Cheap Car Review: The Daihatsu Charade (AKA The European Mira!)

If you've got £1000 and you want a small, easy car - what should you buy? Here's a left-field suggestion, the Daihatsu Mira, or as we call it in the UK - the Charade.
#Daihatsu #Charada #Mira
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[@voncoconut5293]

The headcam, the shirt and that car! An uninhibited presentation and no doubt a future comedy classic.

[@natesquiggles6666]

Automotive peep show

[@TheRealBigDan]

Nice to see a serious review of the Charade. I bought one nearly 4 years ago as a stop gap car for £500 but still have it. Been using it for my work commute, trips to the tip etc and it hasn't missed a beat. It's got me to work in heavy snow, in fact it's been the best car I've owned in snow conditions probably down to the thin wheels! People at work mocked it initially, however it's never gone wrong, never broken down and never failed to start. I park it where I like with no worries about dents or scratches, it sips fuel, never failed a mot, and the £30 tax Is the cherry on the cake. I'm pretty tall and I find it to be pretty comfy, it handles my b road commute fine. To be honest its fairly hard to fault as it's done everything I need it to do and for what I paid fairly hard to beat. Shame Daihatsu no longer sell cars in the uk, some of their offerings in Japan look interesting.

[@kf-dk5pb]

Hi, had one a few years ago and loved it, currently considering another. Can I ask are parts easily available as I’m a little concerned as Diahatsu have pulled out of UK

[@peterlowe2296]

I just bought one last year and it runs so well.

[@sbomorse]

I've just bought a 2004 EL 3 door in pearlescent purple. I can not believe how nippy this car is! I've owned some fast cars but away from the lights this is like a greyhound out of the traps! Accidentally spinning the wheels is easy, there was even spinning in second gear on the roundabout. However, it's just so good on fuel! I'm doing between 56-60MPG and it's £30 to tax for a year. New tyres are only £29 fitted. I put a fresh MOT upon purchasing it and it flew through, the mechanic said it was a really solid car underneath. It's only done 43K from new and I only paid £500 for it. Yes it's basic (no remote central door locking 😱) but it has ABS and twin air bags and the brakes are amazingly strong. This car only weighs 740KG and when new it was the best equipped, fastest, most fuel efficient car in its class and has the biggest interior. I'm 6ft3 and I can sit behind myself with the seat on its furthest back setting. The boot is small as is to be expected, but it's acceptable for a small weekly shop. The cars' handling is roly poly and it does under-steer terribly even at quite slow speeds. But throwing it around country lanes is so much fun, the low gearing makes it quick point to point. Basically, this car puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it - it's just so damn cheerful!

[@iansimpson8309]

I love these little quaint 90s/00s Japanese cars. Weird as it sounds, these tests are much more appealing than taking an old Lamborghini around an empty airfield. At least in my opinion :) Looking forward to the Celica GT4 updates.

[@declan2775]

For most of us, we're much more likely to end up in one of these than a lamborghini, and a lot of us probably have some experience with cars in a similar segment to compare it to, which I think makes these kind of reviews much more fun

[@paulgregory1364]

I have an 06 one of these and it's a really good cheap little car. I normally dispise small cars but this is fantastic. The genuine problem I have with is inner space, theirs no room but yeah it's a fun drive!!!

[@lloydvehicleconsulting]

Very much enjoyed this review! Thanks James for a superb start to the Easter Weekend.

[@35dononeill]

With the headcam, I was reminded of the Universal Soldier. Fine review. I liked your thoughts on the charade.

[@shanedw1000]

Got 1 of these as a 2nd car..great for the job. £30 road tax cheap insurance don't thrash it too much 55mpg

[@ryanmccormick2150]

When I was a kid late 80's or early 90's I can't remember my dad had a white turbo one of these and all my mates thought it was amazing because it said turbo on the back! Happy days eh , excellent video as always Jay 😉

[@willharris4931]

My Nan has one of these in black, alongside her Defender 90. It was my great Nan’s car, before she gave up driving about 2 years ago. It’s a zippy little thing. I remember going down to Gloucester in it, I was pleasantly surprised on the motorways, you didn’t feel to exposed with the large lorries. And these are super at fuel conservation, I think from memory, we only had to fill the car up once at the start of the journey. And we still had around almost a full tank when we got to Gloucester. As you said about the boot. We had all our bags and belongs in car, two bags in the boot, and the rest on the back seat.

[@KSAMarc]

Bought one of these as the children’s learn to drive car. If you can’t park one of these give up driving. It is cheap, practical , reasonably comfortable and once you get the hang of it quite ok to drive. It is a complete tardis inside. We kept it after the children were done learning and it is a brill run around. Genuine 55mpg and cheap to tax.

[@ShortCycle.]

Didnt see this one coming! Top choice. As a temporary eco daily while saving for our house I bought a '99 Cuore+ (L701 same as MCM's Mira but 5dr UK spec). I bought it for 600 in close to immaculate condition and ended up keeping it for 4yrs and 50k miles! Epically reliable, 50-60mpg and drove like a modern take on the original Mini. Great willing engine that loved revs and the ability to drive 10/10th at legal speeds. Only problem was rust and ever increasing oil consumption which eventually led to MOT failure.. these engines breath heavily. Ended up being my wife's first car too... We both miss its fun character and would but another if it wasn't for the lack of space.

[@jo05dk]

I haven't managed to get over my love for the G11 Charade from the 80s. Charades are good little cars.

[@NarcoticEvil]

I love these little cars. Been very tempted by them recently as they're very cheap at the moment

[@Birmingham_racing]

I like these I know they are nothing to get excited about but got a soft spot for one

[@nicholaskajfasz9558]

God damnit this was a great car review. I have totally subscribed to your channel now. Good stuff!

[@2idiot4u]

Nice video, love little cheap cars like this. Last Year I bought a orange Daihatsu Trevis (Mira Gino L650 for Japan). Based on the Cuore (Charade/Mira), but standard with more luxury items and more comfortable to drive. Mine has the optional aloys, witch means it also came with a stabilizer bar as well! 😂

[@MegaBigrob123]

I’ve had a few of these over the years, excellent reliable cheap to run transport! Very spacious inside (seriously its like a Tardis) and surprisingly quick up to 60mph! I always got over 55mpg no matter how I drove it and could get over 70mpg if I hypermiled! Yes they look shit but they are fantastic under the skin!

[@chrisdavidson911]

the oldschooler gti turbo was an awesome piece of kit! defo something they should've continued with

[@rsyncd]

4:30 almost rammed into the Rover 😅

[@safetyfirst5917]

I've just bought one of these and I absolutely love it.

[@YomAlwa3eed]

any problems so far?

[@graemew7001]

I like the Charade as a cheap car choice, 5 doors, 5 seats...at a pinch and great on fuel. Ok the boot is small but tbh the few times you need a bigger boot for times away just throw a roof box on it.

[@sheppardpat47]

My favorite kei car is the Daihatsu Copen! And my favorite Daihatsu is the Sirion Sport from 2005 to 2011! Both amazing cars that I have in my possession with the K3VE...Great engine

[@prieten49]

I have a 2006 Mira 4WD. I bought it used and unfortunately with an automatic transmission. I have the 660 cc version. I'm 6'3" and fit in it just fine.

[@Fee.1]

my mom died and you promised to fill the void with horsepower and...waffles iirc...drive more cars more often pls. Sincerely-The man child that misses his mommy. Nice bandana btw. Very 90s TLC.

[@kim007250]

Ahem ...thinking we need to ditch the head cam ....Nice shirt though

[@thedeadstig123]

ive got a perodua kenari which started like as a Kei car in japan as the daihatsu move, then the UK move gained a 850cc engine and perodua made it a 1 litre, loads of space in a tiny car though

[@waynemgtregear7228]

This charade was one of the best car I had besides the Suzuki mighty boy. my charade had 2 gas shocks on the rear door.

[@Algeria.weather]

The car in the morning, when starting, after a few seconds, it almost turns off. I do not know what the problem is. Who has a solution to give it to me? Thank you

[@lostgps3005]

That has to be one of the most interesting head cams I've seen

[@bubbs2010]

and a Kamikaze shirt, to boot !

[@Geshmaal]

Very Metal Gear Solid

[@chrisogrady28]

The Sony FDR 3000 has amazing optical stabilisation, I believe James’ day job is a director of photography, so he knows the FDR is superior to the go pros (although the hero 7 has amazing stabilisation now too, albeit digital only)

[@apexgt4]

A lot of cars you review is the ones I want but can’t get. Yay Canada?

[@justanothertroll9205]

So. If you test a Prelude and Aerodeck Civic you tested all the cars i have home. This one and S2K were reviewed

[@mrwick7961]

my first car was a charade 1.3 glxi. this was a beast. was an import aswell. i paid 1500 quid for it with 12k miles on it xD

[@Sean-Percival]

Where can I get parts for these cars

[@ocallaghan3865]

How's about the 2004 alto works And even the 2020 alto turbo rs

[@polopowered]

Awesome car. So cool.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Those engines sound amazing when you are driving them hard

[@ALXBurnett]

Stick some PVC rings on the rear tyres and you're away! ;)

[@z-trip5457]

K E I C A R D O R I F TO ? !

[@r.i.peperoniiiiroh9625]

@@z-trip5457 NANIIIII

[@mattlawton4715]

Great little car

[@laskos02]

My favourites are Daihatsu Copen Robe and Honda City Turbo

[@pisanglalang]

I have perodua Viva 850..

[@justanothertroll9205]

European name is Cuore

[@volvooo4518]

Like perodua Viva in Malaysia

[@DonutLord32]

Looks like a primo car for my short mother.

[@katlegollala-fk4ou]

My charade consuming lot of gas and gears 3/4/5 has no power

[@gearjen9031]

if you want more views, add the tag and title 'perodua viva', you're welcome :) (same car from my country - rebadged)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Cheers!

[@ViewandReview]

I like your review way

[@elliotroles7502]

Tiff Needell hated how this car drove and parkers claimed it had 'Tyre squeal at the sight of a corner'

[@another3997]

Tiff is a professional racing driver, he drives fast cars to their limits on race tracks. I'm not sure his opinion of how a small city car drives carries much weight when it comes to real world use. As for tyre squeal, that could be tyre pressures, tyre compound or a mixture of both. Tyres are easily changed... hardly a reason to dismiss a car outright.

[@justanothertroll9205]

Tiff speaks spectacular rubbish. I saw one of these stock going 75mph on a pretty curved bridge. I was driving some Mitsubishi Space Wagon and i couldn't follow the little thing without emotions i will lose control.

[@Scrubworks]

That's partly the reason I fitted the MX-5 wheels, much more rubber on the ground.

[@richardh8347]

Martys Mira :P

[@Espin1523]

My first car was a hyundei amica

[@bid84]

Joshua Espin Sorry for your trouble.

[@robertbruce2182]

Aka Perodua Viva

[@chrisogrady28]

Samsung Galaxy Fold or a Daihatsu Charade...

[@justanothertroll9205]

Many people choose Samsung. They are in the bus or pedestrians . Rain and wind are their best friends :)))

[@Kraken1000]

Not to be used by the under 70s... 60bhp?

[@LawrenceTimme]

It says that, but I took my alto on a dyno day for the memes and it made 67bhp!

[@another3997]

Having known a couple of 70+ year olds who can (and do) drive both high and low performance cars to their limits, almost certainly better than you could, I would refrain from making silly ageist comments like that. If your opinion of cars is based on bhp, 0-60 times and how fast they can physically corner, you're more than a little myopic. Or you're just trying to make up for deficiencies in other areas... but I believe surgeons can perform miracles these days. 😂

[@LilD-Beats]

Or as u may know it the WASHING MACHINE 😂😂😂

[@bubbs2010]

Giving that suspension a tough time .... you need to eat more Sushi & lay off the Mr Kiplings for a while my friend. BANZAI ! ! !

[@Althemusicman1]

Why insult the man over the internet? Would you say that to his face? If you don't like his video's then fair enough but insulting him personally online I think is wrong, manners go a long way... Life's short, just enjoy it... (And enjoy cars, that's why we're here) Have a good day.👍

[@CharlieDrives]

Althemusicman1 well said!

[@bubbs2010]

@@Althemusicman1 i'm sorry pal, but seriously. I subscribe to the guys channel & have given the video a like. You have an online presence you need a thick skin to go with it. I'm a big guy myself and wouldn't punish a small cars suspension in that way. If you wear a shirt like that & a kamikaze headband expect a few light hearted digs. This namby pamby PC crap is going way too far. Banter is healthy. If you want to be offended, try considering the massive social inequality & rampant greed exhibited by the richest 1% 'elite' bastards. The worlds going to hell in a handbasket. Be outraged by that. Happy Easter (but I suppose that offends Seihks, Muslims & Jewish faith)

[@NobodyI991]

Hyundai getz 1.6... The best cheap all rounder.

[@another3997]

Please tell us your definition of "best" as it applies to a cheap all rounder. I'd be interested to hear how your choice is better than the myriad of others available, especially as a 'first car'.

[@RSADYNAMICS]

Get a GTti on your channel

[@another3997]

Yes, a "GTti" sounds interesting... whatever it may be. A GT made from Titanium perhaps? Or a G Tit?

[@RSADYNAMICS]

@@another3997 A Daihatsu Charade GTti 1 litre turbo they won many wrc races and can make 280 bhp on stock internals kzbin.info/aero/PLrxHnMCc5nU1BGD0K-7yla1Mo7ZS9WhvS

[@hichameham4124]

amazing presentation you should try TV shows

[@Mr330d]

Or for £1000 get a Peugeot 307 Xsi/sport 2.0 hdi 136bhp

[@z-trip5457]

Which will break down a lot.

[@Mr330d]

@@z-trip5457 Nonsense how many 2.0 HDI 136s have you owned and had trouble with

[@ShadowLady1]

Review a Hyundai

[@Geshmaal]

Para Sol he’s done some Kias...just use your imagination!

[@ShortCycle.]

Can I suggest a Hyundai S Coupé review as an budget alternative-to car...

[@Random-nf7qb]

Daewoo Tico!

[@Mr330d]

Unfortunately this vehicle has been clocked