Fiat Panda 169

What Was the Inspection About?

This one was... unusual. The buyer needed a small, reliable city car—and the Panda 169 fit the bill. Low mileage, tidy interior, one elderly owner. But when we opened the hood, we were hit with a warm, yeasty smell. No joke: a loaf of bread was sitting above the engine, tucked behind the battery. Most likely, a rodent stash from when the car sat unused during winter. We found some chewed insulation and nesting fluff near the cabin air intake—but surprisingly, all the electronics still worked fine. I checked the wiring carefully, confirmed nothing critical was damaged, and we used the story to lower the price by 500 €.

My Thoughts on the Car

The Fiat Panda 169 is underrated. Light, efficient, and built with simplicity in mind. The 1.2L FIRE engine is tough, and the car’s footprint makes it perfect for tight city spaces. Despite its bizarre engine snack compartment, this one drove beautifully, shifted cleanly, and had a rust-free underbody. A good deep clean and a quick wiring tape fix, and it was ready to go. In the end, we walked away with a charming little car—and a funny story.

Pricing

As always, the on-site inspection was 90 €, including test drive, electrical check, and full visual inspection. We identified minor risks, reassured the buyer, and negotiated a better deal. No surprises later—just a reliable daily driver with some extra character. Sometimes, even a loaf of bread can lower the price.