Faults:

One drive shaft and one front wheel bearing was replaced at 68,000kms.

The heater core stopped working at 68,000kms.

General Comments:

I purchased this car in Nagano, Japan.

In Japan, this car sells as a "yellow plate". This is a category for vehicles with engine sizes of 650cc or less. Yellow plated cars are subject to lower registration charges and insurance costs. Because of this, owning this car in Japan has been considerably less expensive than owning my Jetta when I lived in Canada.

The car is great on gas, usually averaging 4 litres per 100kms. The driving I do is usually over large mountains, up winding roads, and I am not afraid to give the engine plenty of revs, so I feel the fuel economy is impressive.

The car is also very practical, considering its small size. Four adults can comfortably fit, and the rear seats fold down to allow a large cargo area.

For such a small, simple form of transport, I find the car surprisingly comfortable. I have made many trips lasting 2 hours or more, and have not had reason to complain about the comfort.

I am most surprised by what a wonderfully enjoyable car this is to drive. The small size of the vehicle allows for spirited driving on the narrow twisty roads here in Nagano-ken. The engine sounds gruff, but provides sufficient pep to move the light car along quickly.

Handling is predictable, and the vehicle will under-steer when pressed.

In the winter time, selecting 4WD has allowed the car to traverse the worst snow conditions here with ease. Selecting 4WD does reduce performance a little. 4WD is selected by depressing a button on top of the shifter.

The interior of the car has stood up very well. The materials used for the interior do not show noticeable signs of wear. I particularly like the small 3 spoke steering wheel, which is simple and sporty.

This is the easiest car to park I have ever driven. This is due to excellent visibility and the cars small size.

I do have a few minor annoyances with the car.

There is no tachometer in our Mira.

There is a small compartment on top of the dash with an inexpensive plastic lid. This lid rattled. I solved the problem with a little foam taped along the edge.

The cup holders are rather shallow and ineffective at holding a beverage.

Engine and road noise are as you would expect on a car in this class, at this age. However, it is not unreasonable, and does not interfere with conversations.

Faults:

My brake pads was changed at 50000.

The engine temperature got hot when I exceed 100 km per hour.

The air condition don't work when the engine temperature is hot.

General Comments:

Well do you need a car doesn't cost you money when you go to gas station then get it.

Good handling.

Good performance.

If you were fat please don't buy it the cabin is so tide, but seats is comfortable.

U can't find the spare parts easily.

Faults:

It blew a head gasket, and the previous owner's mechanic decided to replace the whole motor.

The clutch and gearbox were also unnecessarily replaced.

It had an oil leak from an incorrectly seated rocker cover.

General Comments:

This car has amazing off the line performance, I often find myself pulling ahead of many 3.0 liter 6 cylinder cars straight from the lights.

It has absolutely shocking handling on gravel / wet surfaces, and you can't go around any corner at high speed without severe under-steer.

It has heaps of seating room front and back, but it is limited width-wise.

The gearbox feels like it is constructed from jelly.

The motor has a great rev-range, and it has never valve-bounced, even when I give it a good race.

The windscreen tends to get very dirty quickly, more so than most other cars I've owned.