After a cracking deal 3 years ago for a brand new diesel car £6300, I've flogged it but not to death. It's now done 51k miles and have had no issues save for some new tyres. Still on original brake pads. It's been nippy and economical and I particularly like the 16v engine that can overtake lorries on A roads, the power does not let you down. Yes it's a bit small inside at the back, and only has two seat belts and the boot isn't massive but for a ridiculously small road tax bill £30 you can have a lot of fun driving past people filling up their gas guzzlers at petrol stations. Top car.

I have owned my fiat Panda 1.3 Diesel for 2 years from new and covered 20,000 miles. Economy: Let's face it, you buy a little diesel city car for the economy and this car is brilliant. The new book price was a bit high, but I bought this car under the scrappage scheme and traded in a very old and worn Citroen ZX 1.9 diesel and got £2,600 off the price of the Panda; bargain! As for fuel economy.. no word of a lie, my trip computer tells me that I am currently averaging 72.6 mpg! This is achieved travelling to work and back each day (about 8 miles each way) on fairly quiet A roads. In the winter (and last winter was very cold), this dropped off to 60mpg when temperatures remained below zero. Bear in mind, I keep to speed limits as far as possible and drive to achieve maximum economy. Performance: Actually this car aint bad off the line up to 40mph. From the lights from a standing start, it can embarrass some sporty looking Audi saloons, but after that they get the upper hand. Handling: From new, with eco Continental tyres, I wasn't completely happy with the handling; I felt that I wasn't getting as much feel as I should've. But once I put on Michelin tyres all round, the handling is better; very grippy and good response. Better than any Japanese city car I have driven and as good as little Citroens. Comfort: Ups and downs here. For two people, this car is fine.. even on the motorway the seats are supportive and comfortable. I can suffer with back pains in some cars on a trip from Shropshire to London and back, but not with the Panda. But.. put an adult in the back and the lack of room can be an issue. Forget grown-up legs behind a grown-up driver, it just isn't possible. While I'm on the subject of room, the bootspace is a bit limited too. Reliability: Only one problem, so far. The tracking was off and I got through a set of front tyres after 15,000 miles before I spotted it, hence the change of shoes to Michelin. Build quality: this car seems to have been put together very well. There are no rattles and all the panels fit well. Dashboard plastics look a bit cheap, though and once half my dashboard lights went off one night. But a well places thump on the side of the console with the flat of my hand, brought them back to life. Summary: On balance, this is an excellent car and very good value for money.