Problems Repaired:
Radiator required flushing at 99,000km, again at 102,000km.
Thermostat jammed at 104,000km, required replacement.
Radiator required replacement at 104,000km.
New brake pads front and back at 106,000km, brake drums machined.
TOTAL REPAIR COST: AU$1,750.
Problems that require repair:
Clutch requires replacement in less than a months time (107,000km)
EFI requires repair, idling roughly (107,000km)
Transmission requires repair as gears are not shifting properly (107,000km)
ESTIMATED COST OF NEW REPAIRS: AU$800 - $1000.
It's also blowing a fair bit of smoke out the back on days where the temperature is 20 degrees celsius or under.
I have never seen a car requiring this much in repairs after travelling only 9,000km over a two year time frame.
The car had previously been in a front end accident (dealer never mentioned this at time of sale, found out from mechanic) and it subsequently has a replacement starter engine (KM unknown) from a wrecker.
The car appeared perfect on the exterior, yet is a ticking time bomb mechanically. I will never be buying another car without a mechanics inspection again.
The only positive points I can think of is that the air conditioning is great on hot summer days, and the suspension is great.
Sorry you bought a pup, but these Charades are tough little beasts, requiring mostly just routine maintenance, and producing big smiles as it blasts along.
Not really a Charade review, more a "cut n shut" review, and most of those are a bit crap.
I have had a Charade, and had quite a few problems since I cooked it, but as a general rule, unless it was really flogged, they go for ages, especially the transmission and clutch.
Seems you have bought a real dud.
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