Daihatsu Charade Hatchback (2003 - 2007) 1.0 EL 3d (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Who Cares?

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They take the mickey. But with £30 a year road tax and 55mpg easily achieved, faultless reliability and easy parking they do understand my reasons for driving it. And... you can leave it anywhere and it will still be there untouched upon your return.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Sadly they don't make them anymore so no. But I would certainly recommend it.

What are you likely to buy next?

I have just traded it in for a Hyundai i10. Ask me in a year if that's as good as the Charade has been.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,800

When did you buy the car?

November 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

All things considered yes, except used warranty was pointless from this garage.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I own a high performance car and wanted a car with cheap running costs for my daily commute. In reality I found myself using this car most of the time.

What was the dealer like?

Put it this way I won't be buying from them again. There was a fault which occured during its 3 month warranty period and they wouldn't sort it under warranty. I ended up having to pay. You live and learn.

What's it like to drive?

A hoot. Think fairground dodgem. It is also surprisingly quick. People don't believe how quick it really is. I have loved this car.

What's it like to park?

It's 11 foot long. If you can't park this, surrender your licence immediately.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The door hinge broke in the first month. Other than that no. It feels bullet proof. I'm very impressed with its reliability.

What's most practical about your car?

Its size. I can park in places other drivers haven't a hope of getting into.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Steering wheel, its amazing how useful those things are!