1993 Daihatsu Charade CX review from Australia and New Zealand
"Problem after problem"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Problems Repaired:
Radiator required flushing at 99,000km, again at 102,000km.
Thermostat jammed at 104,000km, required replacement.
Radiator required replacement at 104,000km.
New brake pads front and back at 106,000km, brake drums machined.
TOTAL REPAIR COST: AU$1,750.
Problems that require repair:
Clutch requires replacement in less than a months time (107,000km)
EFI requires repair, idling roughly (107,000km)
Transmission requires repair as gears are not shifting properly (107,000km)
ESTIMATED COST OF NEW REPAIRS: AU$800 - $1000.
It's also blowing a fair bit of smoke out the back on days where the temperature is 20 degrees celsius or under.
General comments?
I have never seen a car requiring this much in repairs after travelling only 9,000km over a two year time frame.
The car had previously been in a front end accident (dealer never mentioned this at time of sale, found out from mechanic) and it subsequently has a replacement starter engine (KM unknown) from a wrecker.
The car appeared perfect on the exterior, yet is a ticking time bomb mechanically. I will never be buying another car without a mechanics inspection again.
The only positive points I can think of is that the air conditioning is great on hot summer days, and the suspension is great.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1993 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3L Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 98000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 107000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Daihatsu Mira |
| Date of Entry | 30th December, 2006 |