General Out and about in the "new" Panda

[Bergi NZ]

Racked up 1000 km in the last 4 weeks in our 2015 (built 2013) Panda Lounge. mostly open road running, 5.3 liters/100km = 53mpg... very pleased!
Needs 4 new tires, ones on it are 11 years old and miss-matched on the front. Also very noisy. Will try some Pirelli Cinturato P7's, supposed to be quiet running. Anyone tried them?
Car has all the disasters waiting to happen: DMF, Dualogic box, turbo, multiair unit... but at 43,000 km should be ok for a bit... I've found it takes about 3 weeks to work with the Panda's quirks, then it's a lot of fun.
Thanks everyone who contributes to the site, gives some security when owning a Fiat a long way from Europe/UK, (I'm in New Zealand)

 

[the green vanper]

Hello,

happy to see a Panda on the other end of the globe

Get to know how to service the Dualogic system, as it needs precise and regular servicing!

Good luck

 

[The Panda Nut]

Touch wood I have not had any big issues and we now have 4 Pandas as they do what it says on the tin, and have proved hugely reliable. In total we have done 300,000 Panda miles. The worst thin was the vapur control system failed and caused limp home. I have changed all the front suspension on the oldest car (now sold on after 7 years use) rubber bushes and dampers needed doing. I reckon they are pretty good to go for at least 90K without a lot of bother. Tyre and brakes last really well which keeps running costs down. With a TA I would stick to the recommended oil as far as possile and use genuine filters. I dont know why they are so much fun to drive, but the steering is nice and really well geared, all the controls are light, the gear lever falls to hand and the brakes are good. Drining our 1.2 lounge yesterday I was thinking it handles so well toally neutral unless you are driving much too fast. When I think back to some of my earlier cars its a revelation. I have done many thousands of miles fully laden with people and stuff and with things on the roof as well and even over big distances they perform well. There are flashier cars, and better riding cars and quieter cars but they all have draw backs. Cost and lack of economy being two, expensive tax and Insurance being another two. I would like an automatic gearbox and wouldnt have a Fiat Dualogic / Selespeed because few places can repair and maintain them. This and the small boot are the only things that are limiting. I have managed over 60mpg out of my TA 4x4 when it was vital (fuel shortages). I have to say Im hooked on these things and wouldnt want anything else. The 4x4 is so easy to get into and out of being a little higher up and as Im pushing 70 now thats another bonus. Great choice.

PANDAS ON THE TOP!!