Faults:

Clutch replacement (after lots of abuse!!)

Exhaust (10 years, not bad for an original exhaust! Replaced with a Mandrel bent, free flow, stainless steel job).

General Comments:

Well what can you say! Working for Cosworth Technology I see a lot of exotic machinery, yet still this 1 litre Daihatsu is my favourite car... ever... Fun to drive and own, easy to tune (engine has forged internals as standard, bomb proof they are, potential for HUGE power). Easy to maintain and they are fairly exclusive (rare).

Don't be put off by the fact it's a Daihatsu, this car was designed for rallying. I went with my mate in his Golf GTI to pick my Charade up when I bought it. Had a little race on the way home, I just drove away from him!

If you find one in good condition, buy it, look after it, you'll love it!

There's nothing which looks, sounds, or drives quite like them.... RAW FUN!!!

Faults:

Nothing while I had it.

General Comments:

I bought this car from new in '89. Bought it tax-free when I was in the army and was a bit cautious, it being an unknown quantity.

Although I sold it several years ago, I had to make an entry to say that it was the most fun car I've ever owned! It was quite happy at an indicated 130mph on the german autobahn. I did 44k miles in the 3yrs I owned it and never a hiccup. I was stopped for speeding on the M1 (I was only doing 90mph) and the policeman was very surprised when I told him it was only a 1.0 litre engine. Very economical too. See, you can have your cake and eat it!

Faults:

Waterpump after 53,000 miles.

Turbo rebuild after 80,000 miles.

General Comments:

The ultimate 1 litre car. 0-60 in 7.7 secs - reliable, economical, handles superbly and isn't too expensive to run, unless something serious happens i.e. turbo blows!

Main dealers don't know what to do with them and parts can be expensive. Find a turbo specialist to service them and change the oil every 3,000 miles!