USED Fiat Panda Hatchback (04 - 12)

My car

Just sold my Panda after 5 years of trouble free driving,I only got rid of it because a slightly bigger car was needed. I would be happy to recommend this car for anyone who is after a cheap runabout. I would'nt buy a new one though there's plenty of decent 2nd cars about.

The good things. Plesant to drive, economical, very easy to park, room for 2 tall adults in the rear, more practical cheaper and less girlie than the 500, resonable performance on the motorway for a car of its size.

The bad things It came with a cassette deck instead of a CD player , yellow seats which are'nt very practical, condensation caused rust to appear on one of the seat runners, the boot release keep operating as I drove along. ( to be fair these 2 problems occured when the car was 5 years old )

My car

I have had a Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic Eco 5dr car for just over 13 months. It has done just over 13,000 miles - c. 9,000-10,000 of them in motorway conditions - and I have enjoyed driving it having had no trouble with it until now. Two days ago the clutch 'burnt out'. I am told by the dealer from whom I bought it that this has been due to 'wear and tear' and therefore a new one was not covered by warranty. When I asked for clarification, I was told that I had driven 'on the clutch' for most of these miles...

Is the honest truth that this car is not suitable for long motorway journeys?

Has any other driver experienced this problem with so few miles on the clock in similar conditions (c.1,000 miles per month, 750 of them motorway)?

Have I bought, unknowingly, a 'Friday night' car?

My car

Ibought mine for under £5000 brand new in August, love the car but have had a few problems. It's been back with the dealer a few times, and going back toady again. It's great to drive, cheap to run and brilliant for parking. Plenty of space inside and good boot space. Can be sluggish on hills but not a problem. I had to a utility socket and remote locking fitted when I bought it, that blew the electrics and caused a few other faults, not sure Fiat mechanic really knows the car? Now having a problem with water building up all around the four doors and pooling in the door wells. Looks as thought the seal doesn't quite fit. The amount of water settling there will cause major problems in a freeze, the doors won't open! and am worried about rust. Having been on the motorway in wet weather the muddy water got in and half way up the the door frame, definitely not normal. Not sure if that's common to the make or if I got a lemon. Problems aside I do love the car and if I can get the niggles sorted I would buy another. Can't beat it for value

My car

Great little car. Roomy and very refined. It struggles a little on hills, but to be expected for a 1.1 litre. Economical and cheap to run. My only gripe is the angle/position of the accelerator which leads to calf cramp over a long journey.

If Fiat can make small cars like this what do they make such a hash of bigger ones??