Lots of fun..
My head gasket blew at 59,658 miles.
Gear stick loose.
Rust round doors and windows.
The car itself is great, a great first and fun car to drive!!
Cheap to run, my first car and will never sell it; it's great!
Yes I had a few problems with it, but I will still keep it!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th May, 2008
Cheap and very cheerful! A future classic!
Drivers seat would not stay upright.
Rust!
Boot Lock would jam.
Driveshaft gaiter leaked oil.
Having previously owned an old Panda back in the late 90's, I brought my girlfriend to look at this one, she didn't like it, but I bought it on the spot!
Pandas are funny cars, they look very boxy and everything is quite flimsily made, being the basic 750 model, it also lacked ANY creature comforts whatsoever, however I think this added to the overall driving experience, it was a car that you could get involved with, in a world full of electronics, the basic electrical system was fantastic, and there wasn't a hint of a problem with it.
Fuel consumption averaged over 40 mpg and the engine was a revelation, the FIRE is probably the best small engine mass produced for a road car, felling unburstable, and made a lovely noise, it was only 34bhp, but felt much more!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th May, 2006
A small car with attitude - who needs a Smart car!
2003 - Gearbox bearing; replaced gearbox and clutch as a result.
2001 - fuel hose split - minor engine fire resulted, but extinguished with no major damage.
No other serious faults.
As a 14 year-old car it has no significant sales value, but as a soft-top runabout (I have the twin sun roofs) it is priceless; especially in the hot summer weather.
It handles very well - the steering is direct and the turn-in is very good.
The 4x4 is great fun in light snow and ice - it is light and therefore it is easy to correct slides.
The throttle response is sharp and although the gearing is quite low, it buzzes along the A-roads at a crisp 55 mph without fuss. I have even given it the occasional blast on the motorway - 60mph!
The bodywork has some small rust spots - mainly in the lower section of the door, but Wax-oil seems to have halted the spread. A regular coating of Mer has brought the white paintwork up to a showroom shine.
The interior is wearing well, although some bits of the plastic trim have come away - interior door sills.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th August, 2003
It's a beaut!
Not much really, the cars a beast! It had a new front swivel in an MOT, not expensive though, it had only done 32,000 miles.
The cars a mini Jeep, its like being on perminant safari. 4x4 is excellent, can out perform a Range Rover. The manual chokes a novelty extra and has loads of charm, I love this car and would gladly give my life for it. The seats are nice, backs spacious ;) and she can move like a bat out of hell! I got 85 out of her and shes only meant to do 100 tops. Not bad. If you see one buy her, look after the beast and she'll go on forever.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 19th July, 2003
Ideal first car
Nothing serious has gone wrong, except for when I hit the back of a Volvo.
It needed a new bumper, radiator, fan, and grille. All of which cost just £30.
Some rust on the bottom of the doors. Only cosmetic.
I've had some trouble with the windscreen wiper. It has fallen off a few times.
For a first car, you can't really ask for more.
Its the lowest insurance group there is, lowest tax group there is and costs just £20 to fill up (depending on the price of petrol).
The back seats are abysmal. They have a fair bit in common with a hammock. Having said this though, they can be completely removed and there is masses of space once they are out. I have brought all my stuff back from university in the boot.
Front seats are much better and are very comfortable.
Parts are very cheap since there are loads of old pandas around in scrap yards.
It doesn't handle to badly, but it is rather underpowered. However, since Pandas are very minimalist (no power steering etc) you don't need much speed to have a laugh. Also, since the tires are so thin, you can pull of huge squealing wheel spins.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th June, 2003
6th Apr 2005, 06:04
Why only 60 mph on motorway? I made 80 on flat road and 90 downhill! It takes time to reach this speed, though...
SG.