2003 Daihatsu Charade 1.0L Petrol · FV53 ATO

The vehicle is currently out of MOT as the last recorded test was over two years ago on 16 May 2024. The maintenance trend is worsening, moving from a clean pass in May 2023 to a failure and subsequent pass in May 2024 that left several advisories unresolved. The most recent test at 69,153 miles flagged an oil leak and two perishing or worn rear tyres, suggesting the car has been neglected since the spring of 2024. The mileage is exceptionally low for a 23 year old vehicle, averaging roughly 3,007 miles per year. The record shows a steady but slow accumulation, rising from 27,878 miles in August 2013 to 69,153 miles in May 2024. This low usage pattern often leads to the degradation of rubber components, which is evident in the recurring tyre perishing and cracking noted in the 2022 and 2024 tests. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and suspension mountings. The vehicle has a history of structural corrosion, failing in August 2014 for excessive corrosion to the rear vehicle structure and again in May 2017 for corroded rear suspension spring mountings. While these were rectified to pass, the age of the car and these specific failure points indicate a high risk of returning rust. The braking system also shows a pattern of instability. The tester flagged imbalanced brakes across both axles in February 2023 and noted that the system barely met requirements in February 2022. Combined with the 2023 failure for a worn front suspension ball joint and a major exhaust leak, these entries suggest a reactive approach to maintenance rather than a preventative one. An inspection of the oil leak noted in May 2024 is also essential to determine if it is a minor seep or a more serious engine seal failure.