Used Fiat Panda 2004 - 2012 reliability review

Name: Used Fiat Panda 2004 - 2012
Rating: 4
Author: Stuart Milne

Cheap to buy and a pleasure for driver and passengers alike

How we test cars

What should I look for in a used Fiat Panda?

Fiat puts in an average performance in our regular reliability surveys. And, if it wasn't for fault-ridden older cars such as the Cinquecento, the company could have finished even higher.

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Certainly, owners seem to love life with the Panda, according to the JD Power Customer Satisfaction survey. It was the highest-placed Fiat in 2005, securely in the top 25% overall.

According to Warranty Direct, very few faults have been reported by Panda owners. Despite its good record, however, there are some things to look out for. On a few cars, the clutch juddered, and some suffered from a jammed tailgate release mechanism. If you're shopping for the MultiJet diesel, ask the previous owners about its fuel and oil consumption as some owners have reported that both are abnormally high.

Tips & Advice

Check for outstanding recalls

Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy

Choose the right breakdown cover

You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice

Make sure you have warranty cover

New cars usually have warranties that last between three and seven years that can help cover the cost of mechanical faults. But this protection can last longer with an extended warranty

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About the writer

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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