4x4 1.3 MultiJet 75 5dr

Satisfaction Increases

I live in a semi-rural part of Wales, with steep and narrow roads that can be tricky in the winter. The secondhand Panda 4x4 I bought in late 2023 from a Fiat dealership is Ideal for this environment.

Comparing the twin-air and diesel engines I decided on a diesel, firstly because Fiat themselves rate the service life of the diesel to be 50,000 miles more than the twin-air. Also, the amount of torque produced is higher, making it a more competent hill climber.

Upon driving it for the first time, it felt disappointingly slow off the mark. Maybe due to the low gear ratio for 1st. The seat depth was also an issue, with a lack of under thigh support. The ride was pleasantly good for a small car and it could soak up an uneven road surfaces quite well. Best of all it had bags of character. I was sold on it.

So what has it been like to live with for six months and 6,000 miles? Well, it has been surprisingly comfy on some long journeys. I’ve grown accustomed to the seat and working the gears to keep the revs around the 2,000 sweet spot. Anything much below that point and you feel no benefit from the turbo. Anything much above it and the engine just becomes very noisy without much additional power. On the subject of noise, it is quite clattery when cold, but it quietens down as it warms up.

Despite the car having a full Fiat dealer service history, I’ve had to spend quite a lot on the car to bring it back to a good state of repair. Disappointing the Fiat dealership had not done some of these things before they retailed it.

What I’ve had to replace:

New battery (good quality one)
New radiator
New rear pads and discs
Four decent all weather tyres
Air, fuel and pollen filters
Wiper blades

All in all I spent about £1,200 but I feel everything is sorted on the car now. I’ve also found a good independent Fiat specialist so I’ll be using them in the future for servicing and repairs.

To conclude, I have no regrets for buying the Panda 4x4. It is fun to drive on twisty B roads and returns a respectable 50+ mpg. Coupled with the cheap £30 road tax and low insurance group it is economical to run.

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