Perodua Kenari (2000 - 2010) 1.0 GX 5d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It raises a few eyebrows and generates a few giggles, but I have no ego and I couldn't care about 'image'. There are often people standing in the rain at bus stops laughing as I pass, but I am warm and dry and travelling cheaper than a bus, so who has the last laugh?

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

Lets be honest, it looks ridiculous and my kids are embarrassed by it, but they never refuse a lift in it and I couldn't give a care what anybody thinks anyway.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I tend not to buy the same model, but I would have no problem with owning another Kenari, especially as petrol prices are so daft. This car does 48MPG on the strictly urban slog and costs just £118 for fully comprehensive insurance and £115 for road tax.

What are you likely to buy next?

My car is always the 'second' car in the household, so anything that is as cheap to run and as reliable as the Kenari. Possibly a Suzuki Alto as they are equally as reliable and economical an the road tax is just £35 a year.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,550

When did you buy the car?

November 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Excellent, 1 owner from new with just 12k on the clock and a full service history, all for just £1550.....BARGAIN!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Speculative buy, bid for it on eBay and won it.

What was the dealer like?

Only dealt with online via eBay, but delivery was arranged to Manchester from Blackpool with no problems.

What's it like to drive?

Nicer than you would expect and very quick off the mark when needed and when settled it is no Rolls Royce, but it is suprisingly smooth & quiet. Of note however, is that the only adjustment to the driving position is the seat back and forth & reclining, there is no height adjustment or steering wheel adjustment. The engine is a work of art and is a Daihatsu 3 cylinder 1.0 litre DOHC VVTi which is very quick for what it is (more like a 1.3), bullet-proof reliability and unbelievably economical, which when paired with the Daihatsu 5 speed gearbox makes for a very nice drive. Being small, light and tall however, makes motorway driving in breezy or worse conditions at high speeds a bit of a white knuckle ride!!! This car is predominantly a town or 'A' road car even though it is more than cap

What's it like to park?

An absolute breeze, a very shoet car with so little overhang front or rear and PAS, it couldn't be easier.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Clutch cable started to fray recently and after a couple of soldering repairs I have bought a new one and fitted it, which cost £37, but it drives like new now.

What's most practical about your car?

Despite its small footprint, it has 5 doors, it is a very spacious car inside and is an absolute doddle to park in even the tiniest space.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It has all the modern tools such as power assisted steering, electric windows and central locking, but the best part of this car is the phenominal engine.... read on.