Fiat Panda 312 1.2 8V, 69 PS, 5-speed manual (2012–2020)

Research for this car

• Generation guide Fiat Panda III (2012-2025): known problems and buying guide

  The Dualogic gearbox is the main risk. Check its shifts first, then the TwinAir oil level, the clutch and the diesel's service history.

• 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. Test the clutch on a steep hill or under hard acceleration. If the revs rise and the car does not speed up, the clutch is slipping.
2. Drive over bumps and turn the wheel on full lock. Knocks, rattles or play mean worn track rods or springs.
3. Check the battery and ask how old it is. A flat battery is a common breakdown.

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. Oil level (no scanner). Check the dipstick and ask for the oil top-up history. Bad: the level falls between services.
4. 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