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Cuddly, bouncy Panda

Hi John, I have a Rover 214is from 1998, which I am thinking of adding to the government scrap heap even though it has only done 78,000 miles and has been reliable. I was considering the FIAT Panda 100HP and have just read your report. Whilst you ended up liking it I am concerned about speed bumps as it sounds like the skirting could easily be damaged. I only do about 3,000 miles a year do you think it would be worth hanging on to the Rover instead?

Asked on 28 November 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
Standard FIAT 500s and Pandas, including the 100HP, bounce around all over the place. But I wonder if the 100HP will get the softer rear springs and rear anti roll bar fitted to the Abarth 500, 500C and due to be fitted to the rest of the 500 range. That will make it a lot better. FIAT is staying tight lipped about the precise date when the rest of the 500 range will get decent suspension.

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