I'd second checking the gearbox for noises - wy wife has a 2006 Panda with the 1.2 and 5 speed box (same oily bits as the 500) that became noisy at 40k miles, we had it rebuilt by a fantastic local gearbox specialist - not too expensive considering. The 1.2 4 cylinder engine, whilst not that powerful, is simple, sweet and reliable.
Should be OK at this age but small Fiats whilst being pretty rust resistant these days can have some rust problems. it's still worth checking where suspension mounts are welded on to the body. There are also a few bad mud traps that if not cleaned out can cause issues (rear wheel arches especially towards sill, fuel tank filler neck and an openings in front inner wings near where brake pipes emerge). Check the rear suspension beam, probably OK with a 2013 but worth preserving. Also check the sump - this can rust - I preserved mine with Owatrol oil a few years ago.
Check power steering works well - can show up as a fail if the battery is on its way out - and if fitted with aircon / climate try to test if it's working. Our Panda has climate control and it's actually the best aircon system I've ever encountered in ANY car before - in the summer if you turn to "LO" it turns the interior into something that could be used as a meat locker!! Also check the heater works!
Good luck - these are generally good cars - and if you have issues they are usually cheap and easy to fix.
Edited by Big John on 19/02/2020 at 20:34
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