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

What does this car say about you?

Who cares? I think image conscious people are superficial and predictable. BMW drivers may chuckle, but their car doesn't do 45MPG, cost £115 a year to tax & just £200 to insure fully comp! People getting wet in bus queues often smile, but who's warm and dry and travelling door to door cheaper than public transport?

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

Again, WHO CARES?

Would you buy this car again and why?

Having owned about 65 cars, everything from a Fiat 126 up to a Jaguar XJ6, probably not, but thats more about me wanting to try something different.

What are you likely to buy next?

Anything quirky or different from the run of the mill.

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?

October 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Bid for it on eBay, proxy bid £1800 and won it for £1550. Very good deal, 1 owner, full main dealer service history, full MOT & 2 months tax so very good deal I think.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Low milage (12k), 1 owner, late model with FMDSH, all for £1550. Spacious economical town car with a fairly good specification.

What was the dealer like?

As it was eBay, I never saw him, just spoke on the phone so a little risky buying a car I had never seen in the 'flesh', but all was well.

What's it like to drive?

Suprisingly quick off the mark for a 1.0 litre 3 cylinder engine, but this does lead to wheel spin in the wet. The gearbox is very smooth & slick, but the gear ratio's mean that a lot of changing is needed when in stop/start town traffic. Motorway driving is OK and this car can keep up with most, but the tall stance and very light weight, make for a white knuckle ride at speed, especially in windy or wet conditions.

What's it like to park?

An absolute doddle, being tall, having large windows/mirrors gives a commanding view of all thats around you and the PAS takes all the work out of it.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing & having contacted the previous owner who had bought it new, I was reassured that it had never missed a beat during his ownership.

What's most practical about your car?

Incredible amount of space for a car with such a small footprint. Being so tall. there is lots of legroom for the rear passengers and the rear seats also recline which is very unusual in this class. I am six foot and there is easily 6 inches of space above my head, so even the tallest driver is catered for. Side opening rear door is very handy for loading and the rear seats fold flat either together or 50/50 making for very versatile load lugging.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

PAS is a must for me and it is very light, but well weighted and precise at the same time. This is the only car I have owned with a CD/cassette/radio combo as standard which is pretty cool.