I used to have a fiat panda, as a run around in spain and it was fantastic, it would be left for months on end (outside) and always started up, used to be able to fill it up (fuel wise) for less than £20! So personally I would be quite happy to get another fiat, they used to have a rust problem but i think they have come along way since them days.
For a cheap runabout, difficult to beat a Panda.
New diesel engine excellent (so good in fact it is being used in new Suzuki)
Corsa is bulls$it .. Thay're ok up to a couple years old .. then they get expensive.
Track arms fail prematurely, leaving an expensive rack repair.
One of the most ridiculous handbrake cable systems ever invented (in 5 parts) .. fail regularly through rust.
CD Radio systems pack up with 'electronic errors' frequently meaning replacement.
Paintwork in some areas dubious.
Can have problems with water ingress into car.
Gearshift linkages poorly designed and wear prematurely, meaning a bodge or replacement.
A water pump, gasket and seal for a 1.2 Corsa is £180-odd.
Panda is better on fuel than Corsa.
FIAT used to be Fix It Again Tomorrow. They are not so bad these days. My wife has had a 2001 Fiat Brava for four years with no bother at all.
However.......... I, too, would recommend the Skoda Fabia in the 1.9 diesel version. My sister has one and gets 55+ mpg with no fuss at all.
You have asked us our valued opinion and we shall give it to you. Have heard very bad reports of Fiats, apart from the 100% galvanized Tipo and have not really got a good word to say for them. Go for a Vauxhall instead, as have had them all my life and they have never let me down.
We all know what Fiat stands for: Fix It Again Tomorrow!
Sorry to be so negative but you did ask us what we thought.
I have a Ford KA, my second one since 2004, they have been totally reliable, cheap to run and service, very few repairs needed! the 2004 one is still going strong, still not needing much work for MOT...........wouldn't change!...........