2006 Daihatsu Extol 1.3L Petrol · LA06 YFZ

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a clear worsening trend regarding the suspension assembly. While it passed the April 2026 test at 118,984 miles, the tester identified a significant increase in defects compared to the previous year. The progression from minor bushing wear in 2024 to severely deteriorated dust covers on both front lower suspension joints and track rod ends in 2026 indicates that rubber components are reaching the end of their functional life and require proactive replacement to prevent mechanical failure. At 118,984 miles, this twenty-year-old Daihatsu has averaged just under 6,000 miles per year. The usage pattern appears consistent, with roughly 2,900 miles driven between the April 2025 and April 2026 tests. This low annual mileage often correlates with-related degradation of rubber parts rather than mechanical wear from distance. The presence of perished tyres noted in 2025 supports the theory that the vehicle may have sat for extended periods, causing the materials to dry out and crack despite the low mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the entire under- suspension geometry. The recurring mentions of corroded rear coil springs since 2025 and 2026 suggest that surface rust is affecting the springs, which should be monitored for structural fractures. Furthermore, the deteriorated front suspension dust covers and track rod ends require immediate attention as they allow moisture and grit to accelerate the internal failure of the joints. Checking the rear suspension arm bushes for excessive play is vital, as this issue has persisted in the record across three consecutive testing cycles.