2002 Daihatsu Sirion 1.3L Petrol · GV02 VOO

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 February 2026 returned a Pass with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that at the point of test the vehicle met all statutory roadworthiness requirements for its class. Looking back over the available test history, the 2002 Daihatsu Sirion presented an unusual pattern in that both the 2025 and 2026 test episodes show a Fail followed immediately by a Pass on the same date. While no specific defect codes are recorded against these failures in the data provided, this sequence is consistent with the tester identifying an issue which was then rectified on site or between the two parts of the test, allowing the vehicle to pass on the same day. Overall the maintenance trend therefore appears stable rather than deteriorating, though a prospective buyer should request documentation confirming what remedial work was carried out at both 2025 and 2026 to satisfy themselves that underlying defects have been properly resolved rather than temporarily masked. With recorded mileage of 19,904 miles across approximately 24 years, this Sirion has averaged only around 829 miles annually, which is exceptionally low and well below typical usage for a car of this age. Such low annual mileage raises the possibility of extended periods of standing or very short, infrequent trips, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Components that deteriorate with calendar age rather than wear distance are likely to be of greater concern than high-mileage items such as the clutch, engine internals, or gearbox synchros. Conversely, items that suffer from lack of use such as the 12V battery, brake callipers and discs corroding or seizing, and rubber components perishing are areas warranting close physical inspection. Given the clean advisory record but the low-mileage profile, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough age-related inspection before purchase. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and tread condition, as tyres older than around six years from their DOT date code can harden and lose grip even with adequate tread depth, and the spare should be checked likewise. The braking system should be inspected for seized or binding calipers, corroded brake disc surfaces with visible pitting or lipping, and perished brake hoses or flex lines, as these are common consequences of long periods of standing. The exhaust system should be checked for internal corrosion and mounting rubber deterioration, and underbonnet checks should confirm the condition and charge state of the battery, the age and integrity of all drive belts, the state of radiator and heater hoses, and the presence of any oil or coolant leaks from ageing gaskets and seals. Attention should also be directed towards the suspension and steering, where rubber bushes, drop links, ball joints, and coil springs can all degrade with age irrespective of mileage, and a test drive over uneven surfaces should be conducted to listen for clonks, knocks, or knocking from worn bushes or anti-roll bar links. Fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the automatic or manual transmission fluid should be checked for age-related degradation, as a car standing for long periods can accumulate moisture in the brake fluid and oxidation in the coolant, both of which should be refreshed regardless of mileage. Steering should be checked for play or vagueness, and the cooling system warrants particular scrutiny given the known susceptibility of small Daihatsu engines to water pump and thermostat housing wear. Finally, verifying a complete service history with documented replacement of time-sensitive items and confirming that any remedial work linked to the recorded Fail outcomes has been properly documented will provide essential reassurance given the unusual test pattern and very low usage profile.