2007 fiat panda 100hp

[rob1380]

Had it a while now .... thought I’d start a thread .

97,000 miles 3 owners , 2007 fiat panda 100hp 1.4 16v. Have looked for one for ages , found one an hour away.

12 months mot and full service .... er, no on both parts - tyres down to threads on insides, some ‘soft’ spots on sills, non moveable wing mirrors .... oil filter/ air filter not touched etc etc

Lots of immediate jobs to do straight away .... but for now ... pics

[rob1380]

Ok list of immediate jobs....

Proper service
Timing belt
Get door mirrors working
Tracking
New tyres
Assess suspension

[jgtr]

Nice👍 Always wondered how quick these were

[cerbsp6]

Like that alot!

Look forward to updates 👍

[cjj]

Feb 14, 2021 20:49:15 GMT jgtr said:

Nice👍 Always wondered how quick these were

Not very.

This was mine from a few years ago.  Low mileage on it, and did love it as they're very fun.  But lukewarm.

Pedals and steering were too light, even in 'sport' mode.  I'd have another one if they weren't all molested by teenagers and unreasonably pricey.

[rob1380]

Feb 14, 2021 20:49:15 GMT jgtr said:

Nice👍 Always wondered how quick these were

Would say nippy .... 100hp enough to put a smile on your face.

I have classic minis ..... speed is not the key factor , but you always have fun and have a smile on your face .



In my past I’ve also had a 170bhp fiat abarth, so have a soft spot for ‘mini’ fiats

[rob1380]

Feb 14, 2021 21:13:38 GMT cerbsp6 said:

Like that alot!

Look forward to updates 👍

More coming I promise

[rob1380]

Feb 14, 2021 21:14:27 GMT cjj said:

Feb 14, 2021 20:49:15 GMT jgtr said:

Nice👍 Always wondered how quick these were

Not very.

This was mine from a few years ago.  Low mileage on it, and did love it as they're very fun.  But lukewarm.

Pedals and steering were too light, even in 'sport' mode.  I'd have another one if they weren't all molested by teenagers and unreasonably pricey.

Yours looks nice

Mine .... will be / is tweaked (although nothing irreversible)

I know what you mean about steering .... and that awful turning circle!!!!!!

[rust4life]

My Mum had one of these a few years back. It was a hoot to drive - not outright fast as others have mentioned, but fizzy and alive feeling in a way that the Italians do so well (speaking as a former Fiat X1/9 owner!)
Good luck with the improvements.

[joem83]

Nice, always fancied one of these

[cjj]

Feb 14, 2021 21:29:09 GMT rob1380 said:

Feb 14, 2021 21:14:27 GMT cjj said:

Not very.

This was mine from a few years ago.  Low mileage on it, and did love it as they're very fun.  But lukewarm.

Pedals and steering were too light, even in 'sport' mode.  I'd have another one if they weren't all molested by teenagers and unreasonably pricey.

Yours looks nice

Mine .... will be / is tweaked (although nothing irreversible)

I know what you mean about steering .... and that awful turning circle!!!!!!

People generally moaned about the ride on them back then, but mine had bilsteins and was spot on.  Got rid because I needed more baby space, but the Mrs said "do they do a bigger one as it's really comfortable".

Of course the rear spring cups are a big issue on these, so if you haven't already then make sure they're solid and protected.


The paint on these leaves a little to be desired - I always felt that the looked like they'd been sprayed with 1K acrylic, with that sort of weird thin and calendared look to it.  always managed to get good results on it though.


Lack of cruise was annoying though, and being a FIAT it did occasionally have strange moments where the mileometer would go blank and an EML show, then the issue would go as quickly as it arrived.


Been trying to convince a colleague of mine to get one as they're as close as you can get to the likes of an XR2i or Mk1/Mk2 golf in a modern package.

[rob1380]

Feb 14, 2021 21:51:19 GMT cjj said:

Feb 14, 2021 21:29:09 GMT rob1380 said:

Yours looks nice

Mine .... will be / is tweaked (although nothing irreversible)

I know what you mean about steering .... and that awful turning circle!!!!!!

People generally moaned about the ride on them back then, but mine had bilsteins and was spot on.  Got rid because I needed more baby space, but the Mrs said "do they do a bigger one as it's really comfortable".

Of course the rear spring cups are a big issue on these, so if you haven't already then make sure they're solid and protected.


The paint on these leaves a little to be desired - I always felt that the looked like they'd been sprayed with 1K acrylic, with that sort of weird thin and calendared look to it.  always managed to get good results on it though.


Lack of cruise was annoying though, and being a FIAT it did occasionally have strange moments where the mileometer would go blank and an EML show, then the issue would go as quickly as it arrived.


Been trying to convince a colleague of mine to get one as they're as close as you can get to the likes of an XR2i or Mk1/Mk2 golf in a modern package.

Thanks .... I have been through suspension ( including cups) - will detail more in further posts
I have lots of quirks in mine... will also add details to these


Looking at my list ..... had, and have done loads. ( not taken pics of a lot of jobs, but will try and list in order) Will start with tyres ( slighter higher profile ) .... which then led to a new front calliper .... had a rear one replaced by garage before purchase ( which spurred me to paint and sticker them up)
Then tracking done of course

[mr2fc]

Might want to check your speedo with the new tyre size, just in case

[ChasR]

I've always liked Pandas!

This is right from the Pandas back in the 80s, like the Sicily to one of these. I'm sure a few folks looking this will say the same. It's the one car I've fancied buying, but have never bought. The fact that the early '00s actually catered as well for hot hatches since the '80s is probably one big reason ; there are alot of hatches I like from that timeframe. Christ, I almost had a Punto Sporting over the Ka ; for anyone who remembers what a Punto looks like!

It must be their simplicity.

Regarding the poor ride, apparently the rear bump stops allowed for zero travel. Removing the bump stops or at least cutting them down alot helped massively in this department.

Feb 14, 2021 21:51:19 GMT cjj said:

Feb 14, 2021 21:29:09 GMT rob1380 said:

Yours looks nice



Been trying to convince a colleague of mine to get one as they're as close as you can get to the likes of an XR2i or Mk1/Mk2 golf in a modern package.

Another car to consider for your colleague is a Renault Clio 172/182. Some may they are overdone but that is for a very good reason.

It's not often you get a car that's great in most ways out of the box. For trackdays, all they tend to need is better brake pads and decent fluid, along with stickier tyres. That's it. There really is little/no need for most folks to modify them on the road for a sorted example.

When I had mine, it felt like a more refined 205 GTi, almost like its true successor. The pedals were in a similar position, inside it was around as spacious. The fact that the 1x2s had Climate Control, Cruise Control, Xenons, alot of safety kit, yet something being below the 1200kg mark is impressive even back then.

I always preferred the Mini Cooper S over the 172 until I owned mine. They're such a fun back road blast! Like the 205, it would readily lift off oversteer. Unlike a 205 GTi however, they were quick, albeit the 172s really need a remap to make the best of the power they have, and they were frugal. I used to get 33MPG average from mine from mostly town work, and regularly over 40 on the motorways.

The issue with the 172 now is to not get a neglected one; many have now been run on for pennies as they cost pennies a couple of years ago to buy. Prices are firm, albeit still cheap(ish), so they do make sense to buy.

[rob1380]

Feb 15, 2021 7:07:18 GMT mr2fc said:

Might want to check your speedo with the new tyre size, just in case

Thanks, anticipated and checked .... within 1mph either way

Original 45 profile , these 50

[rob1380]

Feb 15, 2021 7:25:59 GMT ChasR said:

I've always liked Pandas!

This is right from the Pandas back in the 80s, like the Sicily to one of these. I'm sure a few folks looking this will say the same. It's the one car I've fancied buying, but have never bought. The fact that the early '00s actually catered as well for hot hatches since the '80s is probably one big reason ; there are alot of hatches I like from that timeframe. Christ, I almost had a Punto Sporting over the Ka ; for anyone who remembers what a Punto looks like!

It must be their simplicity.

Regarding the poor ride, apparently the rear bump stops allowed for zero travel. Removing the bump stops or at least cutting them down alot helped massively in this department.

Feb 14, 2021 21:51:19 GMT cjj said:

Another car to consider for your colleague is a Renault Clio 172/182. Some may they are overdone but that is for a very good reason.

It's not often you get a car that's great in most ways out of the box. For trackdays, all they tend to need is better brake pads and decent fluid, along with stickier tyres. That's it. There really is little/no need for most folks to modify them on the road for a sorted example.

When I had mine, it felt like a more refined 205 GTi, almost like its true successor. The pedals were in a similar position, inside it was around as spacious. The fact that the 1x2s had Climate Control, Cruise Control, Xenons, alot of safety kit, yet something being below the 1200kg mark is impressive even back then.

I always preferred the Mini Cooper S over the 172 until I owned mine. They're such a fun back road blast! Like the 205, it would readily lift off oversteer. Unlike a 205 GTi however, they were quick, albeit the 172s really need a remap to make the best of the power they have, and they were frugal. I used to get 33MPG average from mine from mostly town work, and regularly over 40 on the motorways.

The issue with the 172 now is to not get a neglected one; many have now been run on for pennies as they cost pennies a couple of years ago to buy. Prices are firm, albeit still cheap(ish), so they do make sense to buy.

Thanks , yes I’m a clio fan ... I had the luck/ misfortune to own a clio v6 phase 1 - never had a 205 but it is on my radar ( it’s a disease)



I’ve done work on suspension ( re bump stops) will detail this in future posts

[R3TR0_R0B]

Yes! Have one of these, in blue. Father in law is using it as his daily, since I'm in home office permanently. I really liked the quickness of the 100HP, enough to surpise a few cars on the line and for sure made me smile while driving it. Mine has 250000km on it, with only the steeringcolumn relacement as mayor repair.

[rob1380]

Radio not working - new aerial base sorted ( think wet/ damp got into electrics in base)

Wing mirrors seized in situ - lots of penetrating oil over a week and forcefully moving a little each day - sorted

None of seatbelts retracted properly ( mot ... really?) - pulled out fully , cleaned and left overnight in hot water and fabric softener , then dried and rubbed down with silicone spray .... sorted

[b3nson]

I’ve got a 100HP as my daily and autosolo car, I think it’s great.
Feels so small and might compared to modern stuff, and the engine is zingy too.
I don’t even find the steering feel as bad as people make out, definitely no worse than an EP3 or Clio 172.

[R3TR0_R0B]

The steering feeling is only bad when the sensor goes bad. I replaced the whole column with a used one from a wreck with low milage and the vague feeling was gone again.