LimitedSlippedDisc Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 So I've been on the lookout for something cheap to run for a couple of months now, but struggled to find something that ticks all the boxes. Most recently I thought I was sorted with a Golf estate locally, but sadly there were a few issues and I chose not to go ahead. Thankfully AutoShite came to the rescue in the form of a cute little 169 Panda. I've always rated these cars as we've had one in the household from new which has been a fantastic and dependable thing that's taken us all over the place, including several trips to the Highlands. Last night I went down the A50 to pick up a blue '06 plate from member Ian and what a pleasant experience it was. Ian was an absolute gent and the car was immaculately clean when I arrived. Half an hour later me and my brother-in-law Al were on our way back to Staffordshire, choosing to take the scenic and twisty series of roads through Newborough and Abbots Bromley. If you can avoid the farm traffic, there are some great twisty and fun stretches of road perfect around there to test the poise of an Italian supermini. I'll attach a few snaps from the collection shortly. Ian was interested to know my thoughts on how the earlier Euro 4 engined Panda compared to our later Euro 5 with VVT, which I'll share here in case it is of interest. With the Euro 4 I think power and torque are more evenly spread across the rev band. The Euro 5 is ultimately a little quicker, however they feel hesitant and somewhat strangled at lower revs. The Euro 4 in contrast is more fun to drive and feels like it has more 'get up and go', despite being 7 bhp shy. I definitely prefer it. I'm not sure if the gearing changed between model years, but the Euro 5 feels taller geared? Handling-wise, the blue example outshines our yellow car. It could be it's a little lighter without air con and things, and the wheels are smaller for more engaging handling. More likely though is Ian had got it in very fine fettle with excellent tyres fitted. A big thanks to Ian for fixing me up with a happy little car that's a hoot to drive. Steve Ted Eggs, RoverFolkUs, davehedgehog31 and 16 others 19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian_Fearn Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 I’m so pleased you’re happy with it Steve! Nearly shed a tear when it drove off 😢 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LimitedSlippedDisc Posted July 12, 2022 Author Share Posted July 12, 2022 8 minutes ago, Ian_Fearn said: I’m so pleased you’re happy with it Steve! Nearly shed a tear when it drove off 😢 There's something very endearing about the 169, they are such a good all round car that are also fun to drive. I like the trip computer this one has and the rev counter is nice to have too. After I backed off to save some fuel, I reset the trip and it was reporting 60mpg, which I know will be over-optimistic on the computer, but I bet it'll put in 55 if I take it gently. Shite Ron 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoverFolkUs Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 Seems I'm not the only person to own two variants of the same car for no specific reason other than to compare the differences 😁 Must try a Panda one day, to see what they're all about! LimitedSlippedDisc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutty2006 Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 Do you reside in Staffordshire then Steve? All the Stafford shiters are coming out of the woodwork! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LimitedSlippedDisc Posted July 12, 2022 Author Share Posted July 12, 2022 10 minutes ago, sutty2006 said: Do you reside in Staffordshire then Steve? All the Stafford shiters are coming out of the woodwork! I do Sutty, in Stone. It's quite a rare thing for a car I'm interested in to be conveniently located heh! Whereabouts are you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floatylight Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 Must get a get together organised again.. I'm in Stafford LimitedSlippedDisc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutty2006 Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 37 minutes ago, LimitedSlippedDisc said: I do Sutty, in Stone. It's quite a rare thing for a car I'm interested in to be conveniently located heh! Whereabouts are you? I’m up in Stoke! @Floatylight I think we should have an informal autoshite meet up at some point! LimitedSlippedDisc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floatylight Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 42 minutes ago, sutty2006 said: I’m up in Stoke! @Floatylight I think we should have an informal autoshite meet up at some point! Indeed, in the past we've done Full English followed by Cannock car auctions,, but the auctions have shut down, do you or @Lankytimknow if the Saturday auction at Newcastle is running/any good to point amd laugh at their stock? LimitedSlippedDisc and sutty2006 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lankytim Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 18 minutes ago, Floatylight said: Indeed, in the past we've done Full English followed by Cannock car auctions,, but the auctions have shut down, do you or @Lankytimknow if the Saturday auction at Newcastle is running/any good to point amd laugh at their stock? I've never been to Newcastle motor auctions, I'm not sure of it's still going but reviews from 11 months ago suggest it could be. https://newcastle-staffordshire.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/newcastle-motor-auctions-16315928.html I'd be well up for a meet either way. edit* it appears they've closed down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutty2006 Posted July 12, 2022 Share Posted July 12, 2022 Sounds like a plan. sorry to thread hijack! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LimitedSlippedDisc Posted July 13, 2022 Author Share Posted July 13, 2022 It's been a while since I went for a drive almost for the hell of it, but the Panda wanted to be driven. The A34 being closed gave me a good excuse to take the back roads to Newcastle this evening and the Panda revelled in the twisties. Tried to take an arty shot with a misty moon and failed. Enjoyed some old school club classics on the CD player at unhealthy volumes. Shite Ron, Floatylight and AnnoyingPentium 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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