2007 Daihatsu Sirion 1.0L Petrol · PF07 NWZ

The 998cc petrol engine is a small, economical unit that should return approximately 45-50 mpg in mixed driving, with low tax-band costs thanks to the sub-1.0-litre capacity — though as a pre-2001 emissions vehicle it falls outside current VED bands and may cost a nominal amount depending on registration category. Insurance for a Daihatsu Sirion typically sits in groups 3-5, making it one of the cheaper cars to insure on the UK market, particularly for older drivers or those with a clean licence.

Maintenance costs for the Sirion are modest thanks to its mechanical simplicity and shared parts with other small Daihatsu models, though some components are becoming harder to source as the brand has effectively withdrawn from the UK new-car market. Routine servicing (oil, filter, plugs) is likely to come in at £150-£250 per visit at an independent garage. The biggest variable cost will be corrosion-related repairs to suspension and sub-frame components if they progress beyond advisory status.

Estimated annual running cost is £800-£1,100, accounting for fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance — though this could rise sharply if welding work becomes necessary.

Start with the specific corrosion items flagged in the MOT history. The 2023 test noted corrosion on the front cross-member and a nearside front tyre issue, while the 2025 test recorded corrosion on a rear suspension arm beam, and the 2026 test flagged both front suspension mounting corrosion and rear sub-frame corrosion. Inspect these areas visually and, ideally, with the vehicle on a ramp. Surface corrosion that is not 'seriously weakened' is acceptable, but progressive corrosion between MOTs is the key concern — if the areas are noticeably worse now than in the photographs taken at the last test, that signals an accelerating problem.

Beyond the MOT-flagged items, inspect the rest of the underbody including sills, jacking points, and wheel arches — common corrosion hotspots on small Japanese cars of this era. Check the boot floor, battery tray, and inner wings for bubbling paintwork that suggests hidden rust. Examine all suspension bushes, drop links, and brake lines, as rubber components will be 19 years old and may need replacement regardless of corrosion.

Finally, given the very low mileage, verify that the car starts cleanly from cold, that there are no warning lights on the dashboard, and that the cooling system has been recently flushed — low-mileage cars that have not been used regularly are prone to issues with perished hoses, stale coolant, and degraded oil seals. A compression test or at least a thorough garage inspection is highly advisable.