Car turned up more less on time and I was sat there signing the documents until I noticed it was the wrong finance deal. This meant two hours worth of faxing/emailing all other stuff until I finally had the correct finance documents to sign.
Finally got to drive the car away about 40 minutes ago. Done 4.5 miles in it, it was on 82 when I got it.
First impressions:-
Very easy to drive with light precise steering
Engine no faster than the Fiesta but I have been told the FIRE needs a few thouand miles to deliver its best.
Its nice that I still have almost half a tank of petrol.
I can't work out how to use the wipers properly, the controls seem to be over complicated but I am sure I will get used to it.
Car feels solid no sqeeks or rattles, but the hand brake gaitor is poor quality.
The gear change clonks but that is very typical FIAT, the driver did mention it but said he has a Panda himself and he's had the same problem, he said it should quieten down with use. Its not a problem because the gear change is nice and precise.
It corners very well there was no roll going down the roundabout.
The indicators are a bit quiet.
Not having a rev counter is not an issue, I drove it perfectly smoothly from the second I got in. The clutch feels very nice.
Feels much bigger than it actually is from the drivers seat and the newly designed speedo is brilliant, it just sits on 30 nicely.
The brakes don't grap you like some modern cars do but I only had to tap them gently.
The steering is lovely, it is very light but also has feel unlike the Clio MK3 I passed in.
I haven't drive it enough yet so make a full test drive but after 100 miles or so I shall give it a better review.
A pic
i167.photobucket.com/albums/u141/amazingtrade/P1050207.jpg
It was taken through a dirty window hence the car looks like it needs clean, it is the window which needs cleaning. I shall take more pictures once the local chavs go down to the job centre.
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