Fiat Panda 4x4 (2012 - 2023) 0.9 TwinAir (85bhp) 4X4 5d (2013/13) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Thoughtful and fun!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Those in the know, great choice; those not in the know, smart little car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, it's does exactly what it says on the tin and then exceeds expectations!

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably a Panda 4X4 or the 500L if they make it in a 4x4, and definitely a 500L 4x4 if they do it with 7 seats (the 4 kids are getting bigger!).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£15,000

When did you buy the car?

April 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got a very good deal on the part exchange that effectively gave me a healthy discount on the purchase price.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I live in a rural area of North Wales and needed a car that has good height clearance, can take 4 passengers, four wheel drive, fun to drive, not too expensive and was economical.

What was the dealer like?

Utterly appalling, from sales to service it has been a painful relationship; if it wasn't for the fact that the two Fiat dealers within 50 miles are both the same company, I certainly would have acted with my feet!

What's it like to drive?

Ace, lots of fun, great little engine. Gives me an average of 45 to the gallon; just don't take it over 3000 rev's on the motorway or the fuel economy just disappears! If you are doing motorway driving then go for the diesel, if you want some fun and a very peppy little 4x4 get the TwinAir.

What's it like to park?

Great! Can't believe you can get parking sensors; if you can't park this then perhaps you need to reconsider driving! ;->.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Start/Stop is an ongoing saga with the car randomly not restarting with no warning lights; it just doesn't restart. When ordering the 5 seat flex pack the spare saving spare wheel is automatically removed as an extra. I lost the sidewall on one tyre within 7 days and the inflation kit does not fix this kid of puncture. Car had to be recovered just for the sake of a flat tyre, then it turns out that as it's a winter tyre they are only available at certain times of the year. I then insisted on the space saver and Fiat gave me the kit as a good will gesture - a 4x4 NEEDS a spare. Oh, and yes, the space saver fitted in the usual place even with the 5 seat flex pack!

What's most practical about your car?

Heated windscreen, eco, 4x4, fits my 4 kids on a school run.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Heated windscreen is genius; had it on the Jag and was really surprised and pleased it is an extra on the Panda (because it's a Ford patent). If you can have it as an option on any car, just buy it!!! Iced windscreens and steamy windows clear in seconds.