Fiat Panda 169 1.2 8V, 60 PS, 5-speed manual, all-wheel drive (2004–2010)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Fiat Panda 169 (2003-2012): known problems and buying guide

  Check the power steering and the Dualogic gearbox first, then the clutch, the sills and the exhaust.

• Engine guide Fiat 1.2 8V petrol engine: problems, costs and what to check

  Belt due at 5 years or 120,000 km. Oil use and Dualogic gearbox faults are reported. Buy with a belt invoice and a gearbox test.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Turn the steering wheel to full lock and drive slowly. If the power steering cuts out, the wheel turns heavy, or a warning light is on, the steering is faulty. A fault check needs a diagnostic tool.
2. Drive over bumps and turn the wheel on full lock. Knocks, rattles or vague steering mean worn ball joints, track rod ends or shock absorbers.
3. Pull away from rest several times. Jerking when pulling away points to a worn clutch.
4. Look under the car with a torch at the sills, wheel arches and underbody. Soft, flaking or bubbling metal is rust that needs repair.
5. Look at the silencer and the flex pipes. Rust holes or a loose shell mean the part needs replacing.

From the engine guide

1. Belt record and engine code (no scanner). Check the code on the engine: 188A4 or 169A4. Ask for a dated invoice with the mileage of the last belt change. Bad: no record, or more than 120,000 km or 5 years since the change.
2. Water pump (no scanner). Check the coolant level when the engine is cold, and look under the car for wet stains near the pump. Bad: low coolant or a wet stain. Ask whether the pump was changed with the belt.
3. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check for the car's country. Bad: an open campaign on the car.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions