DAIHATSU CHARADE (2003)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 405 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,530
£128/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
989cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1530/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 989cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.
At 23 years old, 72% of DAIHATSU CHARADEs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 405 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 62,396 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
62,396
Average miles
170,200
Expected for age
The average 2003 DAIHATSU CHARADE has 62,396 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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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DAIHATSU CHARADE by Year
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About the 2003 DAIHATSU CHARADE
The 2003 DAIHATSU CHARADE is a city car with a 989cc petrol engine. 405 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 62,396 miles at 23 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.
2003 DAIHATSU CHARADE Fuel Costs
The modest 989cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 DAIHATSU CHARADE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,530 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% 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 2003 DAIHATSU CHARADE
At 23 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2003 DAIHATSU CHARADE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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.
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 2003 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(2003) | 72% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1530 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2005) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2005) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£192 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2005) | 72% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540+£10 |
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
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TOYOTA YARIS
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HONDA JAZZ
2005 · 1300cc Petrol
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