General Really not happy with my Panda

[NewtoPandas]

Sad to say it but I'm a bit fed up with my Panda.
This morning I checked the oil and although the oil was fine, I noticed some dried mayo -ish deposits near the very top of the dipstick. So I removed the oil filler cap and found mayo stuff on the inside of the cap. This normally indicates that the head gasket has gone, but the car has only done 3600 miles, it's only 6 months old!! It was at the dealers the other week for something else, (see below) and I was told they checked the oil and all was fine. The car had been parked in the drive unused for 48 hours before I checked it so I can only hope it was condensation. It will be going in to the dealers again otherwise.

Also, sometimes when I start it from cold, it makes a metallic noise, sounds like something is catching on the starter motor. It has been doing this intermittently for a long time, I'm not impressed, the car is only 6 months old, it should not be doing this. It's been in to 2 different dealers to look at fixing it, but they couldn't find anything wrong. (I got a Jeep Renegade as a courtesy car when it was last in, which was nice, as it costs twice the price of the Panda to buy!) The other thing that I'm not happy about is that my Panda seems to be using a bit of oil. In the owners handbook it says this is acceptable, but I don't think it is for a new car. I had my Smart Forfour from new, I owned it for 9 years and I never had to top up the oil, it never used a drop. It's such a shame because the Panda is a nice little car and I have tried to like it. But when I start it from cold and it makes that noise, I just despair of it. I know it's not a major fault, but I doubt they will ever find and fix it. I'm going to change the car already and I've only had it 6 months. I had planned to keep the Panda but I'm just not getting on with it. Had a chat with the sales guy at the dealers and he could do me a deal on a 500L which was tempting, but I'm not sure I want another Fiat after this one.

I am in the process of trading the Panda in for a different car, (not a Fiat) so hopefully I will only have the Panda for 1 more week before I get the new car.

 

[leroya500]

Don't worry to much about the Mayo, this time of year it can just be condensation, I'd the cold nights making a tiny bit of water vapour inside the engine then when it's run and warms up it mixes with a few drops of oil causing the Mayo effect.

Inspect your water level/colour as well and if it looks normal you should be fine.

Hope this helps.

 

[The Pretender]

What engine do you have, 1242cc 4 cylinder. ??
If the head gasket is gone you should also see bubble's in your water bottle when the engine is running.
Short drives in winter time means condensation chances.

 

[TheR]

I'm not shure what to say to a post like this.First I do want to say that it's a shame that your not enjoying your new car as much as most of us here seam to do.
I figure you will have a two year waranty so why the hurry to get rid of it and loose a lot of money in the process? Because of some noise when you start it.If this is something realy wrong it will probably be sorted in this two years, it's not like the car isn't starting or left you stranded.
Also not clear what problem you having with the oil. Only thing I don't like about the Panda is the useless dipstick so I wonder if yours is actualy using oil or that it's just the dipstick from wich it's imposible to make an accurate reading.
Ofcourse you might feel that a new car shouldn't use oil but in reality esspecialy in the first miles on the first oil there's nothing realy weird about that. Lot of it will depend on how you drive and under wich conditions.
What I'm trying to say I guess is just ignore the starter noise as long as it's starting every time just drive and enjoy your Panda and if you are uncertain about if the car is using oil just have it checked by your dealer a couple of times and stop bothering with it yourself. I feel you are focussing and worrying way to much about two things wich might or might not even be a problem and because of this aren't enjoying any of the many good and fun qualities this little car has.

 

[The Pretender]

Only the TwinAir has the dipstick connected to the oil filler cap.
He talks about them separately, so i think he has a 1242cc 4 cilinder engine.

 

[aussiepanda]

Bummer. Strange things on new, shiny toys really take the gloss of them don't they. I fully understand your frustration.

First off, what motor have you got?

I wouldn't have thought condensation would be the problem but I live in a much drier, warmer climate so I'll defer to those who live where you are. I will say though, that unless you're using coolant and getting mayo under the coolant cap, you most likely do not have a blown head gasket. You won't necessarily see bubbles in the coolant tank. Blown head gaskets are notoriously difficult to diagnose and no one symptom is definitive. Having lived with an MG ZR, a vehicle notorious for blowing head gaskets and having blown two of them during my time with mine, I'm rather too familiar with the issues.

It's not unknown for even the best manufacturers to produce a brummy. This is why they offer warranties. Get onto your dealer and get it sorted, under warranty.

It's a pity that reading this forum suggests that the Fiat dealership system in the UK seems flawed in this area (fortunately, I haven't had to test it in Australia), but rest assured, if your little car has a problem, you can get it fixed, even if you have to bang on a few desks or go to the automotive ombudsman. It shouldn't have to come to that but doing so is better than losing your car and you are best served by addressing it earlier rather than later.

Keep up posted mate.

 

[portland_bill]

We need to know more to help diagnose the issues.
3600 miles over 6 months at first seems little, but is still 19 miles/day if used equally every day. So half that each way gives a journey of 9.5 miles, enough to get it warm enough to prevent mayo.
However, if its use is more random, and it appears it was not used for two days, is it doing a mix of long and some very short journeys. A couple of very short journeys in cold weather could produce some mayo, which would disappear on the first longer run, and you might never know it was there. Some idea of its most recent journeys would help.

When cold, mark the coolant level. A soft pencil works well.
After a couple of days, check it cold again and see if any is being lost.
If losing some, back to the dealer, show him the mark and current level.
If necessary, visit at a busy time, be firm, but a bit louder than usual. Get their attention in front of other customers. This technique works well if the service reception is in the showroom. Complain to the salesman who sold you the car, when the showroom is busy.

For oil consumption, you need to be very accurate.
Make sure engine is cold, and on a level surface.
Top it up to the max, but not over. This can take some time, adding a couple of tablespoonfuls at a time. Note the mileage
Check it each day, before starting the engine.
When it has dropped half-way on the stick, top up again, measuring accurately how much is used, and note the mileage. Some notes on how it has been used would also help. long/short journeys, type of road and speeds, etc.
After doing this two or three times, you have evidence to discuss with the Fiat service manager. Or it might just show you it isn't as bad as you thought.

The 1.2 engine is usually good on oil, but I have heard of a few using it more than they should. They do benefit from running in properly, varying the workload, rather than just a light load. When we used them with BSM for a year, quite a few complained of oil consumption, but my two were fine.

The starter noise needs to be listened to and diagnosed. The starter has an overrun clutch that operates as the engine fires, and these can squawk a bit, but usually after a few years. They can go on a very long time like this, so may not be an issue. If however something is fouling, it needs sorting. You may need to be there with a mechanic as the noise is replicated, so they understand exactly what you are unhappy about.

 

[David Bliss]

We have had several of the Fire four cylinder engined cars none, used oil until we had the 1.2 09 Panda this used oil for at least 4,000 miles then stopped using any suddenly when we went on holiday across to hilly Wales where it had a good work out. This car is still in the family and doesn't need any topping up of oil between services. The 1.2 14 EURO 6 Panda also used oil, I didn't worry about it as we had the dreadful issue of throttle response and was low geared and gutless compared to the 09 car. Yes, our 14 plate car had the noisy starter that clacked or knocked when starting from cold, its to do with the throttle being held open on cold start ups and as the pistons go over TDC they over speed the starter that as it catches up causes the noise. You can replicate this noise on the older models with the cable operated throttle bodies if you floor the throttle on starting. I am glad we got rid of our new Panda with all its many issues and lack of dealer backup made it a really crap car.

 

[RQ3ZQTB]

Hi,


If the head gasket is blown, you just have to check cylinders compression...
And you'll have a quick answer !!!
I do think it's just a problem of cold weather.
My Panda 3 used oïl for the first year and now it's over.


Regards

 

[NewtoPandas]

We have had several of the Fire four cylinder engined cars none, used oil until we had the 1.2 09 Panda this used oil for at least 4,000 miles then stopped using any suddenly when we went on holiday across to hilly Wales where it had a good work out. This car is still in the family and doesn't need any topping up of oil between services. The 1.2 14 EURO 6 Panda also used oil, I didn't worry about it as we had the dreadful issue of throttle response and was low geared and gutless compared to the 09 car. Yes, our 14 plate car had the noisy starter that clacked or knocked when starting from cold, its to do with the throttle being held open on cold start ups and as the pistons go over TDC they over speed the starter that as it catches up causes the noise. You can replicate this noise on the older models with the cable operated throttle bodies if you floor the throttle on starting. I am glad we got rid of our new Panda with all its many issues and lack of dealer backup made it a really crap car.

Yes, pretty sure that's the cause of the noise mine makes on cold starting, mine is the 1.2 engine.

Many thanks for all the detailed replies. I think the oil is fine, it appears that the mayo was just due to condensation and the car only doing a very short journey. I gave it a long run and it's fine. It used a bit of oil whilst running in which is fair enough and the dealer topped it up. It's not using very much oil and maybe I am worrying a bit too much about it, after all, it's a Fiat, not a Rolls Royce!!

But there are things I do like about the Panda, it's not a bad little car, it's better than the 500. But I don't think it's fun to drive and I'm just not that keen to keep it.

When I bought the Fiat it was down to price really. I wanted a Citroen C4 Cactus at the time but it was too pricey. But I have now found a great deal on the Citroen and as it's the car I really want at the right price, the Panda is being traded in.

 

[portland_bill]

When I bought the Fiat it was down to price really. I wanted a Citroen C4 Cactus at the time but it was too pricey. But I have now found a great deal on the Citroen and as it's the car I really want at the right price, the Panda is being traded in.

I had the 'opportunity' to spend 3 hours in a Cactus late last year, including a 20 minute drive myself. To drive, it seemed very ordinary, no flair, a bit stodgy, but adequate for its job of school run etc. A big dollop of 'style' applied to an ordinary Citroen underneath. Nothing really wrong with it, but don't expect great things, and you won't be disappointed.

 

[NewtoPandas]

I had the 'opportunity' to spend 3 hours in a Cactus late last year, including a 20 minute drive myself. To drive, it seemed very ordinary, no flair, a bit stodgy, but adequate for its job of school run etc. A big dollop of 'style' applied to an ordinary Citroen underneath. Nothing really wrong with it, but don't expect great things, and you won't be disappointed.[/QUOTE

I know the Cactus is a bit pricey for what it is, but I've always loved the styling, although not everyone likes it. I had one last November for a 24 hour test drive and so I've a fair idea what I'm buying. I didn't want to give it back to the dealer!
It's a 1.2 engine, but 3 cylinders so probably similar to the Panda in terms of performance and economy. It did feel better built than the Fiat, but you get what you pay for I guess.

 

[sandeel999]

Crikey a citreon my friend has had one for 2 years its in the garage almost every week. He said if they ever get it running right or a day with no warning lights or when something hasnt fallen off or come loose he will sell it.
I keep telling him to buy a panda lol.

 

[g8rpi]

Hi,


If the head gasket is blown, you just have to check cylinders compression...
And you'll have a quick answer !!!
I do think it's just a problem of cold weather.
My Panda 3 used oïl for the first year and now it's over.


Regards

Not always. There are several "blown head gasket" failure modes, Cylinder to coolant or oil (detectable by compression test) Cylinder to cylinder(normally detectable by compression test) Oil to coolant (not detectable by compression test) are the common ones dependent on block /head design and the root cause of the failure. And poor compression can be valves or rings too.


Robert G8RPI.

 

[oyumurtaci]

I had the 'opportunity' to spend 3 hours in a Cactus late last year, including a 20 minute drive myself. To drive, it seemed very ordinary, no flair, a bit stodgy, but adequate for its job of school run etc. A big dollop of 'style' applied to an ordinary Citroen underneath. Nothing really wrong with it, but don't expect great things, and you won't be disappointed.[/QUOTE

I know the Cactus is a bit pricey for what it is, but I've always loved the styling, although not everyone likes it. I had one last November for a 24 hour test drive and so I've a fair idea what I'm buying. I didn't want to give it back to the dealer!
It's a 1.2 engine, but 3 cylinders so probably similar to the Panda in terms of performance and economy. It did feel better built than the Fiat, but you get what you pay for I guess.

I too had a chance to drive the Cactus, and I personally found it quite enjoyable. The weight savings they have done actually make it feel noticeably lighter than it looks, which means it has more get up and go that it looks like it would. The compromises made to keep the weight down like the rear seats and windows are, in fact, trivial if you don't carry people in the back very often, or for long journeys when you do. And, like you've said, while the actual quality of the materials are a bit suspect (plenty of hard scratchy plastics), the design of it all comes together very well. I loved the simplicity of the dash.

I did, in the end, go with a Panda 4x4, but I'm sure you'll be quite happy with the Cactus and I would have too if I had gone that route. Now that I've taken it off road and through inclement weather, I'm not sure I could enjoy the Cactus anymore unless it also had driven rear wheels as well.

Lastly, even though you're saying goodbye to the Panda, feel free to stick around here so that we can discuss the Cactus and draw comparisons!

 

[RQ3ZQTB]

Poor compression can be valves or rings too.

Hi,


The car is just 6 months old ....


Regards

 

[triumph7]

I had the 'opportunity' to spend 3 hours in a Cactus late last year, including a 20 minute drive myself. To drive, it seemed very ordinary, no flair, a bit stodgy, but adequate for its job of school run etc. A big dollop of 'style' applied to an ordinary Citroen underneath. Nothing really wrong with it, but don't expect great things, and you won't be disappointed.

Yes, it's basically a C3 I believe...

 

[ambient white]

I had the 'opportunity' to spend 3 hours in a Cactus late last year, including a 20 minute drive myself. To drive, it seemed very ordinary, no flair, a bit stodgy, but adequate for its job of school run etc. A big dollop of 'style' applied to an ordinary Citroen underneath. Nothing really wrong with it, but don't expect great things, and you won't be disappointed.

In 66 words you seem to have summed up what many lengthier online reviews say. Wouldn't swap our two Pandas for anything less than new Pandas.

 

[portland_bill]

In 66 words you seem to have summed up what many lengthier online reviews say. Wouldn't swap our two Pandas for anything less than new Pandas.

Thank you for that. I'm amazed you've counted the words, or is it just a trick to make everyone else count them to check. I've had to stop myself counting them several times already. I think you're playing mind games on us.

 

[leroya500]

Defo 66, I counted twice ��