DAIHATSU CHARADE (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 673 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,730
£144/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
989cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £1730/year to run. 14 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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%.
At 22 years old, 68% of DAIHATSU CHARADEs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 673 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 63,303 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
63,303
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 DAIHATSU CHARADE has 63,303 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
DAIHATSU CHARADE by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 DAIHATSU CHARADE
The 2004 DAIHATSU CHARADE is a city car with a 989cc petrol engine. 673 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 78% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 63,303 miles at 22 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.
2004 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 2004 DAIHATSU CHARADE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,730 (£144/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 2004 DAIHATSU CHARADE
At 22 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 2004 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2004 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(2004) | 68% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1730 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2006) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£8 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2006) | 68% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922+£192 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2006) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£8 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£8 |
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.
DAIHATSU SIRION
2008 · 1298cc Petrol
DAIHATSU TERIOS
2007 · 1495cc Petrol
DAIHATSU FOURTRAK
1998 · 2765cc Diesel
HONDA JAZZ
2006 · 1339cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2006 · 1229cc Petrol
NISSAN MICRA
2006 · 1386cc Petrol
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