Review: Daihatsu L251 Charade (2003-05)

Overview

Released in July 2003, the Daihatsu L251 Charade was a light, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Osaka, Japan, the front-wheel drive L251 Charade was powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The 1.0-litre EJ-DE engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Sold in overseas markets as the Mira and Cuore, the Daihatsu L251 Charade was 3410 mm long, 1475 mm wide, 1500 mm tall and had a 2390 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 720 kg for manual models and 725 kg for automatic models. Furthermore, the Charade had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle (both with coil springs).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Daihatsu Charade included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the Daihatsu Charade included 13-inch steel wheels with 155/65 R13 tyres, a two speaker sound system with a CD player, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an immobiliser.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Daihatsu Mira/Charade

Recalls: Daihatsu L251 Charade

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Daihatsu L251 Charade

No recall information is available for the Daihatsu Charade (L251). To search for recalls of Daihatsu models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Daihatsu.

Problems and faults: Daihatsu L251 Charade

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Daihatsu L251 Charade

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Daihatsu L251 Charade.

Released in July 2003, the Daihatsu L251 Charade was a light, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Osaka, Japan, the front-wheel drive L251 Charade was powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The 1.0-litre EJ-DE engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1… Read full Daihatsu L251 Charade review

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