DAIHATSU HIJET (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 368 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,087
£174/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1295cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2087/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1295cc
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 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the DAIHATSU brand average of 71%.
At 27 years old, 67% of DAIHATSU HIJETs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 368 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 65,716 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
65,716
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 DAIHATSU HIJET has 65,716 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 1996 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1999 sits between the two at 67%.
DAIHATSU HIJET by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1999 DAIHATSU HIJET
The 1999 DAIHATSU HIJET is a small family car with a 1295cc petrol engine. 368 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 85% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 65,716 miles at 27 years old, DAIHATSU HIJET 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.
1999 DAIHATSU HIJET 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 1999 DAIHATSU HIJET?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,087 (£174/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
DAIHATSU HIJET Reliability Trend
Older DAIHATSU HIJETs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 1999 DAIHATSU HIJET
At 27 years old, the DAIHATSU HIJET 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1999 DAIHATSU HIJET'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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% 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 1999 DAIHATSU HIJET stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAIHATSU HIJET(1999) | 67% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £2087 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2001) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£365 |
| FORD FOCUS(2001) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£60 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£260 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£70 |
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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DAIHATSU FOURTRAK
1998 · 2765cc Diesel
TOYOTA YARIS
2001 · 1299cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2001 · 1596cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
1999 · 1600cc Petrol
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