Daihatsu Charade Hatchback 1.0 EL 5d (2005/05) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
for what you get the value is outstanding. Has to be another 5. Cars at double this price have less kit in them.
Costs
mines gets about 55-60 mpg depending where/when I'm driving. Very hard to beat that. Insurance is pretty low and in the lowest tax band too. Has to be another 5.
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On the road
Driving
So exciting. A joy on the daily commute to work. Fun fun fun.
Performance
Sometimes you see drivers of more expensive cars think 'better get in front of that thing in case it slows me down'. Then you put your foot down and accelerate away from them:) Goes good on the motorway and is up with the best you'll find around town.
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Living with it
Reliability
Well, it's a Daihatsu, which must be Japanese for reliable. Seriously though, mine has been through a lot. Long journeys, bumpy country roads, a little bit of testing the limits from me and nothing has went wrong with it so far. Tyres might need changing.
Image
Well I, my wife, most of my friends and work colleagues all like it. It's been called a cute little dinky toy and a pocket rocket by people. So I rate it highly. Some snob types who drive more expensive cars might look down their nose but they're jealous.
Comfort
Very comfortable. I have gotten sore backs in some cars, especially on longer journeys, but in my Charade I go visit the in-laws, who live about 5 hours away, along mostly motorway and I feel fine. Materials inside aren't the most expensive but good.
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Security and Service
Security
No alarm but has immobiliser. I don't think it's a prime target for thieves though. They'll most likely be wondering what the hell it is and leave it alone. Not had anyone try to break in, or if they have they failed.
Service
The garage I went to for my first service offered the cheapest price of the places locally, but I got the feeling I'd have been better off somewhere else. Don't think they were very thorough. Daihatsu were only a small part of their business.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Had a tyre changed as it got a puncture. Kwik Fit changed it. slightly different size ( T instead of S) but of a size allowed, now makes a funny noise when at high speed on motorway. It's not anything faulty ( had it checked) so just need to change tyre.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes