Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir (85bhp) Lounge 5d (2012/12) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I was looking for a new car on the cheap.

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

Some like the looks and the space.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Appalling customer service from the dealer, poor mpg from the twin air engine and dreadful residual, it is worth less than we owe on it in two years.

What are you likely to buy next?

Mini copper d.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£10,500

When did you buy the car?

July 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Managed to get the staff rate because of my job.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Low insurance group, five doors, good space, high claimed mpg.

What was the dealer like?

Very good whilst we were buying the car. Not so good once we had taken delivery.

What's it like to drive?

Underpowered in Eco mode, great to drive out of Eco, as long as you don't mind single figure mpg. Handles well, pretty good quality build for the price.

What's it like to park?

Very easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The stop start has never worked correctly. Been in three times, last time the technician said "The engine stops, then it starts, what more do you want?"- perhaps some time in between?. The fault is blamed on the daytime running lights using too much power. Fuel economy os poor, 67.8 mpg quoted, we struggle to get 50 mpg, even without any town driving. The petrol engine is underpowered in Eco mode and drops to single figure mpg as soon as you go up hill or drive to the national speed limit.

What's most practical about your car?

Small outside but good space inside.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Blue and me is good.