We got a Panda 100hp, not as fast as a Cooper S that we had for a month or so, but far more fun to commit into things. Panda probably wins on loading potential. Not a great turning circle for a small car, but don’t really care. Lot better on long journeys than I expected.

My Mrs has got a 2013 1.2 Panda. It’s not massively refined, but by ‘eck it’s reliable.

I should hope it’s? reliable, it’s barely four years old!

We had a 500 for a while, fun little car but rattled like a bastard. Ate drop links and rear dampers too. Put me off Fiats.

timber – Member
We got a Panda 100hp, not as fast as a Cooper S that we had for a month or so, but far more fun to commit into things. Panda probably wins on loading potential. Not a great turning circle for a small car, but don’t really care. Lot better on long journeys than I expected.

Same here. The turning circle is hampered by the width of the tyres but some of the spaces I can get it in are hilarious. Very rarely can’t find somewhere to park.

Logic says a Note, but the silly person on my shoulder says Panda….

Why are those the only three choices?

What about a Fiesta? they are popular for a reason, good to drive and reliable.

If it has to be those three then probably not the Note

I’d take the MINI, but I really like them although I didn’t really gel with the R56.

There’s enough specialists around to take the sting out of the running costs too. Not the best for bike transport because both wheel needs to come off (although this is the same in a Fiesta in my experience).

There’s an odd “reverse Tardis” thing with the mini: big on the outside, horribly cramped on the inside.

I thought things were sussed, but may be spending less, so again it looks like a Panda could be it………..

There’s an odd “reverse Tardis” thing with the mini: big on the outside, horribly cramped on the inside.

BMW are masters of that though; it applies to most of their cars.

The MINI does feel big up front though. My other half now has a new one and loves it.

I’d love a Panda 100hp. Everything I read points to them being a cheap and reliable little go-kart. I’ve even got searches saved on my computer which I check every few days to see if anything local has appeared.

However, with a baby on the way it’s not really the most sensible purchase…plus I don’t want to sell the car I have.