22 replies to this topic

[timmyp]

They're the same car, built on the same production line in the same factory in Poland, but: The 1.2L Ka starts from £7995 according to this month's evo, and the 1.2 Panda is £7600...while the 500 starts at £9500. Which means the Ka and Panda, for the same car (without looking quite as much like a Micra and getting 4 doors in the Panda) are getting on for 20% cheaper...yet I'm sure I'll see more 500's on the road? Have I missed something or are people really this stupid Mind you, saying that I hear that Mini sales are faltering so perhaps common sense will prevail. I hope so. This is kind of a but I hate these 'fashion cars'

[theotherjonnymac]

It would have to be the Fiat for me though the new KA does look quite cool. As it is a Ford though I suspect depreciation will be an issue.

[Mike9009]

The same could be said about the Elise and the VX. During economic downturns, 'fashionable' or branded cars or items will always struggle against the tesco red stripe type. Mike

[Anarchy]

Id get the Fiat, it just beat an Elise around the Top gear test track.

[LazyDonkey]

Surely as enthusiasts we should celebrate the fact that people are paying extra for design and not just settling for bland euro boxes?The more people buy the distinctive models, the more car manufacturers invest in producing them and then everyone wins - surely? In saying all that i'd take the panda over the 500 every day of the week..........especially when for the price of a 1.2 500 you can get a pre-reg Panda 100HP

[VXJON]

The new Ka IMO is an awful looking pig, whereas the fiats while not pretty do have an certain coolness


If in the market for a small city runaround then the 100hp would be my first choice


Panda HP brand new £7295

http://www.fiatsupas...ail.aspx?mID=27




Or from ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...e...0587&_fvi=1

[TJH]

i was very impressed that the fiat 500 abarth ss beat the elise around the track on top gear!!

[MAXR]

My wifes bought a cute (NOT) Fiat 500 1.4 sport in bright yellow with stripes. Personally, i think it's crap! very bouncy, noisy & the seats when you fold them down dont go back to the set position...you end up adjusting it all the time...(Not that I drive it often!!!!...Promise!) Only 40mpg too, what's that about? My money would be on the new Ford Ka with new rear suspension, it has to be better than the fiat 500's ride! Max

[pcmanning]

Evo says buy the Fiat but fit the KA's suspension - Ford always seems good in that dept. Paul

[jazzyjeff]

...whereas Autocar says buy the Ford Depends what you want really, a good looking car that's a bit roly poly or a discordant blobby mass that's dynamically superior? JJ

[calletson]

Personally, i would rather get a bus pass then drive any of these cars.

[LazyDonkey]

Personally, i would rather get a bus pass then drive any of these cars.

Why? Bargain basement price, almost free to run, 4 seats, good boot and fun to drive.

What's not to like?

Edited by LazyDonkey, 12 November 2008 - 06:23 PM.

[JG]

[calletson]

Personally, i would rather get a bus pass then drive any of these cars.

Why? Bargain basement price, almost free to run, 4 seats, good boot and fun to drive.

What's not to like?

I stand by my initial statement.

[LazyDonkey]

Personally, i would rather get a bus pass then drive any of these cars.

Why? Bargain basement price, almost free to run, 4 seats, good boot and fun to drive.

What's not to like?

I stand by my initial statement.

Good well reasoned argument there. Well done

[JG]

One of the most fun drives i've had in the Brecon Beacons was in the original ford Ka. Its all about momentum, cornering on two wheels (well what feels like) and generally laughing out loud at the roll. And yet at the end of it all, to be surprised by how quickly it covered ground. To be honest i don't why I'm replying. Anyone that states they'd rather take the bus over drive, whatever the car is, shouldn't be posting on this board.

[calletson]

Seems im not entitled to an opinion then, lol The most fun in a car i have ever had was in my friends 900cc fiat cinqucento, where he spun it on a roundabout in the middle of manchester, would i buy one on this basis...... If i spent 10k of my hard earned cash on one of these cars i wouldnt be able to sleep at night. I am very sorry if this statement offends you

[Jaysith]

If i spent 10k of my hard earned cash on one of these cars i wouldnt be able to sleep at night. I am very sorry if this statement offends you

If i'd paid £10k for an £8k new car i wouldn't be able to sleep either!!

[calletson]

If i spent 10k of my hard earned cash on one of these cars i wouldnt be able to sleep at night. I am very sorry if this statement offends you

If i'd paid £10k for an £8k new car i wouldn't be able to sleep either!!

He He

[LazyDonkey]

Seems im not entitled to an opinion then, lol

The most fun in a car i have ever had was in my friends 900cc fiat cinqucento, where he spun it on a roundabout in the middle of manchester, would i buy one on this basis......

If i spent 10k of my hard earned cash on one of these cars i wouldnt be able to sleep at night. I am very sorry if this statement offends you

You are indeed entitled to an opinion. Thanks for voicing it.

My panda cost me £5k and i can't honestly think of anything else i'd rather have at that money.


EDIT : before i get everyone punting in with PH ads for v8 range rovers at me i should point out that my criteria was - had to be almost free to run (i do 84 miles a day to work and back), had to be low insurance (gf is learning to drive) and had to be able to take 18k a year without falling to bits, had to be amusign to drive.

Edited by LazyDonkey, 13 November 2008 - 11:05 AM.