Daihatsu Hijet review (1986-2004)
PROS
- Cheap and cheerful
CONS
- Flimsy and poor to drive
Summary
The Daihatsu Hijet is the closest thing on the roads to a loaf of bread on wheels, but it has a history dating back to 1986 and has sold in abundance with its cheap front-end price.
During its life, the Hijet appeared as a panel van, a pick-up and a tipper and was even sold with an LPG conversion.
The Hijet comes with just one engine – a 1.3-litre petrol unit mated to a five-speed gearbox.
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We are talking very much economy motoring here and although the 1.3-litre petrol engine pumps out a lively 65hp at 4,800rpm and 99Nm of torque at 2,800rpm, the Hijet is a skittish performer, which will be blown about on the roads by passing large trucks.
This van doesn’t have power steering but as it is light, that should not prove too much of a problem.
Anyone over 6ft will struggle to find a comfortable position behind the wheel as space is at a premium.
Sitting forward of the front wheels and close to the windscreen, some drivers will feel exposed, especially during motorway driving.
Music lovers will be forced to entertain themselves as a radio/cassette player doesn’t feature on the standard specification list.
A cheap front-end price makes the Hijet an equally cheap van to run.
With a gross vehicle weight of just 1,550kg, the 1.3-litre petrol engine should prove frugal as long as the van isn’t loaded down too heavily and providing rapid progress isn’t required.
A heavy right foot can drastically affect fuel consumption.
The Hijet’s petrol engine needs servicing every 6,000 miles, so the chances are that as time goes by, vital maintenance is going to be missed.
The thin body panels are prone to rust too, so careful attention should be given to bodywork on older models.
Few prizes to be given here. The Hijet is a cheap and cheerful vehicle and some of the corners are cut by not offering items such as airbags, power steering and ABS brakes.
With body panels feeling extremely thin, thieves could probably get in and steal goods using little more than a kitchen tin opener.
