1998 Daihatsu Cuore 3 door review from UK and Ireland

The original exhaust fell off at around 25,000 miles, but the car had only been used for short distances until that point, so exhaust corrosion could be expected. Despite being an unusual car, the garage could replace the part on the same day.

It looks unusual: thin, box-like and has no frills. This is designed to be a shopping trolley on wheels and it serves its purpose well. There is room for 4 people and a few shopping bags in the tiny boot.

Fuel economy is excellent (54 mpg) and a full tank is just GBP 17-18.

Driving over even small bumps and pot-holes is not comfortable - the car shakes and shudders and is also noisy above 50 mph. Top speed is about 85-90 mph.

It is very reliable, in part due to the lack of features, but Daihatsu spare parts are expensive and are not easily available in a generic version from a car-parts superstore.

For a 850cc engine, it is quick off the mark at traffic lights, but expect to be overtaken as the car creeps up-wards to 70 mph.

For a car to get you from A to B without hassle, this does the job perfectly.