Faults:

A blown fuse - and it was very serious I can tell you... We actually had to replace it with another one.

General Comments:

Although it is very cheap, I will not beat around the bush by saying that it's lovely, nippy and full of life. Because it's horrific.

It is slow (although quite good in town because of the low gear ratios), it is uncomfortable and it's as ugly as a turtle after a night on the town, who hasn't slept in days, and who's face is rotting away. It IS, however, very cheap to run indeed and good if you're on a budget.

My advice is to save a bit more and look for a Peugeot 205.

Faults:

Nothing other than what you'd expect at this age. I've changed discs, pads, points and condenser.

I failed to notice that someone had damaged the engine fan wiring and the head gasket failed in a bad motorway tailback in 1998. I did a top overhaul, had the head machined and it's been fine ever since.

It's a Mark 1 and the bonnet and doors were quite rusty so I've just fitted good ones from a late car in a breakers yard and Waxoyled the whole car. The new doors have no quarter-lights so it's a lot quieter at speed and I like the internally adjustable door mirrors.

General Comments:

I got it as a (neglected) 3rd car for shopping and commuting to the railway station.

I've moved house 3 times in 3 years and never cease to be amazed at the amount of things you can cram in the back.

At 46 miles to the gallon I'll keep it forever.

Faults:

New reverse light.

New headlamp.

New spark plugs.

Two new tyres.

General Comments:

Well what can you say??? After having only ever driven two company cars (Xantia & Peugeot 306) I was a bit weary when my dad offered me my younger brothers old Panda, "Don't worry, I'll get it through the MOT" he said.

The car has been an absolute marvel, a wonder to drive and an education. It's incredibly cheap (providing you remember to take the choke off 5 miles in...). You always get a ryeful smile from other owners at the supermarket when you pass them. If I get the chance, the next car after this will be a Panda as well!!

Faults:

The main problem has been that the (expensive to repair) cylinder-head gasket has blown - twice.

This situation has now led to me buying another Fiat Panda - 1000 Fire convertible - because I loved my old one so much!

Otherwise the repairs were just normal stuff eg. a new exhaust now and then, calipers, brake shoes, a bit of rust etc.

General Comments:

These cars are great - cheap on petrol and on parts generally, really nippy, dead easy to park, and their basicness means that they are a thrill to drive on any road for anyone who enjoys driving.

These cars are also characterful and cool-looking in comparison with many of the other anonymous clones on the road.