1991 Daihatsu Charade SG review from Australia and New Zealand

Daihatsu's are meant to be reliable yet this one required a major engine rebuild before 100K (crankshaft).

Broke down in the middle of the road on more than a few occasions.

Positives?

1. Very economical (runs on the smell of an oil rag)

2. Surprisingly roomy for little car

3. Service costs reasonable (until something goes wrong)

4. Cheap to buy (new and used)

5. Easy to drive - good first car? See Negative 3 below.)

6. Cheap to insure.

Negatives?

1. Not so reliable as many people think (unless perhaps a little (very) old lady drives it and it is properly serviced)

2. Come to think about it, dealer probably didn't service it properly even though hard earned cash forked over.

3. Hate to think what it would be like in accident.

4. Does not live up to Japanese quality reputation. Interior and exterior very flimsy. Paint faded very quickly.

5. Very spartan appointments.

6. Struggles on hills. Don't try to overtake anything.

7. Easy to steal.

8. Even for those on a budget there must be better cars. Or spend a little bit more on a Toyota or Mazda.