DVLA verified

DAIHATSU CHARADE1997 · 1.3L Petrol

P540 EEC

Vehicle Insight Summary

With 72,837 miles recorded, this Grey 1997 DAIHATSU CHARADE runs on Petrol with a 1296cc engine. MOT is not on record and tax is unpaid.

MOT
Expired
Expires 21/10/2022
Tax
No data
Fuel
Petrol
Year
1997
Engine
1296cc
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2022-10-19 at 72,837 miles resulted in a failure, though no defects were recorded. Subsequent tests in 2021 and 2020 showed no issues, but the repeated failures without recorded faults suggest either incomplete inspections or potential systemic reliability concerns. The lack of defects in passing tests indicates no immediate critical risks, but the failure history implies a maintenance trend that may require closer scrutiny. The vehicle’s age and low mileage raise questions about long-term component integrity, particularly in systems prone to degradation from inactivity. The mileage progression shows minimal annual usage, averaging 2,512 miles per year over 29 years. Notable gaps between tests—such as the 12-month interval between 2020-07-10 and 2021-10-22—could indicate periods of inactivity, which may exacerbate issues like corrosion or fluid stagnation. The 2021-10-20 failure occurred just two days after a passing test at 66,917 miles, suggesting inconsistent testing or unresolved underlying problems. While the MOT records are sparse, the absence of defects in passing tests does not preclude hidden wear in non-visual components. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the suspension for worn bushes or coil springs, as low-mileage vehicles often experience uneven wear. Brake systems, including calipers and discs, should be checked for binding or corrosion, as inactivity can lead to seized components. Structural integrity is likely intact given the clean MOT history, but rust under the chassis or in wheel arches warrants close examination. Electrical systems and fluid levels may also require attention due to prolonged inactivity. The vehicle’s maintenance pattern suggests basic upkeep, but further hands-on assessment is essential to confirm roadworthiness.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

Free vehicle health score

45
/ 100 · Below Average

Public record health check: Below Average.

Based on free DVLA & DVSA signals. Premium checks for stolen/finance/write-off history are locked below.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
! Older vehicle
A score of 45 doesn't mean it's safe to buy. Private markers don't appear in public data.
Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for P540EEC

Data provided by Experian
Stolen
Locked
Finance
Locked
Write-off
Locked
Salvage
Locked
Imported
Locked
Exported
Locked
Scrapped
Locked
Destruction
Locked
V5C Logbook
Locked

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Technical Specifications

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Full MOT History

MOT data last updated: 4/15/2026, 4:56:25 PM

Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2022-10-19 at 72,837 miles resulted in a failure, though no defects were recorded. Subsequent tests in 2021 and 2020 showed no issues, but the repeated failures without recorded faults suggest either incomplete inspections or potential systemic reliability concerns. The lack of defects in passing tests indicates no immediate critical risks, but the failure history implies a maintenance trend that may require closer scrutiny. The vehicle’s age and low mileage raise questions about long-term component integrity, particularly in systems prone to degradation from inactivity. The mileage progression shows minimal annual usage, averaging 2,512 miles per year over 29 years. Notable gaps between tests—such as the 12-month interval between 2020-07-10 and 2021-10-22—could indicate periods of inactivity, which may exacerbate issues like corrosion or fluid stagnation. The 2021-10-20 failure occurred just two days after a passing test at 66,917 miles, suggesting inconsistent testing or unresolved underlying problems. While the MOT records are sparse, the absence of defects in passing tests does not preclude hidden wear in non-visual components. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the suspension for worn bushes or coil springs, as low-mileage vehicles often experience uneven wear. Brake systems, including calipers and discs, should be checked for binding or corrosion, as inactivity can lead to seized components. Structural integrity is likely intact given the clean MOT history, but rust under the chassis or in wheel arches warrants close examination. Electrical systems and fluid levels may also require attention due to prolonged inactivity. The vehicle’s maintenance pattern suggests basic upkeep, but further hands-on assessment is essential to confirm roadworthiness.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

This 1997 Daihatsu Charade (P540 EEC) has a recorded MOT history spanning from July 2019 to October 2022, with 5 MOT tests on record.

With 3 passes and 2 failures, the lifetime MOT pass rate stands at 60%. While not perfect, the history shows a relatively typical pattern of MOT passes and fails.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY