my life. Your favorite brand. I actualy wanted Clio, but it costed 2 thounsed more and it was less equipped, plus as u said the service is cheap. Renault isn't anymore. It does not float on a road like Laguna, but it's ok. If one is looking for a New car to purchase with Cash, this is a good option. You get a lot of car for 12000 eur / all in.
We had one and liked it but my other half was using it for regular motorway driving and found it a bit too light and felt too vulnerable in it, so I agree it's much more of a town car in practice.
My parents always drove small fiats, since 1977 Fiat 126p 600cc, then another 650cc, through 1993 Cinquecento 700cc, 1999 Seicento 900cc, to 2004 Panda 1100 cc. Although my father can't drive anymore, the Panda still serves my niece today, almost 20 years later, in the crowded streets and Warsaw city parking jungle. I drove it on a few occasions, including a 800 km long road trip to the seaside and back about 10 years ago, hitting over 130 km/h on a motorway at times haha. A really good car for its price, although I would definitely choose a 1,3 multijet diesel for a much lower consumption and more power.
Having driven this and the more expensive 500 , there is no competition , unless you value style over substance. The Panda is a great little car, and the way you sold it!!
Hi Mat When you arrived in Marbella you thought the car had gone on “Limp mode” What turned out to be the problem. O r did fix itself after a rest. Best wishes Alan
I've always liked the Panda, just something about how it's small but super practical. Very well made as well, given the number still on the road. Not sure if I'd want to drive one to spain mind you... 😂😂
You did forget to mention the rust..They can/will rust along the sils,and the rear arms around the springs. This is important to check before buying. But it can all be repaired..new sils..and of you go..👍
Great preview Matt. Your in my local area. Mijas Pueblo. These Fiat Pandas. Like most second hand cars in Spain, are a 3rd higher than in UK. On Spanish web sits the Panda Mk3 4x4 are well over €5000! The model your driving is never less than €1500. Great " Campo" car for Spain.
FIAT doing what they do best, making a great small car. The 100 is fun and the 4X4 is not a joke. Put proper tyres on it and it will go anywhere a Land Roer will. Nice.
I've had a panda since 2011 - new then. It has never broken down in eleven years and never need any spare parts except tyres and brake pads, and one sticky patch to fix an exhaust leak. You're right about the visibility - it has the finest all-round visibility of ANY car you could name. It's totally reliable. The only negative for me is the gear ratios. 3rd gear is set too high and 2nd gear too low, meaning you have to thrash it uphill in second or it dies when changing to 3rd. A Hyundai i10 beats the Panda in every way engine and power wise for the same cc. But the i10 is utterly characterless compared with the Panda.
There is something quite appealing about these cheap little utilitarian cars - they get you where you need to go but at the fraction of the price of a lot of cars. Its a real testament that your "£250" example got you all the way to Spain without drama sipping its fuel all the way.
D'yknow, I'd never even bothered to think about WHAT it's named after! It's just a car called 'Panda'...! ...owned a newish one a few years back - loved it, but turned out to be too small for us....they really are the kind of car a LOT more of us should be driving.....
I had a Marbella in 1992 - new just under £5k - cracking vfm. Used it to regularly travel ( cheaply ) from Manchester to Bournemouth to my then girlfriends ( now wife ) and it seemed way better rust protected than the FIAT equivalent. Cheap and it had what could be expected at the time. K495XNA - bought from David Cook Motors in Chadderton - gone but never forgotten
I bought a secondhand one for £500 from a trader back in 1996. Used it to commute into London. It was the most fun I’ve had in a car and it was massively practical. I got a new bathroom suite in it. Traded it in against a new KA in 2003 and actually wished I hadn’t now.
There are loads of Pandas still going here in Poland. I would go for the 100HP version for a bit of fun. Pandas are not as cheap to buy here though. I have a Fiat 126p in violet, as a long time dream car only for the sunny and dry days otherwise would rot.
Great practical cars! On on my second one! First one died with over two hundred miles due to gearbox issues. My current model is also the 1.1 eco with about 35k. Personally I'd go for the 1.2 FIRE engine model. The steering isn't really an issue on the later models..it was worse on the Punto.. but a replacement can be bought from ECU TESTING UK for less than £200 (uncoded plug and play) and should only take an hour to change. Easy job even a novice could do it!
My friend has a 2006 model from new. He used to commute in it and has clocked up more than 250,000 miles. He still has it but his main car now is a Skoda EV, he is a green nut. To be fair he is buying a new hybrid as he has had lots of charging issues driving from Devon to Kent. Regarding the Panda's poor lights I hired one once in Spain, more than once really but this time I drove about a hundred miles through the mountains in the night. It was a nightmare as I have seen glow worms give off more light. When I bought one for a second car back in Blighty the first thing I did was upgrade the lights, this was the 1990's. I always think the Panda is underated and is a good no nonsense work horse, cheep to buy and cheep to run.
My 08 1.4 na Fiat Bravo puts a smile on my face every day. I always said I’ll sell it and buy an E Class, but I always end up just sticking to it. Low tax, good noise, best feeling 90hp in a car. Good sound, good comfort, huge mirrors, easy to park, list goes on
My brother bought one with 35k miles from an old guy for £1400 in 2018, other than some tires it's been super ever since. I'm what's politely known as a big lad (6'1, Jacamo sized) and I have no issues whereas I can barely fit through the door of my partners 1 series.
These are so good I've owned three of them. First one I had was a 2nd gen like yours but a 1.2 Active (poverty spec) petrol and coming from a Citroen C1 it felt like a car a class above as opposed to a glorified golf buggy. That got traded in for a 3rd gen 1.2 Easy model in metallic grey with air con and I loved that car, but unfortunately it got written off after six months. However two years on I'm in another 3rd gen Panda - after the accident I bought a 500 Twin-Air which I loved driving but did about 30mpg and just encouraged me to drive everywhere like Ayrton Senna because of its power delivery and THAT sound. Rising fuel prices amongst other things led me back to a Panda.... And it's versatility, and the fact you can throw it around anywhere without fear or triggering a speed camera. I'm in a basic 1.2 Pop albeit with a aftermarket Bluetooth stereo and I'm glad to be back in it
i have the 1.2 active (I don't even have the rev counter) and i couldn't ask for more. A tip with the panda, the 2nd gens have a secret storage under the passenger seat on euro cars.
I bought a Panda last year as my Chrysler 300c was costing a fortune on my daily commute. The car has paid for itself in fuel savings alone. It is a car you can easily grow attached to. It's cheap, fun and very practical. I'd forgotten how easy a small car is to get into regular parking spaces. It's brilliant for shopping runs, tip runs and fun runs. I agree that they look better with roof rails and alloys but my only regret is not getting one with air con. Seriously considering a Panda 4x4. I still can't part with the Chrysler though!
I used to sell the Fiat Panda in 1980 and the rear seats were like a hammock to help keep production cost down. Think the bodies were made of rice paper
Spot on with your analysis. The world needs more cars like this to save the planet rather than 3 tonne EVs. Great video.
Hear hear !
Well, it needs fewer cars and most of the cars we do use should be like this.
Very true, but the greedy manufacturers don't make enough money from them.
Can’t beat a big one , and as the world is going Ukrainian wise might not be here much longer so size doesn’t size is not that important, hope she’s talking the car 🤣🤣👍👍👍
More cars but not like Panda and especially not EV's
We've had a 2010 Panda 100 for 11 years now. Absolutely the best small car ever....over 100k trouble free miles now, 4 doors, economical, nippy, great handling. I've no idea what we could replace it with.
5 Doors.
Funny to hear someone describe the Fiat Panda like that - it is exactly how I feel about mine. I have had a model 2012+ for 7 years and it has done 160.000 km, and all in all it has done all right. And I really like it.
Love my 2007 1.1 Active, was my first car then I sold it to my friends mum and after 2 years I bought it back from her, I missed it too much! Have since treated the little panda to roof rails, 4x4 alloys. Such an excellent boxy design. 1108cc FIRE engine is indestructible. Weak points are suspension bushings and front droplinks. Corrosion on the subframes is also an issue (especially here in Scotland) but the bodywork and paint is of amazing quality. Zero Corrosion on the bodywork. Love my little 🐼 many happy memories in it and many more to come.
Despite loving fast cars, and luxurious cars all of my life, I have always also loved utilitarian and basic cars too. They make such good common sense and have a ‘feel good’ factor that you don’t get with other cars. I don’t think you can call yourself a ‘car guy’ unless you respect the cheap and cheerful as well as the expensive, fast and exclusive. Look at me - I’ve gone all philosophical 😊
Me and my wife (girlfriend at the time) were friends with an elderly couple. Unfortunately the chap died, but they had no children and not many people close to them. We didn't have a car at the time, so the lady asked if I would like to have their Panda, for nothing. Of course I didn't want anything for nothing, but she insisted. It was a fabulous fun car and fond memories.
Nothing can beat £250 Panda 😀😀😀 No matter how much money a man can have ,and how expensive car can he afford, it'll always come down to a question:" Is it really worth it???" 😉
It is rather telling that several of the most well respected motoring journalists endorse the Fiat Panda. I've not had one yet but I am sure I will soon. The overwhelming body of evidence means it is almost obligatory!
Yup defo worth it it’s not when you get there , it’s how you get there …. I’ll rather a Merc , bmw, Audi anyday. … it’s like asking do you like pvc shoes or leather shoes … you can wear both .. but I’ll buy leather …
@rouman7 ,I believe that there are people out there who don't have to work for money, and therefore, they don't think about how they spend them... But I still need to work for my money, and for me BMW, AUDI, MERCEDES, the value just simply isn't there 🤔
My dad will be over the moon with this review he has 1 same colour but petrol
We have had an 07 100hp panda for 10 years. It has been the most reliable car I have ever driven, never broken down everthing still works as it should. 70,000 miles on the clock, still on original clutch. It does consume tyres at an alarming rate though and the fuel consumption is not great for a 1.4 litre engine, it averages 33-35 on a tank of mixed driving. However it handles like a go cart and is amazing fun to drive on the rural roads in Lincolnshire, only 99 bhp but in a car that weighs less than a door of a Range Rover it does surprise a few of the more expensive sporty hatchbacks out there. We have just bought a new car as both the wife and I have got a little older and the harsh ride was getting to us. But the Panda is staying in the family as our son is taking driving lessons shortly and it will be his first car. Hopefully it will serve him as well as it has us. Surprisingly cheap to insure for a 17 yr old too!
Fiat certainly made an excellent car with the Panda range, if only red didn't fade so much..........
I had a Panda 4x4 and it was a great little car. Became our second car and lasted years.
I loved mine, an 06 example. I originally I got it to use as a run around as my 4x4 was expensive to run, but I ended up using all the time. I got rid of the 4x4 as I just ran the Panda in the end, I liked it so much. My daughter owns it now.
High Peak is what the original Top Gear format was all about (pre Hammond days) but with charming Northern English wit, excellent.
Been waiting 11 months for my new Panda Cross 4x4 but it will be worth the wait. All Panda generations are great
I know it's a huge cliche but what I love about the Panda is how honest it is. There's something incredibly charming about it. Definitely a city car, though. Nothing wrong with that and as a city car it does its job incredibly well
Small Fiats were good like that. I cannot comment on the newer cars other than they look cute.
Wow, excellent review. Clear, concise and unbiased. I'm debating to buy one of these and I think you just sold me. Worried about the accident protection, but I am mostly in the city.
I ran one of these for years, a cheap 4 year old buy, and it was absolutely brilliant. I ran from Stockport to Matlock through a couple of rough winters, and went all over the country in it. Brilliant little thing. Great review and extended test drive!
I love small, cheap cars. You have to work to drive them which makes them rewarding.
Love the Panda, one of those cars you could become quite attached to and before you know you’ve owned it 15+ years. Also, what is that bright thing in the sky 😮😂
I've looked it up. Apparently its a star called he sun. They say it's responsible for life on earth! Yeah, right.🤔🙄
@Jeremy Brown Guess you're a Brit then 😂
@@timothyandrews5975 Which is odd because it's been sunny for the last 5 days in England ! 🤣😎
🫣🫣🫣🫣
Hate to have a bad bump in one ……… toast anyone. But good video is 👍👍👍👍
An elderly acquaintance of mine had the 1.2 Panda & despite it not having much go in it the car was comfortable & very very easy to drive & it suited my Friend perfectly..just shows you don't need to spend thousands of pounds for something reliable & practical for every day use..
Remember throwing up on the drive up to Ronda from cortijo blanco, Marbella in a red Panda rental
Empanda was a Goddess of the Rustics - who liked to "give bread". Very fitting for this car. A lot better than the old number system. My first car was a 1050cc 5 speed Fiat 127 in red. My dad did it up, resprayed it. Was in perfect condition. Cheap to run, simple to maintain, cornered well.
I love how you have fallen in love with a Fiat Panda!!! A really nice, honest review and for some people this would be the ideal car.
I would absolutely LOVE it if you could find a 100HP to buy and review. Brilliant little cars!
I totally agree, Alex. We've had ours over 10 years now - superb wee thing.
@@tribbleslayer I got one last November as my first car and it’s been great. Really easy to drive and surprisingly cheap on insurance!
Great review. My wife had the 1.2 petrol version for 7 years. Was a good car to drive but the gearbox needed replacing. Checking the MOT history it's still on the road at 12 years old.
You really have taken automotive geekdom to a whole new level, with the origin of ‘Panda’. I think I can go one better 😂It took me a while, but I knew already those turning air vents were used on the Alfa 33, but I also knew they were used on a Ferrari dashboard in the 80s. Google Ferrari 328 dashboard 😂
Love it!
You should be the international spokesman for the FIAT Panda. Love the review!
Fantastic cars. I'm on my second one, with a third on order. I'll never be without one.
Great
Thanks Matt! I’d definitely look at owning a Panda judging by your video. I have also owned simplistic cars as I learnt my lesson of car ownership in 30 years of driving that every car I’ve owned has always been damaged by others when I’ve parked it up in supermarkets or car parks etc. Now I just buy mechanically serviced cars that have okay bodywork on a budget.
I bought a new Panda in 2012, and did 112,000 miles in three years, it was a fantastic car. It was as cheap as chips to run (which is why I bought is as business was a bit iffy at the time) and great fun to drive, even on my regular, fortnightly return trips from Maidenhead to Kilmarnock, although cruise control would have been a bonus. It was really comfortable for the driver, but I'm not sure I would want to be a rear seat passenger for too long a journey. In the three years and 112k miles it never once let me down. WHEN my numbers come up and I buy a pad next to Stamford Bridge I will definitely get another Panda for scooting around the Smoke.
Our 2005 1.2 Dynamic is up to 105,000 miles and still going strong. Always puts a smile on my face when I drive it. V reliable and cheap
It's encouraging that you can still get a nice practical little car that's fun to drive and has loads of character for not very much dosh. Great stuff !
Great little motor, they did a cloth double sun roof version & a 4x4 version back in the day.
You had to stay on top of the bodywork though as it was prone to rust like all Fiats are.
Wife has a 57 plate 1.2 petrol 76 k on clock over due for its second timing belt on time basis .We have been to south of France in it and travelled across Spain from Santander .She won't part with she's 71 loves it .She has owned it about 12 years only Major expense was engine loom at fiat dealer been fine since .
Discovered this channel a couple days ago and can't stop watching. Top content!
Great cars. I’ve had two now. The first was an 09 mk 3, eleganza with alloys and roof rails. The second a mk4, 5-seater. Yes they did do 5 seaters, albeit by virtue of smaller rear seats and a central lap belt! They also had a split rear seat which was really useful as it effectively made the boot space larger at the expense of passenger space.
Nice video Matt. That’s a bit of a jewel that little panda of yours. Worth every penny.
The panda 100hp was the one to have, some great reviews on that car
I've been driving a Fiat Punto mk2a since 2001, even though it was supposed to be a cheap temporary transportation solution, due to the purchase of a house, it stayed until today, it got under our skin... The mechanics are the same as on the Fiat Panda (type 169), same problems, but and durability... Inexpensive maintenance and servicing (only 2.8 l of oil goes into the gasoline variant with the 1.2 FIRE engine!) and, due to its simplicity, a very stable vehicle.
We have changed a lot of cars since 2001, but the Punto always remains, my wife and daughter love it too!
Love these wee cars too! Also since I discovered this Channel…I’ve been binging every video… love it
Glad you like them!
@@HighPeakAutos love them. I love the fact that you do a proper mix for cars…. Would be great to see you review some classics to maybe 😀
I really appreciate how you cover reviews on cars of all budgets. Great video as per 👍
Thanks!
I've had a 1.1 active eco for a year now. Group 1 insurance, £30 a year to tax and around 60MPG around town. These are going up in value right now.
If I lived in Europe I think I would buy a Panda. They are a triumph of substance over style but still manage to look good. I am tired of overcomplicated, expensive to run cars that are more driven by marketing and profit margins than good sense and practicality. There are better things in life to spend money on. A Panda would be satisfying to own and get the job done without wasting money.
My mom had one of these, also in red, and I got to drive it for 200 miles or so. Fuel economy was great from the 1.2L petrol but it wasn't very nice to be in, loads of road noise, vague steering and alergic to hills. Easy to park and good visibility, OK for a cheap city-only car. I don't want to imagine what would happen in a car crash. The 2018 model scored a whopping ZERO stars in the NCAP. This being an older and smaller I can only imagine it would fare worse. An impact from any side would be highly dangerous, especially with so many heavy 2 tonne SUVs about and heavy new electric cars. The primary job for this car was to move grandchildren from A to B so we traded in the old 2007 Panda for a 2012 Golf this year. If you are transporting your grandchildren in the back of an old Panda at over 50 MPH I'd reconsider. It's impossible to finds something else with such a small footprint, but almost anything else is likely to be safer.
Here in Israel it's a five seater. Mine is eleven and it all looks new. Simple and trouble free. 'Charming' sums it up perfectly.
Great review-James May used to own one and thought it was great. It was also the top selling car in Italy in 2022 with 8% market share. I did not know about Empanda though - apparently originally to be called Rustica but was changed at the last minute.
Definitely YES!!
Quality working class journalism
For sure.
Not just one, but a couple
The models further down the range always feel too dinky for me personally, but I've always loved the Panda and especially the 4x4. They look especially nice in red. A pretty good option for those looking for something ULEZ compliant.
Helping a chum find one of these at the moment. He is fully revved up about it!
Love the panda,really enjoyed the road trip
Love your explorer 2 Matt, I’ve noticed you’re abit of a watch man, noticed a couple Hamilton’s
It just looks adorable and cheerful.
I own a 2022 Panda Hybrid. It pulls quite ok. It is a change from driving Reanults all my life. Your favorite brand. I actualy wanted Clio, but it costed 2 thounsed more and it was less equipped, plus as u said the service is cheap. Renault isn't anymore. It does not float on a road like Laguna, but it's ok. If one is looking for a New car to purchase with Cash, this is a good option. You get a lot of car for 12000 eur / all in.
We had one and liked it but my other half was using it for regular motorway driving and found it a bit too light and felt too vulnerable in it, so I agree it's much more of a town car in practice.
Nice challenge Matt
Watching it a second time, thanks for another panda video!
Cheap, cheerful and with a bit of charm. That’s the Panda all over really. Honest little thing
I was quietly hoping to see a follow up video to the road trip one.
To answer your question - YES! An emphatic YES! Wonderful little cars 😍
Yes they are!
My parents always drove small fiats, since 1977 Fiat 126p 600cc, then another 650cc, through 1993 Cinquecento 700cc, 1999 Seicento 900cc, to 2004 Panda 1100 cc. Although my father can't drive anymore, the Panda still serves my niece today, almost 20 years later, in the crowded streets and Warsaw city parking jungle. I drove it on a few occasions, including a 800 km long road trip to the seaside and back about 10 years ago, hitting over 130 km/h on a motorway at times haha. A really good car for its price, although I would definitely choose a 1,3 multijet diesel for a much lower consumption and more power.
Having driven this and the more expensive 500 , there is no competition , unless you value style over substance. The Panda is a great little car, and the way you sold it!!
Another cracking fact filled video on a very humble method of transport that we have all become detached from with our modern swanky vehicles 👍
Thanks!
02:39 panda power steering has "city mode" you can activate for easier parcking
Hi Mat When you arrived in Marbella you thought the car had gone on “Limp mode” What turned out to be the problem. O r did fix itself after a rest. Best wishes Alan
🎉 Wow what a boost for the intrepid Panda. Funny 2-parter Matt, great road trip.
Perfect for Spain with tight roads and where parking is an art form that appears to have been long forgotten!
I've always liked the Panda, just something about how it's small but super practical. Very well made as well, given the number still on the road.
Not sure if I'd want to drive one to spain mind you... 😂😂
I love this channel because a lot of it is about affordable cars for the average Joe. Not been just lambos and rolls Royce that most can dream of
Thanks! I try
You did forget to mention the rust..They can/will rust along the sils,and the rear arms around the springs. This is important to check before buying. But it can all be repaired..new sils..and of you go..👍
I have really enjoyed your two videos on this little car.
Glad to hear it!
Great preview Matt. Your in my local area. Mijas Pueblo. These Fiat Pandas. Like most second hand cars in Spain, are a 3rd higher than in UK. On Spanish web sits the Panda Mk3 4x4 are well over €5000! The model your driving is never less than €1500. Great " Campo" car for Spain.
FIAT doing what they do best, making a great small car. The 100 is fun and the 4X4 is not a joke. Put proper tyres on it and it will go anywhere a Land Roer will. Nice.
Some FIAT production was moved out of Italy to Poland by the EU Gangster Tsars.
Superb - one of your best videos! More crazy drives like this please sir!
I've had a panda since 2011 - new then. It has never broken down in eleven years and never need any spare parts except tyres and brake pads, and one sticky patch to fix an exhaust leak. You're right about the visibility - it has the finest all-round visibility of ANY car you could name. It's totally reliable. The only negative for me is the gear ratios. 3rd gear is set too high and 2nd gear too low, meaning you have to thrash it uphill in second or it dies when changing to 3rd. A Hyundai i10 beats the Panda in every way engine and power wise for the same cc. But the i10 is utterly characterless compared with the Panda.
Excellent video. Thanks for the honest description and advice on a great little car}
There is something quite appealing about these cheap little utilitarian cars - they get you where you need to go but at the fraction of the price of a lot of cars. Its a real testament that your "£250" example got you all the way to Spain without drama sipping its fuel all the way.
D'yknow, I'd never even bothered to think about WHAT it's named after!
It's just a car called 'Panda'...!
...owned a newish one a few years back - loved it, but turned out to be too small for us....they really are the kind of car a LOT more of us should be driving.....
5th seatbelt was on the options list, so there are some around with 3 seatbelts in the back
Loved my Panda.
I had a Marbella in 1992 - new just under £5k - cracking vfm. Used it to regularly travel ( cheaply ) from Manchester to Bournemouth to my then girlfriends ( now wife ) and it seemed way better rust protected than the FIAT equivalent. Cheap and it had what could be expected at the time. K495XNA - bought from David Cook Motors in Chadderton - gone but never forgotten
Ah interesting. I've never seen one in the UK
@@HighPeakAutos I am old so was buying a new car in 1992 lol
I bought a secondhand one for £500 from a trader back in 1996. Used it to commute into London. It was the most fun I’ve had in a car and it was massively practical. I got a new bathroom suite in it. Traded it in against a new KA in 2003 and actually wished I hadn’t now.
Thanks alot Matt for awesome reviews always 🗽🙏
Fiat should consider bringing this back info the market 🎉
There are loads of Pandas still going here in Poland. I would go for the 100HP version for a bit of fun. Pandas are not as cheap to buy here though. I have a Fiat 126p in violet, as a long time dream car only for the sunny and dry days otherwise would rot.
Such a rogue trip to drive it to Malaga, great great content matt
Great practical cars! On on my second one! First one died with over two hundred miles due to gearbox issues. My current model is also the 1.1 eco with about 35k. Personally I'd go for the 1.2 FIRE engine model.
The steering isn't really an issue on the later models..it was worse on the Punto.. but a replacement can be bought from ECU TESTING UK for less than £200 (uncoded plug and play) and should only take an hour to change. Easy job even a novice could do it!
Reminds me of my 56 plate berlingo that I use during the winter months. Love the panda 👍
My friend has a 2006 model from new. He used to commute in it and has clocked up more than 250,000 miles. He still has it but his main car now is a Skoda EV, he is a green nut. To be fair he is buying a new hybrid as he has had lots of charging issues driving from Devon to Kent. Regarding the Panda's poor lights I hired one once in Spain, more than once really but this time I drove about a hundred miles through the mountains in the night. It was a nightmare as I have seen glow worms give off more light. When I bought one for a second car back in Blighty the first thing I did was upgrade the lights, this was the 1990's. I always think the Panda is underated and is a good no nonsense work horse, cheep to buy and cheep to run.
U defo need to get ur hands on the panda 100hp… heard they’re great fun
I know it’s an automotive cliché but the 4x4 Pandas are like a plucky little mountain goat. Willing, reliable and can go anywhere.
love your videos!!!
My 08 1.4 na Fiat Bravo puts a smile on my face every day. I always said I’ll sell it and buy an E Class, but I always end up just sticking to it. Low tax, good noise, best feeling 90hp in a car. Good sound, good comfort, huge mirrors, easy to park, list goes on
Easy to park. An increasing must have in todays ever crowded roads.
@@Sam-gw5pl I live in bucharest, so it’s a huge plus
My brother bought one with 35k miles from an old guy for £1400 in 2018, other than some tires it's been super ever since. I'm what's politely known as a big lad (6'1, Jacamo sized) and I have no issues whereas I can barely fit through the door of my partners 1 series.
Love your work 👍
These are so good I've owned three of them. First one I had was a 2nd gen like yours but a 1.2 Active (poverty spec) petrol and coming from a Citroen C1 it felt like a car a class above as opposed to a glorified golf buggy. That got traded in for a 3rd gen 1.2 Easy model in metallic grey with air con and I loved that car, but unfortunately it got written off after six months. However two years on I'm in another 3rd gen Panda - after the accident I bought a 500 Twin-Air which I loved driving but did about 30mpg and just encouraged me to drive everywhere like Ayrton Senna because of its power delivery and THAT sound. Rising fuel prices amongst other things led me back to a Panda.... And it's versatility, and the fact you can throw it around anywhere without fear or triggering a speed camera. I'm in a basic 1.2 Pop albeit with a aftermarket Bluetooth stereo and I'm glad to be back in it
i have the 1.2 active (I don't even have the rev counter) and i couldn't ask for more. A tip with the panda, the 2nd gens have a secret storage under the passenger seat on euro cars.
Great review again 👍🏻
I bought a Panda last year as my Chrysler 300c was costing a fortune on my daily commute. The car has paid for itself in fuel savings alone. It is a car you can easily grow attached to. It's cheap, fun and very practical. I'd forgotten how easy a small car is to get into regular parking spaces. It's brilliant for shopping runs, tip runs and fun runs. I agree that they look better with roof rails and alloys but my only regret is not getting one with air con. Seriously considering a Panda 4x4. I still can't part with the Chrysler though!
I used to sell the Fiat Panda in 1980 and the rear seats were like a hammock to help keep production cost down.
Think the bodies were made of rice paper
Steel wheels for me, I love that European rental look. Makes you feel like you're on holiday everyday.
Cracking channel
What was the actual issue you had with it after the long haul?
"It fixed itself" was his reply to Jefferson Humber earlier on.
@@rafflesnh go panda lol
Wednesday night video, 😮 you caught me off guard. 😆
I try and do a midweek upload too :)
@@HighPeakAutos and a mk6😎