2004 Fiat Panda Dynamic Aircon 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car, crap after sales

Faults:

Electric boot release

Power steering.

General Comments:

Seems like I wrote the only review so far on the new Panda. Last time it was new and I was happy.

I still like the car, but the dealer service is shocking. They seem to be unable to repair the most simple of faults and treat customers with disdain. Although I work in the trade I have been treated poorly and do not believe me when I tell them about the problems with the car.

When I bought the car I was willing to give Fiat a chance re. their reputation for poor customer care. How wrong I was. I'm still going to reserve judgment as I love the car so much, but they really need to sort out their customer care. They are truly appalling - even head office. I complained to head office in the UK about the car. Their response was 'well life isn't perfect, is it?' Says it all really.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 20th August, 2004

7th Sep 2004, 11:55

How true. As someone once said, great cars, but if you aren't married to a dealer, don't buy one.

24th Dec 2004, 04:13

We gave up on Fiats after awful dealer service and poor reliability. New Suzuki Wagon R was 100% reliable over 78,000 miles, now onto great Kia Picanto, still 100% after 7000 miles. Liked new Panda though.. shame it's a Fiat! They really need to get tough with the dealers and quality control, and listen to the buyers, because the designs are excellent, the brand fun, but who will risk their money on a poor relationship with the dealer and ultimately the manufacturer?

21st Jul 2007, 07:55

Comments ring true. Have a 05 Panda which I really like. I was on holiday recently when the power steering played up. The dealer were unbelievably unhelpful and rude. They damaged the dashboard during maintenance with scratches and left marks on the upholstery. Had to take it to another Fiat dealer who sorted the problem properly. They were OK, but so many of the Fiat dealers I have come across are pretty crap. LISTEN FIAT. YOUR DEALERS ARE RUBBISH!!!