Proud Panda Owner Norfolk

[Borntown]

Hello,
My FIAT Panda 1.2 Active (2012 reg) is beginning to show it's age and whilst I can pretty much repair the simpler (uncomplicated) stuff, more serious stuff are beginning to rear their ugly heads.
Unfortunately the people around here that repair cars professiionally are turning out to be a bunch of avaricious wolves. So the main reason I'm joining is to compare notes and advice with like-minded owners.

cheers

 

[The Panda Nut]

Welcome from another Norfolk Panda driver. I have used and reviewed a small garage in Dereham who have been straight and reasonably priced. This is in the Directory tab if you want to see. Unfortunately the dealer in Norwich seems to have gone off and I think Im done with them. Reminds me I need to cancel my MOT and service with them.

 

[rmjbn1]

Yes I'd agree your car is at the age where you need to be able to DIY the bigger jobs to keep ownership affordable.

If you're interested in doing so, I'd say your car is the perfect candidate.

The body is galvanised so rust is manageable (keep on top of the rear axle!), parts are cheap and plentiful and they're relatively easy to work on.

It doesn't have the really expensive service items of newer cars. I wouldn't want a more modern car where the cost of a new clutch slave cylinder or timing belt can virtually write it off!

Plus it has this great forum full of knowledgeable friendly folk, not many makes are so lucky

 

[steveras57]

They are right! -theres a load of us (old) gits struggling to keep our mobile scrap on the road misery loves company an all that! welcome to the groups let us know when you need some of our self-righteous and opinionated ideas! here to help!( or in some cases make things even more confusing!) theres always a kindred spirt waiting to help /laugh! (delete as applicable!).

 

[Blackie27]

As a proud relatively new panda owner Dec '24.
I can confirm that the advice I have had on here has been priceless.

You will fine all the help you need to keep your car on the road.

 

[steveras57]

As a proud relatively new panda owner Dec '24.
I can confirm that the advice I have had on here has been priceless.

You will fine all the help you need to keep your car on the road.

Thats the plan! but you know what they say about "the best laid plans!" dont ya!.

 

[Blackie27]

Thats the plan! but you know what they say about "the best laid plans!" dont ya!.

Or my best quote to the wife "It will only take me 10 minutes"......... 6 hours later

 

[steveras57]

Or my best quote to the wife "It will only take me 10 minutes"......... 6 hours later

Its called flexi-time!- when doing an important job 1 hour to us feels like 5 minutes! whereas in contrast and in an attempt to create balance in the universe when we say "5" minutes to the boss!- in 3 minutes time they run in and shout at us " you've been half an hour" (Often followed by- your dinners ruined now!**"!$$$**&!!!) and a slamming door noise!! Het-ho just the way it is! you do get used to it! but still makes yer toes curl up ( and yer dinner taste!.