2000 Daihatsu Sirion Plus 1.0

Summary:

The unknown gem

Faults:

Surprisingly reliable.

The radio speakers in the front don't seem to work. The previous owner had changed the radio, and in the process I think may have done some damage here. I replaced the radio myself, and the back speakers are now consistent and ample for the whole cabin.

I replaced a bulb once, but that's to be expected.

Nothing else went wrong at all.

General Comments:

Delightful car. I thought I was getting a bargain basement car, but I was wrong. I got a pleasant surprise instead.

Extras:

1: Electric windows (all four).

2: Central locking.

3: Electric wing mirrors (I found after purchase to my surprise).

4. Cabin button to open boot/trunk.

5. Cabin button to open petrol tank cap.

6. Extra glove box under the steering wheel.

The dash has a high spec polished leather finish that compares to my father's Ford Focus (1999).

For a one litre car, there is more than ample room in the cabin.

Very good on fuel, handling and performance. (I'm mainly driving in the city and occasionally on motorways).

Bodywork in very nice. As a friend said to me after my purchase, 'It looks retro, and retro is in again'. This retro look is thanks to the chrome finish on the front and the sides. Who would have thought of putting chrome on a one litre? But it works.

Moreover, the body work is strong and durable as well.

All in all, for such a price, this is an amazing find. There's not too many out there, but if you spot one, have a second look, maybe even treat yourself.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2010

2nd Sep 2012, 03:17

Did you remove the stereo in this car? If so, how?

12th Jul 2015, 07:48

Hi, I know this is probably a silly question, but where abouts is the fuel cap release bottom in the cabin? Been searching for it and cannot seem to find it! Thanks :)

15th Jul 2015, 03:50

Next to the handbrake.

6th Oct 2015, 15:55

It's the same lever that opens the tailgate; you just have to push it down, not to pull it up (pulling it up opens the tailgate, pushing it down opens the petrol flap).

2000 Daihatsu Sirion F-speed 1.3

Summary:

A very cheap performance car which is also chic

Faults:

No known faults yet, since it's first service is at 12,500 miles.

General Comments:

This car is enormous fun to drive using its F1 buttons for gear changes.

It is safe and comfortable on the motorway, and at speed.

In town and whilst driving slow, it does not feel very comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2001

9th May 2002, 14:49

Had my F-Speed since March 2001, and have done 22000 miles.

The engine is very responsive, but I am not too keen on the gearbox in full automatic mode (I don't bother with the "manual" buttons). The electronics can be too easily fooled if you have to ease off for a fraction of a second when accelerating hard. The gearbox will immediately change up to e.g. 4th, and take nearly 3 seconds to change back down to 2nd or 3rd when pushing hard on the accelerator again. A similar effect can be obtained at slower speeds (e.g. entering and exiting roundabouts), but here, on occasion, the gearbox will slam into the lower gear (1st or 2nd) after the short change-up to 3rd.

I don't remember these problems occurring to any degree with other cars with mechanical automatic gearboxes.

That being said, 2nd gear is fantastic, and will easily pull from 10 to 70 mph.

Petrol consumption is very good, and the insurance rating is amazing low for such a nippy car.

Jeff.