1999 Daihatsu Sirion 1.0 3 cylinder from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Simply awesome

Faults:

Flat battery after being away on holiday for 3 weeks.

General Comments:

4 door go-kart performance.

Have driven it hard and every day. A work commute, but often loaded up with the 2 kids in their car seats, and crammed the luggage space with camping gear and gone away for the night.

I do not have a bad thing to say about this car. It runs on the smell of an oily rag. Starts every time. Unbelievably reliable, go anywhere.

Looks deceptively like an old ladies car, but I would buy another one for myself at a shot, whenever this one dies.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th December, 2010

1999 Daihatsu Sirion GTVi 1.3 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Glad I bought it

Faults:

The pressure plate is the biggest problem I have had with this car. It first went at 34000Km, then again at 68300. You can blow the pressure plate by cranking the wheel hard left and accelerating as fast as possible from 0. If you feel something like wheel hop, you've just ruined your pressure plate.

The last clutch I put in was a heavy-duty one, and even though the pressure plate has been "chewed" by this clutch, it's still working. When the car goes in for service, I just tell the mechanics that I already know there's a problem with the clutch. When it gets to the point of slipping, I'll take care of it. Until then, it's just a waste of money.

General Comments:

All things considered, a good car.

The only other problems have been with the A/C and the rear passenger side electric door lock.

I've had it up to 180Kmh and regularly do more than 160. Aussie drivers are wimpy sheep, and when following a slow vehicle, tail-gate instead of passing. So, you have to pass half-a dozen or more at a time... This car flies!... and still returns 6-6.5 litres/100Km.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2010

2nd Jul 2012, 05:31

Can you please advise on the procedure for clutch replacement for the Sirion? Do you have to remove the motor and gearbox, or can the gearbox only be removed.

Thanks, Jeff Jorgensen, Bundaberg QLD.