1986 Daihatsu Charade G11R review from Australia and New Zealand

Unfortunately it hasn't been treated well.

Factory turbo (original) blew at 190450km, car now running naturally aspirated.

Original head cracked at 197527 due to an overheating problem in the past, caused by poor treatment og the previous owner.

Due to poor treatment, the seats have faded and there is sun damage to the interior.

The car is very cheap to run, parts are cheap, the car is simple and easy to repair yourself within budget.

Unfortunately the Turbos on these cars are often worn out as the car came with no turbo timer and people treated them like normal cars, not letting the turbo cool down before switching the engine off.

That and most people didn't have the turbo serviced as the car was quite cheap to buy in the first place and were quite content to drive it into the ground.

It is very thin on the creature comforts, but has just enough to make longer trips tolerable.

Interior is two tone red and grey cloth/vinyl, with very comfortable seats.

Styling is typically boxy styled 80's inside and out.

Exterior styling differences between the G11R and the standard G11 are front and rear air-dams and a set of alloy wheels.

Handling is sharp and precise with no power steering, nor is it needed and fantastic in cornering.

Performance is stomach punching, with the car only weighing 650kgs and maximum power around 55-60kw, giving a fantastic power to weight ratio.

Engine: 1.0 Litre 3 cylinder, Single Overhead Cam, 6 valve, Carburetor, cross flow alloy head, cast iron block, low compression pistons.

Turbo: IHI RHB32 Sleeve bearing turbo charger, oil cooled through oil cooler attached to engine. One of the smallest production turbos ever made with the impeller measuring only 44mm across.

Transmission: 5 speed close ratio manual transmission only.

Carburetor: Down-drought 2 barrel Aisin, with manual choke operation.

Suspension: Front Independent Mcpherson Struts with Large diameter stabiliser bar. Back Beam Axel with trailing arms and panhard rod.

Differences between G11R and G11: Up-rated suspension, exhaust, engine mechanicals, transmission, fuel tank, fuel pump, air intake system, interior styling, exterior bumpers and turbo badging.