1997 Daihatsu Hijet EFI review from UK and Ireland

Electrics went within 3 months from new. Towed to Main dealer who fixed it under warranty - later all Hi-jets recalled to fix this problem.

Month after 3 year warranty ended, battery failed.

4 years from new (36,000 miles), big end bearing failed. Not with a cut groove on the inside, but just flaked away. Mechanic said he had only seen it once before on a van with 140,000+ miles on.

Head Gasket blew shortly after big end bearing fixed. Radiator vanes replaced as well.

Sliding door bearing disintegrated.

Sliding door handle shattered into small fragments when opening in the cold.

Front window rack broke.

Rear brake cylinders failed, very exoensive to replace, even the garage couldn't beleive the price for parts.

6 years on the paintwork is flaking off on the front and roof.

7 1/2 years from new (76,000 miles), 3 weeks after sailing through MOT and service... engine failed completely, need replacing at a cost of £1100. Car will now be scrapped.

From all the faults with it you would think the car was mistreated, however this is far from the case. Most driving was around town (to-from work)and a little on the motorway (once a quarter). Car was maintained by a local garage.

Visibility from the cab is fantastic.

Very light steering.

Loads of space inside, the wife thinks its Dr Who's Tardis.

Very cheap to run unless it develops a fault and then it can be expensive for parts.

Very easy to park, with a very small turning circle.

Plenty of space in and around the seats.