2002 Daihatsu Terios DX 1.3 petrol

Summary:

It's all the car any sane person would ever need, brilliant!

Faults:

Cabin light switch-button in driver's door.

Replaced clutch.

Replaced brake pads.

Replaced suspension bushes and one engine mount.

General Comments:

Simply superb in doing everything it is supposed to do.

Fantastic tightness in the chassis and suspension.

Brilliant all-rounder for touring.

Economical, fuss-free, ultra reliable.

Very good, nimble and light handling.

10-12 cents per km on 98 Octane, can't improve on that!

22 hours straight, Melbourne to Brisbane, piece of cake.

It is a FUN vehicle.

It is incredibly capable and well made (to last).

Powerful enough for 100, 110, and 120kph on the highway.

Great for shopping, camping, urban, off-road (beach) and highways.

Great heater and aircon.

100% x 5 utilitarian - useful as well as cute.

Easy to find ANY parts, but won't require many.

Possibly the BEST car ever created, all things considered.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2012

13th Jan 2017, 02:15

Have just purchased a 2002 Terios with 274k on the clock, but about 65k on a new engine. Very nifty to drive and easy to park.

Prefer to keep at about 90kph on the highway as reluctant to keep that reliable little engine plugging along at 4000 revs for long periods.

Noticed a fall in power and a little shuddering of the engine when idling. Tested all plugs. Dead easy to remove the air filter cover over the engine to gain access to the plugs. As they are deep seated you will require an extended (100-150 mm) 16mm plug wrench. Get one that has no extra covering around actual 16mm socket as the hole is about 26mm and thus no spare room for extra width. Found the plugs OK, but number one cylinder was not firing. Problem was the ignition coil on that cylinder. Easy to disconnect the wiring socket and buy a new coil (expect to pay about Au $123). Simple maintenance jobs on the engine appear to be easy for a DIY owner. eBay sellers often advertise parts from wrecking operations.

2002 Daihatsu Terios

Summary:

Do it ALL in one small reliable package

Faults:

NOTHING, except replaced a clutch.

General Comments:

I expect this Terios to go at least till 400,000km without any drama at all. It is 100% reliable for everything it is intended to be used for.

It is AWD in a small and extremely economical package. I get 10-12c per km using 98 Octane fuel from the 1300cc 4 cylinder engine. A used vehicle in original condition that is unmodified, is the way to go.

For urban shopping and general use, it is extremely easy to drive and park. Adverse conditions such as mud and snow is when this vehicle comes into its ZONE such as during fishing/canoe outings. Normally, even for beach work, the central diff-lock is almost never needed. On the highway, 110kph is easily and comfortably sustained.

Seats are OK if unglamourous and basic for this type of vehicle. Clutch and GB very (Toyota) smooth, robust and light. Brakes are more than adequate.

It is not a diehard 4WD, but as an AWD light runabout with great agility and nimble handling, it's all the car you'll ever need at any price! These days when down-sizing is the smart way to go, this little car is a genius waiting to be discovered.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2012

29th Oct 2012, 21:03

Having just reviewed my comments made earlier, I should also add that my previous cars include the S-Class V8, and Wagon (TC) 3.0 straight six. Leather seats aside, I would rather travel in the Terios than ANY luxury car these days. The overall Terios package is THAT impressive, that is, unless you MUST HAVE 5.0 to 6.0 litres of fuel guzzling prestige to go with your image.

2002 Daihatsu Terios SX 1.3 VVTI

Summary:

Value for Money

Faults:

Seat material seem to be wearing due to general rubbing. very poor dealership in Australia NSW. Even though Daihatsu is owned by Toyota Corporation the Dealer I am dealing with is Mitsubishi Parramatta very unsatisfactory.

General Comments:

Very Satisfied with the performance. Sound system excellent. Very good off road performer even though this is not recognised. Good ground clearence. Very responsive. Needs power windows at back and driving lights to lift the image a bit. Silver wheel cover is a must. Overall very happy with Terios and wish we can get a better dealership.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2002