DAIHATSU CHARADE (1994)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 32 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1295cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1295cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the DAIHATSU brand average of 71%.
At 32 years old, 81% of DAIHATSU CHARADEs from 1994 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 85,403 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
85,403
Average miles
236,800
Expected for age
The average 1994 DAIHATSU CHARADE has 85,403 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1994 sits between the two at 81%.
DAIHATSU CHARADE by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1994 DAIHATSU CHARADE
The 1994 DAIHATSU CHARADE is a small family car with a 1295cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 85,403 miles at 32 years old, DAIHATSU CHARADE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1994 DAIHATSU CHARADE Fuel Costs
The 1295cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1994 DAIHATSU CHARADE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
DAIHATSU CHARADE Reliability Trend
The DAIHATSU CHARADE has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1994 DAIHATSU CHARADE
At 32 years old, the DAIHATSU CHARADE is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 72%. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1994 DAIHATSU CHARADE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 85k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1994 DAIHATSU CHARADE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAIHATSU CHARADE(1994) | 81% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| ROVER MINI(1993) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| HONDA CIVIC(1996) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
| FORD ESCORT(1996) | 77% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1996) | 67% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£3 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Daihatsu Models
Explore other Daihatsu cars or similar models in the same category.
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1993 · 1275cc Petrol
HONDA CIVIC
1996 · 1590cc Petrol
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