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

What does this car say about you?

I had a red one - it said here comes Postman Pat. And yes - my cat really is called Jess. Honest.

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

They don't think about cars - I'm a university lecturer. I, however, always have been a paid-up petrolhead. I bore myself on cars. No, really...

Would you buy this car again and why?

When I was 18 and my Dad bought me an old 1200cc VW Beetle for my first car, I swore I'd never, not ever, buy the same car of any make twice in my life - there are just too many cars for a car-nut to try and life's just too short. I'm 43 next year. I'm picking up my second, used Charade tomorrow. Think about that.

What are you likely to buy next?

God knows. Probably an insane single-seater for the track. There are some nice Formula 3 Renaults out there for 10k, but also Van Diemans, Dallaras, Swifts and Radical Prosports. For the road maybe a Noble M12 - slower than my old Tuscan but better handling when in 3 figures.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,700

When did you buy the car?

January 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes - price was reduced by a thousand quid so I snapped it up.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I test drove one and loved it...

What was the dealer like?

Good. No messing about, which I like in a dealer.

What's it like to drive?

I've had 30 odd cars over 20 odd years. I was in the TVR Car Club for nine years zooming around in my Chimaera, then my Tuscan and I currently Hillclimb my AMG Merc as a member of the BARC. At 720 kilos, the Charade is of course a great drive. It's lighter than a Smart For Two, remember. So what if it understeers and rolls - so do most cars if you're pushing them.

What's it like to park?

Like the Meercat says: Simples.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No. Not a single thing in 25,000 miles. Front tyres needed replacing due to suspension set-up mentioned elsewhere. I thought Japanese reliability was a myth. It ain't.

What's most practical about your car?

The design. This is simply one of the very best designed cars I've experienced. Extraordinary interior space, excellent engine positioning, superb hatch access and simplicity. Everything you need in a car and nothing you don't.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Strong air-con for a small car and it even says 'goodbye' to you!