2005 Daihatsu Charade 1.0L Petrol · FN54 AHZ

A clear pattern of rear structural and brake-line corrosion runs through the MOT history of this 2005 Daihatsu Charade, alongside a persistent engine oil leak that has escalated over time. The 2022 test produced a failure with two major items: an oil leak deemed excessive, and a nearside rear inner sill with corrosion significant enough to reduce structural rigidity, alongside non-functioning offside rear stop lamp. The vehicle passed a re-test the following day once the stop lamp was addressed, but the oil leak and chassis corrosion remained as advisories, and the corroded rear brake pipes were noted across three consecutive tests from 2022 to 2024. By the most recent pass in February 2024, the same oil leak was still present, the front brake discs were showing wear and pitting, and slight play was recorded in the nearside rear axle swivel pin and bush assembly. The recurring advisories rather than repeated failures suggest the car has remained on the road, but the cluster of corrosion and wear items at the rear end warrants close physical inspection. Mileage accumulation over the vehicle's life averages roughly 8,000 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a 21-year-old city car of this size. Recorded test intervals show a fairly steady pattern, with no extended gaps that would suggest a long period off the road, which reduces the likelihood of dried seals, seized brake components, or flat-spotted tyres. However, the recorded odometer reading of 170,020 miles is high for a vehicle of this class and age, and a Charade of this vintage at this mileage will have absorbed considerable wear across its engine, transmission, and suspension. The fact that the oil leak has now been flagged at three consecutive tests indicates it is a chronic issue rather than a one-off seal failure, and the chassis and brake line corrosion noted on multiple occasions is consistent with the accumulation of road salt and grime over many years of winter motoring. A prospective buyer should treat the underbody and rear structure as the priority inspection area. The 2022 failure specifically cited the offside rear inner sill as having corrosion reducing rigidity, and the following year advisory entries for both nearside and offside rear inner body structure within 30cm of a mounting point confirm that this corrosion is progressive rather than static. Lift the vehicle on a ramp if possible and inspect the full length of both rear sills, the rear inner wheel arches, and the areas around the rear axle and suspension mountings for perforation, flaking scale, or previous patch repairs. Pay particular attention to the rear brake pipes, which have been flagged as corroded and greased on both sides across multiple tests; corroded brake lines are a safety-critical item that can lead to fluid loss under heavy braking, and any renewal will require careful flaring and routing. The nearside rear axle swivel pin and bush assembly, noted as slightly worn in 2024, should be checked for play by hand when the wheel is unloaded. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over speed humps and rough surfaces, which would indicate advancing wear in the swivel pin, bushes, or coil springs, the latter having been flagged as corroded in 2023. The brake pedal should feel firm and progressive, as any sponginess or excessive travel could indicate weeping brake pipes or air ingress from corroded lines. With the engine idling, watch for visible oil drips beneath the engine bay, particularly around the sump, cam cover, and oil filter housing, and note whether the oil warning light extinguishes promptly on start-up. The front brake discs, noted as worn and pitted in 2024, may now require replacement, and any judder through the steering wheel or brake pedal under braking would confirm disc warping. Finally, verify that the offside rear stop lamp is functional, as this was a failure item in 2022, and confirm the absence of any dashboard warning lights or rough running that could suggest the oil leak has developed into a more serious engine concern.