General Fiat panda problems, Can anyone tell me...

[Snaphappyalex]

Can anyone tell me the main problems with fiat panda's? IE, the rust hot spots (I alreay know about the door sills and wheel arches) Any common electrical faults?
Are there any parts that wear REALLY quickly? Cause when I get a panda, I wanna restore it back to it's showroom condition. Even if I have to spend over £2000 doing it...

 

[Nuova500]

Are you serious, if so then £2000 wont go far on restoration work, even a basic respray is at least £600!

As for the rust, they can go anywhere, but apart from what you have mentioned check boot floor, base of windscreen and after that any seam. Mechanically they are very strong cars, but they have their weaknesses... driveshaft gaiter bearings can leak, distributor vacuum advance units fail, electrics are good but earthing towers (hedgehogs) give trouble if neglected. Basically the Panda is a simple car to maintain and is as reliable as you can get for its age. Buy a good one, they are still about so take your time.

 

[Snaphappyalex]

Are you serious, if so then £2000 wont go far on restoration work, even a basic respray is at least £600!

As for the rust, they can go anywhere, but apart from what you have mentioned check boot floor, base of windscreen and after that any seam. Mechanically they are very strong cars, but they have their weaknesses... driveshaft gaiter bearings can leak, distributor vacuum advance units fail, electrics are good but earthing towers (hedgehogs) give trouble if neglected. Basically the Panda is a simple car to maintain and is as reliable as you can get for its age. Buy a good one, they are still about so take your time.

I'm willing to spend up to £5000 =)
I want a panda that will go on for another 10-15 years =P Maybe more if possible ^.^

 

[Nuova500]

You wont need to spend all that... get a minter for say £600 to £800, low mileage. Waxoyl all the cavities and look after it, you probably wont even be allowed to drive it in 10 to 15 years if the greenies get their way, or if Labour dont force us all off the road, so enjoy it now.

 

[Sprox]

I'm willing to spend up to £5000 =)
I want a panda that will go on for another 10-15 years =P Maybe more if possible ^.^

Lol! you can buy my panda Sky which is on Ebay at the moment for £5000 if you like!

Seriously though - it is solid throughout and drives very well - I did have to fiat a new horn for it's MOT though lol!

 

[Snaphappyalex]

Lol! you can buy my panda Sky which is on Ebay at the moment for £5000 if you like!

Seriously though - it is solid throughout and drives very well - I did have to fiat a new horn for it's MOT though lol!

I mean 5k over TIME, Not up front, I'm 16, not 61... XD

 

[panda-sport]

Lol! you can buy my panda Sky which is on Ebay at the moment for £5000 if you like!

Seriously though - it is solid throughout and drives very well - I did have to fiat a new horn for it's MOT though lol!

hmm :idea:, just what I've been looking for, now how do I get it back to its original home of Essex:chin:

 

[Sprox]

hmm :idea:, just what I've been looking for, now how do I get it back to its original home of Essex:chin:

What a silly question!

DRIVE IT!

Actually - I could possibly deliver it at cost......

 

[Nuova500]

Another one Damon? Youve got it really bad havent you

 

[panda-sport]

Another one Damon? Youve got it really bad havent you

 

[dave]

I'm willing to spend up to £5000 =)
I want a panda that will go on for another 10-15 years =P Maybe more if possible ^.^

but you haven't even got £15 for an alternator for the vectra

 

[Snaphappyalex]

but you haven't even got £15 for an alternator for the vectra

As I said... Over time... I want a project that not just gunna last me till summer, I want it to go further... And affording £20 for the alty is only a current problem that will dissappear shortly

 

[Nuova500]

"And affording £20 for the alty is only a current problem"

LOL the alternator would have a current problem

 

[tashman]

bd-doom-tsssss!!

Good one!

 

[pandamonius_maximus]

lol, that joke was so bad yet so good!

I have a slight current problem on mine aswell. seems to be slightly undercharging even now that ive bought a new one

More tinkering to be done now that i have time after the exams :slayer:

Back on topic though, brilliant to hear your as mad as the rest of us at wanting the ultimate panda (in our own personal ways ). I hope you find the car that pandas to your needs. aha aha!

Cheers
Si