1989 Daihatsu Charade GTti review from Austria
"Unmatched price/performance ratio"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
5th gear broke at 120.000 km.
Head gasket broke at 100.000 km.
General comments?
This car is one of the most underrated ever for sure, and I remember myself always thinking like that BEFORE I had mine.
Just a few words on reliability: usually the only reason the head gasket can blow is heat; in my case the cooling fan broke and it went hot a few times, that's something you should not underestimate.
The only real weakness seems to be the 5th gear, the tappet wheel is worn off and the gear jumps out. This is something to replace with new parts, I bought a used gearbox, where the 5th gear broke also after 10.000kms.
I personally would want to have a "stronger" clutch, because when you try to accelerate without spinning wheels, 1) the clutch doesn't connect nicely and 2) it's ruined soon when you keep doing it.
I am not mechanic myself, so I had to try out many different one until I found one as enthusiastic as me.
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|
| Excellent beginner's car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.0 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 55000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 140000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Passat |
| Date of Entry | 16th August, 2001 |