1987 Daihatsu Charade G11R CX review from Australia and New Zealand

Nothing, it needed a new battery when I bought it, but then it was just a very cheap runabout car. It was beginning to use some water and oil before I sold it, clutch was on its way out, but would still have lasted a while. I didn't even bother giving it a service until after a year of hard driving, so it held up fairly well.

Servicing parts were fairly expensive, almost as expensive as my BMW! But then the cheap fuel economy offset this.

Performance is lacklustre, but good for an engine of this size, and it feels faster than it is. Great fuel economy, one tankfull cost about $20 and lasted over a month sometimes!!! I'm a short person and I thought the seating position was great, but tall people might have problems, sparse interior, but that's what you expect from such a no frills car, I didn't miss anything.

Handling was OK, not brilliant, but could be mildly entertaining on winding country roads, but if you are after a road hugging machine look elsewhere. braking was OK for traffic use, but marginal for any serious work. Ride wasn't very good, but I've driven worse.

As a cheap to run, no fuss commuter car I would highly recommend a charade, but I wouldn't like to be in an accident with one.