Hi, Avant. I guess it`s quite subjective really. When I was working I once put 87,000 miles on a 2CV, in three years. It had regular 520 mile (return) runs to South Wales and we also went to the South of France in it.

Mrs O`s Panda is smooth at an indicated 80mph and is more comfortable (supple suspension) than our Punto Van. It`s the Punto van though that is the `Continental Tourer`

We`ve been lucky really, financially, and could go out and buy a new top of the range Luxo motor for cash and not be affected. But we choose a Panda and Punto Van.

(The van because I want the option of 70mpg + with the covered carrying capacity of more than the larger cars)

Perverse sounding - maybe. But sheer logic in the choices for their use.

One thing about the Panda to consider though is the driving seat. I`m 6`2" and only 11stone but fill the width of the driving seat base.

I would not hesitate to use our Panda for motorway trips of hundreds of miles - but as I say, It`s subjective.

With the Panda being galvanized and having that simple Fire non interference belt design - I believe it`s as good as you can get for someone who wants to minimise risk of unexpected expenditure, out of the 3yr warranty.

The other good thing that I always consider is how long has the production run been?

With the Panda (and Punto Van) being produced for years - body parts in breakers should be no problem as the cars age.

Hi Gramar, we purposefully went for the 1.1 to avoid air-con and also bought it without metallic paint. White- so that any touch ups can be done easily.

It feels bigger and more substantial than some of it`s competitors too - in my opinion following back to back test drives of a C1.

I believe the new twin cylinder electronic valve engine may be fitted at some point. We were keen to get the well proven `Fire` engine before that happens.

I found i soon adjusted to driving this very smooth petrol engine - bearing in mind my van is a turbo diesel.

Edited by oilrag on 30/05/2010 at 08:59

The new Panda is quite a good little car and quite reliable, something you don't always associate with Fiat. Also the five year warranty is good.

Hi all,

Oilrag....I am considering buying a Panda,purely for economic reasons to be honest.What could I expect MPG to be realistically in mixed town/congestion/motorway travel please?

Cheers....Phil.

Hi Oilrag,

Thanks for that.Its very interesting that you say its smooth and comfortable at 80mph,because I think that would be my main concern going from my Avensis to this little car!

We do a round motorway trip most weekends of 200miles and some people have questioned my sanity(one being SWMBO!) of trading my car for a Panda or C1 etc!

However the thought of Group 1 insurance,low road tax/maintenance costs etc really does appeal to me,particularly as I will be doing a bigger commute to work shortly.

Best thing is go and drive one I guess.....

Phil.

Gramar,

As has already been said, this is a bit subjective. But ill plough in anyway with my two-penneth.

For your kind of mileage, and type of driving (motorway), persoanlly I would want soemthing with a bit more "go" than a 1.1 Panda. Fair enough if you dont want to sit in the fast lane, but an underpowered car on a motorway is IMO a dangerous tool.

How about a 2nd hand Fabia vRS (130 TDI, not the new TSI)? Ticks all your boxes and more...... small, economical, comfortable, understated, cheap to run and most of all, fun.

Failing that, the 105 BHP version in elegance trim is more than capable..... and a bit cheaper to buy.

SEAT Ibiza with the same engine is a good shout too, but I think the ride is a little harder........