Technical Thoughts on The MK3 Panda Cross For a New Driver?

[jrkitching]

Rust issues ok the rear axle 4x4 parts are likely to be the same if it’s a petrol or diesel.

4x4's of that vintage use a completely different rear suspension setup; afaik it's the same regardless of whether petrol or diesel.

The problem is that if it becomes seriously corroded, which is quite likely on a 14 yr old car, the cost of its replacement (even if you could get one) will write the car off.

At least with a 2WD car you can fit an aftermarket replacement at affordable cost if it rusts out.

Again no one is asking what car you would buy this person is specifically asking about the panda 4x4 that’s clearly what he wants. I don’t understand people’s need to find fault in everything and try to put him off.

Because the chances of finding a 4x4 Panda for £2k that's going to give reasonable service without significant additional expenditure are slim. If he's set his heart on a 4x4, he's going to need a considerably larger budget.

 

[TheMossMan44]

That's not what I said.

I'd agree that there are plenty of cars of that age and mileage in daily use and in good order. There are quite a few on this forum.

But most folks with cars like that don't part with them without good reason. The ones that are being offered for sale are much less likely to be in that sort of condition. Some would cost more than the value of the car to put into good order. The trade tends to filter out the best ones long before they end up on a dealer forecourt; it's the condition of those that I'm advising a would be purchaser to be wary of.

It upsets me when a young person with little experience ends up paying what is to them a significant sum of money for a car that's essentially rubbish, and we've seen quite a few examples of that on her

I don't think anyone is trying to put the OP off. We're just trying to give him advice on what to look out for.

All of which is very helpful

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Everyone would love the OP to buy a Panda. Nobody would want the OP to take a bath on their first car.
I bought a cheap diesel 4x4, as it happens. A younger one than this one. I had a bork fund. I needed it.
Eyes wide open is key, and that's what's being said - correctly IMHO.

 

[The Panda Nut]

I bought a new 4x4. I live in the countryside and have very limited need of it. I just wanted one. Having go both a 4x4 and a 2WD the 4x4 adds pretty well nothing apart from the style in all normql driving. Its nice to know its there though. I hve driven 2WD over some really silly stuff in the past and if buying again might well just go for a City Cross as this looks the same as a 4x4. I think the 169 cross again has the look, and once sorted out it will provide a lot of fun. We just sold Daffo our 2011 169 for £600. It had been looked after and was in exceptionally good condition to teh unknowing observer. I was aware of some rusting having taken hold on the front chassis leg by the rust trap behind the front struts, (this all treated by local coachbuilder) and also observed rust inside the sills looking in through one of the plugged holes. While it was running sweetly, it had suffered un unexplained overheating episode, and the steering rack had wear that could be heard, There was a substantal knocking from the front which I suspect was the air con condenser suffering broken mounting brackets. Its up for sale for £2195 and they clearly have sorted none of this. Its described in glowing terms. I think its worth the asking price but its life iis definitely finite due to rust, and it will require TLC which I didnt have the energy to give. Parked near andy other 2011 car it would stand up very well. This does show that its important to make sure you get advice from someone that knows when buying and go for a good test drive. Expect a few things to need doing and make sure you have say £500 tucked aside for this. Remeber if you use the 4x4 for a bit offoff roading, its still a small hatchback and not a Land Rover. Again expect this to cost some money. My take on the old 4x4 is its a great car and the only big drawback is the shortage of some parts. If its an itch you gotta scratch do so but check that there is nothing too major requiring work, and that you can get the parts if there is. Whatever you buy Im sure we all hope it goes well. My personal tip is try and limit the spending on your first car, avoid mods and the like as you will burn money big style, Like I did! If I could go round again I would be more realistic and spend less on the first car, and try and keep all my cars longer. If you think buying the first one is expensive, wait till you want to sell it to change up. At least the Panda 4x4 is an icon and will likely hold its price if you have a reasonable runner. Good luck

 

[koalar]

You know the diesel is band D £160 a year verses a 1.2 petrol 4x4 which is £255? Rust issues ok the rear axle 4x4 parts are likely to be the same if it’s a petrol or diesel.

Please quote me in context

VS

When you are complaining that a 14 year old car is at the end of its life why is a panda 1.2 dynamic going to be any better.

2010 is towards is end of life, there's very few 2008 and old that haven been patch on the rear sills, yes there are exceptions

I said put the money saved in insurance and road tax into a more modern car

Again no one is asking what car you would buy this person is specifically asking about the panda 4x4 that’s clearly what he wants. I don’t understand people’s need to find fault in everything and try to put him off.

I not trying to put them off

It up to them to choose

So stop suggesting non 4x4 cars because he might as well just go buy any other boring econo-box fwd car

I haven't suggested buying any car


The question I am trying to answer is

I am concerned about whether it'd be so expensive to repair frequently

Seeing as some of the parts are unique, and 14 years old potentially yes, your in the hands of the gods

There at least 3 of these recently of which weren't repaired

And two of these not repaired yet

Even if you are doing your own repairs under 10 years is better

 

[PuntoHowTo]

Please quote me in context

View attachment 446168


VS



View attachment 446169




2010 is towards is end of life, there's very few 2008 and old that haven been patch on the rear sills, yes there are exceptions

I said put the money saved in insurance and road tax into a more modern car



I not trying to put them off

It up to them to choose

I haven't suggested buying any car


The question I am trying to answer is



Seeing as some of the parts are unique, and 14 years old potentially yes, your in the hands of the gods

There at least 3 of these recently of which weren't repaired

View attachment 446188

And two of these not repaired yet

View attachment 446189

Even if you are doing your own repairs under 10 years is better

I’m going to back down and agree with everything you’ve said. I am wrong on the tax it’s the later diesels that had a slightly lower rate it seems. The underside of that car in that picture is a horror show and a nightmare for someone to have to deal with. Those huge holes in the parts of the sub assembly is just shocking.

The problem is that there is still the same potential for rust and other issues on a non 4x4.

If my mind was set on getting a 4x4 then I might be inclined to set out looking for a really good one, but I’d arm myself to know what I was looking for.

It seems 1.2 4x4s are few and far between now and the cost of tax is worse than the diesels.

The twinair models are seemingly much more common but in older cars you have the issue of the multiair unit.

Really if you want a 4x4 the best advice would be to get the newest car possible and a good waranty. Otherwise if you just want a panda and you’re not bothered about the 4x4 the. Definitely look around at 2nd cars in your price bracket.

I can understand the appeal of the 4x4 but with these cars being quite old now you really need to be able to take a lot of the jobs on yourself (talking about a 2010 cross) a panda is a great place to learn but if you’re having lots of problems and you can’t use the car that’s not so great