Daihatsu Charade Hatchback (2003 - 2007) 1.0 SL 5d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not fussed about what others think. It is what it does that counts.

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

Slightly bemused by its small size until they get in and then everyone thinks it is a tardis.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Looking for a starter car for my son and frankly can't find anything much better under £6k.

What are you likely to buy next?

Small diesel for my daughter and pass the Charade to my son so we can keep driving it!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,500

When did you buy the car?

October 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Dealer was reasonable on price and fixed issues highlighted by the vehicle surveyor. Would not buy another used car without a survey. Did a thorough job and saved his fee in faults fixed for free by the garage plus peace of mind.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Small learner car for my daughter. Cheap to insure for a learner driver, cheap road tax and 50+ mpg. Very low mileage car.

What was the dealer like?

Cooperative and pretty straight.

What's it like to drive?

Easy to drive with an eager thrummy 3 pot engine. Surprisingly nippy around town and keeps up with the motorway traffic. Tall body means a bit of roll in the corners and buffeting by big trucks and coaches so don't be timid. Keep up with the flow.

What's it like to park?

Easy peasy. This is a small car outside and fits in narrow spaces. Smaller doors on the 5 door mean you can find a short narrow spot that others cannot even get in to.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Tyres were probably original and legal but needed changing so got this done straight off. Road noise went down as a result. Lambda sensor went after a year. Daihatsu wanted a fortune. Local garage did it with a service for about £100. Other than normal wear and tear service items NOTHING other than the after market cd/ radio ate a cd and won't spit it out.

What's most practical about your car?

VERY easy to drive and park. Turns on a sixpence and parks in the space of a pram. If you can't reverse this accurately give up on motoring. There is a wheel at each corner and the back window is where the car ends. Room inside is amazing. 4 adults can sit in comfort and rear leg room is really good for such a small car. Hatch back and low lip make loading it a doddle but boot is small without the seats folded. Doors open wide and low lip make it easy to get in and out.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It is short on gadgets but the a/c on this version is a plus in warm weather.