Why not check out Ciao's own Ladyfuscia at http://www.myspace.com/akolayd She can really play.
Why not check out Ciao's own Ladyfuscia at http://www.myspace.com/akolayd She can really play.
Member since:06.02.2001
Reviews:110
Members who trust:404
If ever there was a car that resembles a chicken coup on wheels then monster has to be it. I never actually owned this car, it was a company car, don’t ask just don’t ask but she was an experience to drive.
At the heart of the Panda beats a 1000cc OHC Fiatfire engine, (not the red type with blue lights) a capable little engine it was and when coupled to a five-speed gearbox and 4-wheeldrive it gave an adequate, off motorway performance. The downside was the noise it produced, it was a high revving engine and it soon gained the nickname Pandermonium. Even the radio couldn’t drown the appalling racket at
anything over 50 miles an hour. Mind you at that sort of speed it was all you could do to keep the thing on the road as it bounced around on suspension reminiscent of an up turned pram. An experience not to be missed, believe me.
The interior was Spartan to say the least; the seats were only bettered in the padding stakes by deck chairs off Blackpool prom. No luxuries like glove boxes were to be found where you could hide your goodies from prying eyes only a shelf was provided to store your goodies. Due to the frisky suspension everything would fall of very rapidly so you soon learnt not to leave anything breakable on it.
Steering is not power assisted but was surprisingly precise and light, even the brakes were good but not outstanding. The brakes however did have an alarming tendency to seize up on the front callipers, the first sign of which would be a strong burning smell welling up. Brake callipers she ate, 4 sets in the two years we had her.
The ignition system was a nightmare, true she never let us down, she always started first time (except when the petrol tank developed a hole) but she did have a tendency to break a small wire in the distributor. (The part that sent the spark to the spark plugs) When this happened it would manifest itself when you navigated around a tight corner such as an island, the engine would cut out as the halves of the wire parted company and as you straightened up they would rejoin. The engine would then pick up again and the unburned petrol in the exhaust would explode causing a terrific backfire. This I found most entertaining.
I once had occasion to travel to see a new wind farm that at been opened in Blyth Northumberland. Heavy rain had been falling and I had to cross some open ground that resembled a quagmire, other people had obviously come to see the same thing, as there were a number of other cars abandoned in the mud or digging in deeper as their drivers tried to extract them selves. The Panda, no problem reach down by the gearlever and pull up another lever to engage 4 wheel drive and away she went with no hesitation at all, boy was I a smug bunny.
Carrying capacity wise she would carry 2 adults and 2 small children no problem, but where she excelled is in what she could carry. I remember one occasion where I, a mere 14 stone, and my mate Skippy the Barst*ard (again don’t ask), 19 stone of pure wind went to carry out some machining work on a truck engine. We carried with us two cylinder heads (more than one man could lift) a set of pistons and a boring bar (a two man job to lift it) and assorted tools. We set off with misgivings as the area we were going to was 20 miles away, all up hill. The little panda, for once didn’t roll, as the suspension was bottomed, but she excelled on the hills up she went with no hesitation once she got there with no hesitation and little effort, she went up in my estimation that day.
Economy wise she was poor, only getting about 28 miles to the gallon, which didn’t seem to alter wherever or however she was driven. She was also prone to infestation by rampant tin worm (rust), which provided much needed air conditioning. Oil leaks from the drive shaft oil seals were also a reoccuring problem
On the whole she was an experience to drive, sometimes amusing, sometimes frustrating but on the whole I’m glad I had the chance to drive her. There are still some of the 4 x 4 versions around and if you want a cheap, fun, basic frustrating vehicle that can be easily converted to a chicken coup then this machine is for you.
Love this op. I've had problems with the points and condenser in mine causing a similar cutting out of the engine. Only to gain power a few seconds later, usually after braking etc. Everyone loves this car, as I said in my review. Nice one! G.
lynnebraidwood 28.03.2002 11:05
Having now graduated from a panda to a cincqucento I miss all its little quirks ! Your op brings all the good times (and times stand in a garage shaking my head) back
Advantages: Pennies to run, safe, excellent handling, cool image and a fantastic car! Disadvantages: Finding a decent one that isn't riddled with rust.
Samuelcard 23.09.2007 (23.09.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Fiat Panda 1000
Advantages: Pennies to run, safe, excellent handling, cool image and a fantastic car! Disadvantages: Finding a decent one that isn't riddled with rust.
Samuelcard 23.09.2007 (23.09.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Fiat Panda 1000
Feb 1st, 2002
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