1990 Daihatsu Charade SX review from North America

CV boots replaced at 100,000 miles.

Front discs replaced 105,000 miles.

Brake pads and shoes replaced at 60,000 and 105,000 miles.

Factory tires (155 80R13) replaced at 60K with BFGoodrich TA Radials (175 70R13) and at 80k with Pirrelli 175 70R13.Lowered fuel economy a little, but improved handling.

Struts are starting to show signs of fatigue at 108,000 miles.

Spark plugs, timing belt, alt belt, ac belt, fuel filter, oil filter, oil, transmission fluid, all replaced per factory specs.

Seats have been wearing since 60,000 miles, but have covers on them.

Added a pop-up sunroof first year at 500 miles, really adds to the fun of the car.

This 1.3 Ltr EFI Automatic has been a great little car for the last 12+ years. Bought this over a Honda Civic. Unfortunately, with the pullout of Daihatsu from the US market, most parts such as struts are difficult to find.

No matter what we do, driving 30, 55, or 85 mph we still get 28-30 mpg. On long trips, if you clean and wax the car before the trip, we get an additional 2 mpg. Only real complaint is that it would be nice to have some more horsepower under the hood for merging onto the highways.

So far, zero engine problems, zero transmission problems.

If they still sold here in the US, I would definitely buy another.