Will My £250 Fiat Panda Make it 2500KM to Spain?

[@fredl8888]

Ribbons of James May shine through you from time to time, Matt. With your car choices that is.

[@MCTogs]

How long until the Dacia Sandero road trip?

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@MCTogs haha maybe one day

[@beecee6850]

You buerk

[@kakariki8744]

​@@MCTogs my Dacia Sandero Stepway has been to Spain and back 6 times NO PROBLEM 🚀😂

[@scousecats7357]

That being said Matt (ribbons of James May) would you ever consider TV as you are clearly very well suited to presenting and very popular.

[@BeatPoet67]

That's the great thing about an old banger. It doesn't really matter if it breaks - but the longer it keeps going the fonder you become of it.

[@colechapman6976]

Plus, it's the fastest car in the world. Someone in a Porsche will park hundreds of spots away to avoid people parking and scratching their precious paint. Luxury car buyers will not offroad or do anything outside of the pavement. They'll drive very slowly so as to not get into a crash. A piece of garbage runaround car though? Who cares! Another scratch will just compliment all the others

[@Oceans_Sail]

And chiropractors will love you too

[@quoman2232]

Great video, really enjoyed it.❤️😀👍

[@JH24820]

Aye me old boy still going

[@saschaeuler7883]

I bought a citroen zx 1.9 d with 235.000 km for 950€ drove 500.000 km and then sold it for 300€ best car ever had.

[@phillipwilliams4674]

What will be interesting is if you get it fixed while in Spain (assuming the fault isn't terminal), then drive it back to the UK as a Pt2 video. I'm guessing quite a few viewers would be interested to see if this plucky little car could take a family on holiday and deliver them back home safely, and hopefully on a tight budget.

[@davidmoynahan9585]

I second the notion. Would like to know what the issue is/was how the return journey went.

[@FatHead1979]

100% agree

[@petervanoosten3165]

100% agree

[@steviemoore9148]

Yep an update would be appreciated

[@roni2977]

Great idea!! Let us know what the fault was, and the cost of fixing along with a journey back! 😁😁

[@Snarl616]

As I told you, those Fiat Pandas are like a faithful old friend that is good to you but you don't notice. Might not be super cool, might not be the first thing you notice, it may even seem boring or ungainly, but when you ask it to do something, it will always do it for you. Fiat Pandas really are the good friend that you can count on.

[@donmezdonmez7801]

Every Fiat Panda seller watching this will add another £500 to asking price now. Thanks Matt I really enjoyed watching this

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂

[@KravKernow]

Well that's not a bad price for what is now, apparently, a grand tourer. Everyone Panda owner should pop down to Mill Auto and get a "GT" sticker.

[@timeisart1320]

@@HighPeakAutos ive looked there 2000 £ now

[@AnilKumar-yn6ns]

​@@HighPeakAutos are u going to give us part 2 did u fix the issue with it

[@mrdainase]

Watching road trips in old bangers never gets old. Daft thing is, as kids we did this all the time. Buying a lemon for £30 in an auction, driving far too many hours in one go, arguing over what would get chewed up in the tape deck next, wondering what that new noise was, even the occasional (okay, bloody rare) mini-romance. Sometimes the car broke, sometimes we fixed them properly, usually we bodged it up to get home again. Priceless life lessons and memories with friends you never forget. Every teenager should do it, not just 3 old men in jeans.

[@garyrauter8240]

I bought a 2004 Fiat Panda 1.2 petrol 4 years ago for £500. It had 71,000 on the clock when I bought it and I've now put another 50K on the clock, travelling mainly between West Wales, West Somerset and the odd trip to Newcastle. It's been faultless. I've changed the timing belt/pump, pads/discs and it's serviced once a year. Incredible fuel economy, too. Brilliant car.

[@studiocalder818]

And a pleasure to drive

[@pint6x]

We have a 55 reg Panda 1.2 petrol. Bought in 2009 with 11,000 miles. Now on 106,000 miles. It has NEVER broken down. Ever. does 50mpg easily. Cruises happily, if noisily at 75-80mph. Takes a massive amount of junk - it's like a van with the seats folded - so much room.

[@arts6535]

I started to loose interest in this channel always same contents. But this is an amazing change. I think everyone it's bored seeing youtubers doing long journeys in supercars like Ferrari ,Porsche, Range Rovers . But a long trip in Panda it's a genuine pleasure to watch. Well done Matt

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I guess it’s like anything, you just stick with what works. Content like this takes a lot more effort, money and I guess risk too

[@roblake3350]

You can’t beat a cheap Panda. I’ve always been a Panda fan even though I usually drive much bigger / more expensive stuff. 4 of us did a banger rally across Europe, 10 countries, finishing in Nice, in a 1.1 Panda and it was faultless for the whole trip - even made it up the Stelvio Pass 👍

[@Tonyx.yt.]

also take note, if you didnt replace timing belt on fire gasoline engines, if belt snap, engine takes no damage at all (valves wont hit cylinder heads), just put camshaft in correctly position, slap another timing belt and you are ready to go. as far as head gasket is ok and oil level ok, this engine is bulletproof

[@larsvegas1505]

@@Tonyx.yt. i brought mine to the scrapyard saturday.. too many repairs back axle was rusted out.. front brakes were shot.. heater shot also I drove it into the red light overheating for months.... been a good car though.. next car im still buying a old one but want a bit less sway on the highway...

[@MrLaydownsally]

​@@Tonyx.yt. not really true ..only the 1.1 eco and the 1.2 60 bhp are none interference . the 65 bhp 1.2 and later 1.2 VVT ARE interference , the diesel is multijet is chain ( that usually snaps at 100k) the car has sacrificial rockers to allow for this

[@Tonyx.yt.]

@@MrLaydownsally usualy snaps at 100k nice BS 🤣🤡

[@MrLaydownsally]

@@Tonyx.yt. get your facts right about the panda interference engine , it's not me who's talking BS is it ? The car has sacrifice rockers on it , educate yourself

[@Ord_Wingate]

I worked for Fiat and I actually really enjoyed the Panda. I drove it from Yorkshire to London and back over 2 days. It was also a diesel. It was frugal and comfortable. I'm 6ft1 and there was loads of room

[@studiocalder818]

A frugal intelligent comfortable car

[@seasider101]

I loved that trip, Matt. I did it from Darlington to Fuengirola, via Calais/Dunkirk crossing. 36 hours southbound, 25hrs northbound... the family were shocked to see me at the door only a day after dropping them at the airport. The car at the time was a Skoda Octavia 1.9TDi Elegance. Rear seats dropped to make a comfy bed, but I found sleeping very difficult... it's that adrenaline hit that keeps you wanting to drive. On arrival I couldn't stop talking. Another epic trip was from Cyprus to Ballymena, Northern Ireland... that took four ferries and 8 days, but was another amazing experience. Time for another. Many thanks.

[@paulgaskin269]

What mpg did you get with your octavia

[@seasider101]

I saw low 60's quite regularly doing around 55mph. If I went up to the 80mph limit it dropped below 40mpg. I covered around 3400 miles in total.

[@jamesbaldwin6132]

I bought my SkyDome Panda in 2005. 241,100 miles later I still use it although it has been relegated to mainly tip runs and emergency backup. Although several wear and tear parts have been replaced over the years it is still on its original exhaust! It returns between 66 to 71 mpg and must be the most economical car I have ever owned. My first car was a Standard 10 in which I learned to drive in 1969. Main car is a Citroen C4 which most professional reviewers dislike but most owners on Autocar reviews seem to love

[@modmod392]

Great content, great story telling, great editing….thank you for taking us all along with you!!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@terryneilbooth]

Brilliant journey coverage👍 About 20 years ago my friend brought his Spanish Brother-in-Law a classic Morris Minor for his 50th Birthday. He did a similar journey to the Costa del sol to deliver the car. The Moggy got there with no problems but he made more stops on route due to a slower speed ratio and discomfort. His brother-in-law was absolutely amazed with surprise present and today he still looks after and keeps it road worthy.

[@hugobloemers4425]

I did not expect this but it was quite an entertaining video. Kudos for the Panda, I think Fiats are under rated. Good news for second hand car buyers in the know, until they reach classic car status and then the prices go intergalactic.

[@notroll1279]

Fiat have worked hard to be rated poorly. My 1995 Punto had a catastrophic engine failure at the biblical age of 3 months and 5000 km. Got a new one on the warranty...but I never really had that intuitive trust in it again. It was the only private car I ever bought new and yet easily the car I had the most trouble with.

[@Conservator.]

That Panda will easily run for another 10 years in southern Italy.

[@Snarl616]

@@notroll1279 That happens. I've heard similar stories with a Jaguar and 2 Fiestas. Also, the poorly rating is unfair, in my opinion. People think that small normal cars are dull and disposable, but little Fiats are nippy, fun and the Fire and Multijet engines are reliable.

[@notroll1279]

@@Snarl616 I had had two little Citroëns before the Punto and still occasionally rent small cars on holidays so I have some reference. The Punto had the base engine of 55 HP so "nippy" never was the word that came to my mind to describe it. It was very good at interior space and there were no rattles. Quality as a whole wasn't brilliant though - outside the aforementioned engine debacle, there was constant trouble with the rear lights (blinker and brake lights usually didn't work together - neither Fiat nor Bosch found a lasting cure for this) and the plastic cladding of the dashboard stank hideously especially in cold temperatures. So even on sub-zero winter days, the first miles were only bearable with the windows wound down. This only subsided after the first three of four years of ownership. Maybe I was just wrong to buy it new - residual values were laughable (partly because Fiat tend to price their cars with enormous rebates as models progress in their lifecycle) so I might have been better off buying a used survivor for a song and drive it until it would fall apart...

[@Snarl616]

@@notroll1279 The mk1 punto was not really well built, I agree. But they improved after that. The Mk2 proves it. It's car designed for rallying, and it shows.

[@johnwilliams-mx5nv]

An interesting video Matt. I have driven that route and others 68 times during the past 17 years in my now 260,000 miles E220 cdi Auto Diesel Estate.You right to encourage others to try it for themselves as they have no idea what they are missing.

[@andysillars]

I really like road trips like this, just goes to show you can enjoy a road trip in whatever car you have. Thanks Matt !

[@HighPeakAutos]

More to come!

[@slimboyfat3306]

Hilarious that the ferry and hotel fees must have cost more than the car 😂 Thanks for letting us join you on this trip. I especially love the photo of the Stockport to sunshine by the Spanish sea. We'll done little Panda 👍

[@alexanderfirmin9792]

Great video. My elderly father, who was a complete petrol head, had a Panda 100. He loved it, even though he was a complete liability in it. Great to see the mighty panda on an epic road trip 🐼 🚙

[@jasonpowell9022]

I also owned a 100HP Alexander and now drive a Panda Cross 4x4. They are brilliant cars and I'd never be without one.

[@studiocalder818]

@@jasonpowell9022 👍🏼

[@philiptownsend4026]

​@@jasonpowell9022 We too. Great little car. Just wish it was a little more comfortable.

[@jasonpowell9022]

@@philiptownsend4026 They do bounce around!

[@richardhargrave6082]

Love a Panda, great little car, there is a reason why Italy loves them. Simple and easy to drive, and the petrol ones can be great fun

[@scottahrens3278]

Thanks Matt! That was fun! You really are a man of the people, go high or go low, it matters not, it’s about the journey.

[@Pinzpilot101]

In the mid 70's, I was a young soldier serving in West Germany........whilst in UK for a month long course I needed wheels so I bought an old Morris Oxford for something like 40 quid....I drove it on the course and back to Germany and sold it on for 20 quid. I did similar later with an old Rover 80 (P4 with the Landrover 4 cylinder petrol and overdrive) and at the end of the course drove it to Frankfurt to visit my sister and then back to Uk and sold it on for the same money I bought it for. I also had a later Morris Marina only a few hundred miles on the clock, but it went back and forth West Germany to UK for a couple of years......never a hiccup and I drove that Marina in some awful snowy winters with the thermo in the deep -20s 30's Centigrade.

[@rikjohnson1717]

Now let's see you drive it back in limp mode!!! Lovely video Matt. You can see the fastidious attention to detail, thought out shots and decent editing going on here - it makes these a real pleasure to watch. It makes me really smile to see your success and tenacity - I could see you making obscene money as a life coach. Cancer got me and ended my career , so I spend most of my week hooked up to a dialysis machine and your videos are a life saver. Would love to hear all about trade plates and their ins and outs - but that's a bit weird, I know. All the best to you and thanks for putting in all the time and effort to make these. It's more appreciated than you'll probably ever know.

[@oggie1967]

Great video Matt! My 2008 Fiat Doblo van once did that hiccup thing when I was spanking it! Looked up a fix on Google and it said to disconnect the battery for 2 mins and reconnect and start it immediately, did that, no management light, no limp home mode & never did it again!🤷🏻 Italian motors huh! Glad you made it, nice road trip video, a change of pace for you!👍👏👏👏😊

[@andrewmorton3177]

Really enjoyed that video. My Dad bought a holiday home in Nerja in 83 (I was 7 years old) so it became a second home to me. Never once until now have I seriously considered driving down (from Glasgow) but you’ve definitely inspired me. Probably won’t do it in a £250 Panda though 😂

[@Jeffybonbon]

Once you do it you will love it we travel from Newcastle ferry to Amsterdam miss all the crap roads in the SE and then head south in Europe done it for 20 years it can be addictive

[@jason41a]

this has got to be one of my favorite videos on this channel. gotta love cheap cars and long road trips and just a dude who likes freedom and is independent.

[@PointNemo9]

I enjoy seeing old and high mileage cars being put to the test like this. It makes them seem so characterful and lifelike and far more than just a machine.

[@nevillebloodybartos]

Agreed … I’ve got a 20 year old VW transporter van I take all over the place…. She’s good as gold and after owning her for 6 years she’s part of the family… 255,000 and still going…. Touch wood

[@MatthewJBD]

​@@nevillebloodybartosa year later, is she still with us?

[@MatthewJBD]

@@nevillebloodybartos Love to hear it!

[@MrKenn93]

Doing this journey in May and was going to do my usual route, but will give this a go I think. The chat about avoiding big cities and instead going to towns etc is exactly right too!

[@richardhorry]

Something that is also refreshing is the lack of traffic on the motorways in Spain . It's gets me in a panic just having to drive to Sainsburys here in Nottingham. It's just a permanent rush hour in the UK. You enjoy your relaxing break Sir! Well deserved👍 Very enjoyable video once again. Thank You🙂👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

There’s rarely traffic in Spain. One of the things I love about it

[@PointNemo9]

@@HighPeakAutos Isn't that partly because none of the locals want to pay the tolls to use the motorways?

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@PointNemo9 no, I was rarely on a toll road in Spain

[@cornishhh]

Depends where in the UK you live.

[@richardhorry]

@@cornishhh True, we do live 1/2 mile from the M1 motorway junction 26 so perhaps my perception is skewed somewhat. But having lived here for 30 years there is now a 24 hour roar from the Motorway when it was only sporadic when we moved here and the secondary junction island is the worse designed island probably anywhere and a mish mash of 4 lanes that splits into 2 separate 3 lane carriageways halfway round and much mayhem ensues for non locals but if they close it to do anything, even repaint the markings the whole of Nottingham would stop. Perhaps it’s time for a bit of rural. Enjoy👍

[@jonathanculver5468]

I bought a second generation Vauxhall Astra hatchback which needed to be dragged off the previous owners drive to free up the rusted brakes. Got it through an MOT, then would occasionally drive it from Hampshire to Manchester crossing my fingers that it didn't break down. The heater blower switch only worked on position 1 or 4 and it rattled like a milk float. Brought back memories of my early cars. Carefree driving, not worrying about getting a ding (in an expensive SUV) and not expecting every feature and button to work. I called it Billie Jean Banger.

[@brianmcclure8012]

Never had any doubt that the little Panda would make it. She's now an elderly **** so just need to treat *** gentle Matt. I love this kind of car and what great content Matt. Awesome - enjoy Malaga!!

[@Agraenn]

Hello from France 👋 I've been binge-watching a lot of your videos those past few days, keep up the good work!

[@stevensarson482]

I once did , more or less the same journey in reverse. The car was one of those very Square Fiat 500s ( not the latest model) . It was loaded up to the point where the front end was pointing towards the wild blue yonder, but like you , it didn’t miss a beat and was loads of fun. I now do Manchester to Porto in something a little bigger and I cheat by catching the Santander ferry . Enjoyed the video and the memories it brought.

[@joehicks1906]

Impressive doing all those miles in reverse

[@Spunkylorp]

I did a similar spontaneous journey like this in my Clio (1.5 Diesel, 2010) from Leicester to Ansbach Germany this Christmas. It never let me down and the fuel economy was incredible! All the windows still work too which is a bonus

[@maciekapocaliptic]

Look out crankshaft bearings. 1.5 dCi is known for issues with them. There is no "if", it its "when". Because they will gone anyways. In some cars they are gone in 90 000 miles, but never saw one with more than 130 000 miles without costly repair.

[@Lot76CARS]

Totally get the liberating road trip vibe in an old Panda that cost almost nothing to run. I used to drive monthly from Brussels to Zurich and colleagues who travelled by air thought I was mad but often I’d arrived ahead of then once they checked in/collected bags etc!

[@TB1M1]

Even 60 mpg car is expensive to run thesedays..

[@theitaliangarage]

old? in italy it's basically new. 1.3 diesel engine is never gonna die

[@TheBlueStinger55]

Great video. I took my cheap 14 year old Citroen C2 to Germany over Christmas. 1200 miles total and a blown headlight bulb the only issue. I did take out temporary breakdown just in case. First time driving outside the UK and made a great change from planes, trains and taxis.

[@goffpain9890]

Love your videos. What a great road trip. I bought a Panda Eleganza 1.2 with 145,000 on the clock primarily for taking the dogs out. What a great little car - sold it on for £5 less than I paid for it (which was £690). Now looking for a 4x4 Panda. Keep up the brilliant work!

[@frankcorr6566]

I’ve had one from new and I love it to bits. Timing chain bust at 80000 miles cost me £1600. Had to replace turbo once was also expensive. It’s done 115000 now. Still going strong.

[@davidknowles2491]

At 155k miles I'd say the EGR valve is clogged up pretty bad, and may explain why the engine light came on. A ruddy good clean out and it'd probably be fine again!

[@toolbox777]

On that engine it's more likely to be the map sensor

[@BeatPoet67]

Delete it!

[@mefastman77]

@chris jones Yep, have cleaned out my dad's EGR with oven cleaner from Home Bargains, basically acts as an agent and removes all the carbon off the surface.

[@anthonybrown4874]

My 130k mile panda EGR clogged every 36k miles like clockwork should have been a service item & easy to remove/ replace unfortunately it's not, though it performed ok once light came on if I get another would look at defeating it one way or another.

[@mefastman77]

@chris jones for the 1.3 Multijet, which a lot of people don't know is a very good base to start off modifying and people in Europe, especially in Italy, people delete EGR's and DPF's, is basic core modifications to make the engine run and breathe most importantly. Especially the 1.3 Multijet, not much on Pandas due to the limited space in the engine bay, it's more common in Puntos and they modify turbos, injectors, some mad lads even get billet cranks and pistons, which is insane for a 1.3 💀 but hey that's the beauty of having a unique build

[@snbala]

I do enjoy a drive abroad. Much rather drive than go by plane, you can stop when you want, eat when you want, and pretty much be free to do whatever. Just more memorable imo. Great video.

[@Hughjass2855]

Great video Matt, really enjoyed this format, the travel element, the cheap car element, loved it!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidhutchinson5712]

I really enjoy your videos Matt. I look forward to these appearing a couple of times a week. Perfectly honest and down to earth views and I like that. Keep it going!

[@jasondennington9214]

As always a brilliant addition to the high peak auto video collection you have here .

[@chriscringle7740]

Bought a volkswagen polo bread van years ago, literally couldn't kill it .drove to Norfolk foot to floor a few times and in winter never got stuck or failed to start .little cars rock

[@norsegolf76]

How cool! High Peak Travels! We need more vids like this!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha don’t encourage me

[@NH00531]

Good idea for another spin off channel there, needs a usp though, hhmmmmm….

[@ohyesitsme]

@@HighPeakAutos Hope you are doing the return trip as well 👍

[@colinfoster7149]

These cars are ace, I’m so glad someone else thinks so! My dad had one of these, and currently has a 15 plate, and I just think they’re quirky, simple, no nonsense cars. The point you make about parking in the underground car park: it still surprises me when I drive my dads, and I turn round to look out the back window and the back window is RIGHT THERE! No problems parking, you know exactly where the back of the car is.

[@archechme]

Yeah I like this format and style of video. It's not something I really expected from you. I like your commitment to the Panda. You could have driven to Spain in anything but you chose the Panda, for your own and for our entertainment. Great video.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Conservator.]

Yep, the bivouac choice would have been the GT but I the Panda probably made it more fun to watch.

[@-Burts30]

155k mile old panda and that journey, you’ve got some kahoonas, we drove to France in a newish fiesta and I wouldn’t go until I had full service and belt /pump kit installed, hats off too you there Matt

[@karenjennings1236]

Really interesting video, I loved seeing the roads and cities in Spain, especially around Malaga area as I used to live there also. I loved your trip down memory lane of the cars you bought and sold in Spain.

[@alternativeperception6949]

Really enjoyed this road trip video , you have a captivating voice and your delivery is brilliant , someone else could repeat you word for word and it wouldn't be the same

[@HighPeakAutos]

So nice of you

[@jacksonmiked]

I loved this High Peak Autos on tour video. So relaxing to see such open roads, especially when I’m so used to the non stop traffic around London. Hopefully it’ll be the start of more road trip videos taken in different cars. Maybe you could do some day trips closer to home? Like to the coast, or the Lake District or Hadrian’s Wall?

[@yourtypicalgerman]

I moved house 5 years ago and bought a 15 year old Fiat Doblo, just for the heavy work while renovating and moving. Its been my daily ever since, now 20 years old, very reliable and lovely to drive.

[@passengerseatreviews]

This was actually a really pleasant watch, plus considering this is the only car that I can seem to insure as a first time driver it's nice to see just how capable the little Panda is.

[@alanepeacock]

After I retired, I we did a 3 month tour in a motorhome, going straight over the mountains. Burgos is great and is supposed to be the final resting place of El CID. We asked directions to any restaurant and , after 3 free glasses of wine my guide finally told us where to go. Happy days

[@pequod1]

The engine mount issue may also be control arm bushes. Also, salt and shake could possibly be the most mental choice for roadtrip snack out there.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha

[@megapangolin1093]

Isnt shake and vac used for carpets though?

[@oldmanvlogger9259]

Oh, you so need to do more travelogues! However, we also need to see if the Panda survives!! (plus the reasons for the engine light!). I once had the 1st generation Panda, great car, apart from 1st to 2nd was between 5 and 6 MPH! Please do more of these

[@davidwilson581]

Pandas are fantastic and funky looking whilst being very robust 👍

[@cartouchator]

Fiat pandas are extremely underrated... I have had a facelift 2015 model from new. Never skipped a beat. Oil change tyres wiper blades and go. Timing belt every 5 years which is £200. 50-55 mpg in the 1.2 petrol model. £30 a year road tax. Car insurance group ONE. YES, the cheapest car to insure in the UK. Fits 4 adults or 2 adults 3 kids no problem. Fits a fridge freezer with the back seat folder down. Costs about 3 salted peanuts to fix if you have an accident and need a new bumper. Absolutely love my panda.. Oh and if you like doing your own oil changes, the oil filter is accessible from under the car without needing to lift it up, same with the sump plug. It takes 15 minutes. And it takes like £15 worth of oil lol.

[@phil1980a]

I was not too sure what to expect from this video, but really enjoyed it. Nice to see the Panda living some of its best life and hopefully an easy fix. Also nice little hotel reviews and some interesting ideas for mini breaks, cheers Matt 👍🏻

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stefandhervlogs]

I could watch you all day, brilliant content and one of my favourite car content people on KZbin ☺

[@davidmarshall5596]

A bloody excellent vlog with a simple every day car going on a long trip & Matt with his linguistic skills 😀 👌 great 20 minutes of entertainment 💯👌

[@nickhickson8738]

This guy's so good and his videos so slick and polished. Wish I was young again.

[@johnfittis5764]

True environmentally friendly motoring. I really enjoyed this, felt like a mini adventure👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks 👍

[@lyndamorris3394]

I have recently lost my fiat Panda to a crash ,and it's been written off ,had him just over 6 years ,second hand .been a fab wee car ,been to Manchester from Peterhead Aberdeenshire ,Peterhead to South Wales . They are all plucky hardy wee cars . Love the Panda

[@dsummers8191]

Pleased to see the Panda back on the channel. Mulsanne is also the long straight used on the 24 hours which in modern times has been interrupted with chicanes. You can drive down it as it is a public road most of the year. A cathedral city can often be fun. Last summer I past through Lincoln and Peterborough in the UK both of which were surprisingly interesting. Looking forward to an update resolving the engine light. Long live the Panda! Thank you.

[@terencejay8845]

In 1972, I hitched with a friend to Morocco. We walked through Le Mans, and stood there, thumbs out, as drivers shot past us. It was only when we went across to a small cafe (still there) that we were told we were on the Mulsanne straight and everyone guns it. We hadn't even seen the circuit right behind us, with the huge half-tyre bridge.

[@nigel9843]

Had the engine light flash on a few times with my Panda, it loses a bit of power but always keeps going, happened last week while exiting a roundabout . Had the engine light stay on a few times, but with 3 restarts of the engine normally clears it. Most reliable car I have owned in 40 years driving.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yeah this cleared itself too. Been fine since

[@abdulhussein5086]

I really enjoy the usual reviews on the channel, but I think this type of video is so relatable and captivating to watch. Everyone must’ve owned a cheap run around car and wondered how far it could go without breaking down 😂 I’d love to see more of these ‘challenge’ type vids

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@kilnaleck]

Yeah exactly. I've got next week off and I live near Harwich. Just watched this and now I want to get the ferry to Holland for a day or two

[@poppyneese1811]

As a descendent of Scott’s that remained tight fisted even after landing in the Carolinas and making their way into the Mountains of West Virginia, the lil Fiat is anything but rubbish, it may be one of the best automotive deals of all time, hoping the warning light was nothing serious, but you can’t treat a Donkey like a Thoroughbred, she was doing exactly what she was born to do!!! Love this lil Fiat and hoping she makes a full recovery and your more gentle to her on the way home, my Scottish Grandmother warned us about the hard handed Britts! Great Video!!!❤️

[@leeby2867]

Brill video thanks Matt, really enjoyable! Once the little Fiat made it to Folkstone I’d have been confident for the rest of the trip. Itd be great if we could get an update of the cause of the engine light at some point? Thanks again for going to the effort of putting this video together 👍🏻

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s gave me some confidence too

[@skodakatie7341]

Well done little Panda, it did really well, thank you for taking us along for the ride, my Aunty and uncle live near to Malaga, I know the area quite well, I love being there❤.

[@joshb2812]

That road trip, and my Kona N. Yes please! Videos like this make our remaining time in Canada before the move to the UK even more unbearable 😂 Your check engine light at the end of your journey is why I refuse to travel without my Autel scanner on any long trip. They can be a life saver 👌

[@Opelvectra1]

Why are you moving to the U.K.?

[@cdb5001]

@@Opelvectra1 because Canada has become a sh#thole.

[@cdb5001]

You're leaving Canada for the UK? Amazing. I'm trying to convince my clan to move to Portugal. Way better quality of life. But it's a struggle. Best wishes on your move!

[@joshb2812]

To sum it up, quality of life. I’ve never liked North American culture or values. living in Europe growing up and then coming back to Canada really put things into perspective. Also, to everyone that says the cost of living crisis is insane in the UK, come to Canada. 7 months a year of bitter cold and the $750 a month natural gas bills to heat your home now, all while you enjoy a coffee that you just prepared with your $9 jug of milk and your $31 bag of coffee beans. Lastly, what is there to see or do here? It’s primarily a non inhabited massive country with little history and mostly brutal, deathly cold that keeps you trapped indoors all winter. Can’t wait to go back “home”!!

[@cdb5001]

@@joshb2812 lol, called it. I knew it as soon as I saw your initial comment. Canada touts itself as a utopia but is really a joke. Sold it's soul to condo developers, greedy politicians and foreign speculators, don't give a crap about citizens, and weather sucks. The question is: how are you getting your Kona N to the UK? Shipping it?

[@colinjohnstone1979]

Just started watching your channel and have to say it refreshing to here your comments on cars and people it makes us laugh and the Range Rover cud’s and comments are spot on 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Making the trip in a high mileage diesel Panda, kind of makes this a bizzaro Harry video, and it worked very well.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha thanks

[@bripiry]

Great video Matt, I also love your videos on the cheaper every day car for people on a budget. We’ll done

[@bripiry]

Well

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! 👍

[@Adri-Virutas]

Great video. This proves again that really cheap cars can be a great adition to any car garage, no matter how expensive or fancy are your other cars. Cheap to run, sometimes full with character, no worries of where to park them, probably cheap to reapair (looking forward to know what's the issue with it), and if it goes really wrong is not a big economic loss. I'm glad you enjoyed Burgos which is very close to my home town, Valladolid. If you enjoyed that Burgos late evening bar ambient, you should definitely go to León, it has that bar culture times 10, great tapas and with some interesting places to visit, although it's a big detour if you are traveling to Málaga.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Ah thank you for the tip. I’ve never been to either of those places but I’ll check them out. There’s so much of Spain I haven’t seen

[@philllev]

Definitely need your own TV spot, you are a natural presenter. Keep em coming!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Wow, thank you!

[@JimTheCorsa]

Enjoyed this video Matt, hope there’s going to be a follow up. Are you planning on leaving it in Spain? Totally get the freedom of a road trip, love a euro adventure

[@HighPeakAutos]

I’ve got a few more things lined up for it 😉

[@TonyM444]

Great work, the panda got there in the end. Watching this in Sitges, and I come here a few times a year as it’s low key, historical side, and no food chains

[@Idkwhatimdoing54790]

Exactly the type of content I love! Just out of curiosity (presuming you made it back home in the Panda lol), how much did you spend on diesel in total? Also did you find out what the engine light fault code was in the end? Brill video! I love driving and road trips, if it didn't cost so much money and time I would do things like this regularly!

[@HighPeakAutos]

I’m still in Spain. It uses around 100 litres so not much at all

[@Idkwhatimdoing54790]

@@HighPeakAutos ah I see, not bad. Update us when you get back once you know if possible! Safe travels 🤞

[@nigelparish2631]

Brilliant. Brilliant Brilliant. A top addition to an already fabulous library of videos

[@HighPeakAutos]

Glad you think so!

[@andrewbaxter9395]

So at this point I am less than a minute in and crossing my fingers and toes for the little panda to make it!

[@jenscarlsson7744]

I know from own experience what you are talking about. I drove my 2008 diesel Panda for ten years and made some really long journeys with it. Thanks for the Mazda 2 video. It helped me find mine.

[@Mudassir_Hussain_OST]

I asked Steve if the A6 is good enough for me to drive to Barcelona, he said, Matt's next video will answer your question.

[@adeleleah3918]

As an ex high peak resident all I can say is omg what a FANTASTIC road trip in an amazing little car!!!

[@skimmingstoness]

Those little Fiat diesel engines are tough as a old boots.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

Until the chain lets go at 100k, a known fault, its a service item

[@aidank2]

We always use the Accor Ibis/Style brands every year when we drive to the St Tropez great value hotels and always clean never any issues for the last 45 years !!Well done getting to your place

[@richardallsop5039]

Hello Again. Matt a realy engaging vlog, so is the PANDA staying in Spain or is there a return journey to look forward to, in either event its worth sorting the 'engine warning light'. Regards. RichardA.

[@tiagobelo4965]

These little Pandas are absolute soldiers, we've got a cross of this same generation (so, 1.3 multijet, same engine as the one in the video, AWD and with all the extras, however few they actually are), and it's seen multiple trips from Portugal to France (many of them going through Spain without even stopping) with 4 people and a full boot of luggage, and countless roadtrips within the country, the only time it came close to letting us down it simply got a flat tire (mind you it was quite heavily loaded on a summer day, the sort of thing that its little tires sure dont seem to enjoy); the fuel consumption is a bit higher on the AWDs, but it will still match most modern FWD diesels, its a little soldier that simply smiles through whatever you throw at it if you keep decently within your maintenance schedules

[@johnpirie3800]

Brilliant video Matt. The little Panda coped no problem, eh? You'll need to let us know what fault developed on the car. You mentioned a fault code reader. What one do you use? What one would you recommend? Hope you enjoy your short break and we'll see you on the next one.

[@matthewhickman9220]

In a previous video with another car he used a Carly reader....

[@johnpirie3800]

@@matthewhickman9220 Thanks for that info Matthew. I was thinking of getting a reader, but go onto KZbin and the choice is enormous. I'm not a mechanic; I just thought it would be a handy bit of kit to have. Take care buddy.

[@nicholas5281]

I had a diesel Panda. Loved it. Occasionally saw 70 mpg Slow and steady if you've the time, so much less stressful. I've a Alfa 4C at the moment and regularly do southern France /UK. I can either cane it and spend 10 hours getting more and more knackered OR take it easy and have an overnight break paid for buy the fuel saved. A 4C at c. 125km/ph will do 40+ mpg on the autoroute as opposed to half that when you're chasing that channel ferry. Save the performance for the twisties!

[@MrMontychops]

Superb motors - currently running two of them. But, as usual, haters gonna hate ! 😁

[@MrMontychops]

Just on the running issue - only similar problem I’ve had was a dirty MAF. Whizzing it off is easy & spray with acetone to clean it 👍

[@adolynch]

Love the spontaneous decision to just randomly set off to Spain in a Panda with 24hrs notice,fair play Matt you're living the dream and keeping us all entertained, you were born to be on KZbin, the cars are just the side show, you'd be funny reviewing a chessboard.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Haha thanks!

[@Steve-wy1rj]

The man owns and daily drives an L405 Autobiography but takes a Panda to Spain..... Only a real lover of all cars will understand why that makes sense!

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂 exactly! I genuinely like it

[@jun_suzuki42]

I never been to UK nor France or Spain before, thank you for bringing me along! Great story telling!

[@peterowen4456]

Cracking video. Something liberating about a road trip on your own. I love pictures of hotel rooms, cruise ship cabins etc etc and the mpg figures (another obsession) were the icing on the cake.

[@timhamlett4592]

Great video! I watched it all the way to the end. It was well put together, interesting and also some travel information thrown in too and some great footage of southern Spain! Keep up the great work :)

[@tiga8032]

Well I've done it on a Fiat 500 3 years ago, Birmingham to Lisbon in 3 days. I stopped at Burgos before as well (I've done that trip with different cars, 4 times now). And yes, that little device is a lifesaver, specially after Bordeaux till the border with Spain, you have like 1000 toll gates, it is really painful since you are on a RHD car. Apart from some boring bits of the French motorway, it is really a great road trip, specially when you get to the contrast from the green France, to the Spanish desert!

[@digitalimager4946]

Oh, you bugger. I spent 3 months travelling France, Spain, and Portugal last winter in my motorhome and I didn't think I woiuld be able to do it again [ I'm retired ] but, sod it, I will. Thank you, Matt, I love your videos. All the best to you. 🥰

[@HighPeakAutos]

Go for it

[@markphillips2076]

I do love small Fists. I've had two Unos in the past and loved them. Tinny, but handled well and we're little rev monsters. The only time I was let down was on the motorway in cold weather when the 999cc engine couldn't keep the carb heated and it iced up. Had to pull over to the hard shoulder to let everything heat up again. Then back to mile munching.

[@Real_Venture_Out]

Great little car the Panda, I’ve owned one as a second car for 4 years now, I love it! And as you say, very liberating driving such a cheap basic car, great to park up and not worry about it 👍