1992 Daihatsu Applause Xi review from Australia and New Zealand
"A fantastic value for money motor car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
CV joints while still under warranty.
Head cracked or corroded allowing oil into the cooling system at about 108000km. Less than a year later (120000km) it now seems to have a head gasket leak. I suspect this is poor workmanship when replacing the head. It has oil leaks since that time. I will fix it myself this time.
General comments?
If I recall correctly I think they advertised this as a "small limousine". It has lived up to to this. When I first got it I loved driving it and ten years later I still love driving it.
I had a Camry before and since, as well as a Ford Falcon. They are no longer with me, but I still have the Applause.
I would buy a new one if they were still available and perhaps a little bigger. Even though I have had some recent head trouble it is too good a car to get rid of.
It is surprisingly nimble and the auto is well matched to the engine.
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 | Try and drive |
  | A reliable performer at a reasonable price |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1992 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 EFI, 16v Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 10 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 120000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 18th February, 2003 |