Fiat Panda 1.2 Easy 5d (2012/62) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Talking cars are overrated and it is an option I didn't choose.

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

Who cares what anybody else thinks?

Would you buy this car again and why?

This is my fifth Panda, so I think it is safe to say that I am smitten and would buy another in a shot.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Panda or it's Fiat replacement.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,170

When did you buy the car?

September 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

£4170, like new, with a full tank of petrol and with just 13,800 miles on the clock and a FSH, an equivalent Easy model from a dealer was £5495. I HPi checked it first for less than a fiver, so yes, canny private sales can be worthwhile if you know what you are looking for and do your homework first.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Bomb proof reliability from previous Panda models.

What was the dealer like?

Private sale, lovely people.

What's it like to drive?

Very smooth and quiet, the soundproofing and handling have been improved since the MK2, but in a bid to lower emissions and subsequent road tax, the performance has taken a hit. Performance aside though, it feels much bigger than the previous model and it oozes quality.

What's it like to park?

If you can't park a Panda easily, you would probably struggle with a motorbike. It has city parking, but the standard PAS is very light and the wheel in each corner shape with little overhang make parking a breeze.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing, but having had completely trouble-free motoring from my 1987, 1989, 2006 and 2008 Panda's, I'm not expecting any issues with this one.

What's most practical about your car?

Economy, small external proportions yet very spacious interior.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Remote central locking and air-conditioning are nice.