1992 Daihatsu Charade SE review from North America

Replaced the clutch disc (only) at 70,000 miles since I could longer nurse the original disc from slipping too excessively during even moderate acceleration. New disc (purchased from CarParts.com) works fine. Pressure plate and disc seem to have lots of life left.

Replaced water pump at 95,000 miles although it wasn't leaking and had only moderate play in the shaft bearing.

Runs hot in the summer, have to run the heater to keep it the water temperature within limits. So far, I've just put up with this annoyance. I suspect the radiator is slightly "scaled up" & not allowing the water to circulate fast enough.

Engine has developed a miss (#2 cylinder) only at throttle settings of just above idle to approx. one quarter throttle. All higher throttle inputs the engine runs 100%. Idles normal also. Another annoyance ignored. Suspect it could possibly be the oxygen sensor causing the miss.

Replaced the rear brake shoes at 75,000 miles. Still on the original front pads, but they're ready for replacement within the next 5,000 miles.

Seems to be a well made machine. My first impression of the car after purhase was that it was very "Toyota" like on the inside. Which in fact it is for Toyota owns 51% of Daihatsu.

The seats in my vehicle were rather torn, but 2 seat covers from Pep Boys took care of that. Seat covers are wearing well.

The front seats feel adequately comfortable for my 73 miles round trip daily work commute. The back seat lower I removed completely and folded down the upper making the car a 2 seater.

Am waiting for my Firestone 155/ 80-13 tires to wear out (another 8,000 miles. or so) so I can put some 175/70-13s on it. It should corner a little better.

Motor pulls well for a triple 1 litre. Gets 40 miles per gallon week in week out. Need to replace the timing belt one of these months. Inspected it recently and it looked no worse for wear.