Review of used Daihatsu Terios: 1997-2005
Daihatsu's tiny Terios was never hugely popular in Australia, perhaps because it was considered too small for its "tough guy" market segment, but did a solid business from its introduction here in 1997 until its recall in 2005.
Daihatsu is one of the world leaders in subcompact car design and has long had a reputation for making rugged and true all-wheel drive vehicles. These little critters have a fun shape that will appeal to those who like to stand out from the crowd.
While the Daihatsu Terios isn't a "true" 4WD in the truest sense of the word, it has good traction, sharp entry and exit angles, and its short wheelbase means it has great ramps. It will certainly take you to places where a four-wheel drive car cannot reach. It's a lot of fun on the beaches and can also explore slippery dirt roads.
The Terios is very narrow, mostly to allow it to fall into the lower tax category in the domestic Japanese market, so shoulder friction can be annoying even in the front seats if passengers are on the wide side. Again, if your loved one is by your side, this can be a very pleasurable experience.
The narrow body and relatively high center of gravity mean the Terios can end up on the ill-advised side if you're cornering hard. With sensible driving, it's okay, but don't push your luck.
Despite meeting the necessary safety regulations in its day, the Daihatsu Terios ranks at the top of the list of cars we'd rather not get into an accident with.
Performance is better than you'd expect from a four-cylinder 1.3-liter engine, and the light weight gives the Terios decent acceleration. Climbing uphill with a small load on board can be a hassle, so if you're going to spend time in such conditions, be sure to find suitable roads for your initial road test.
Daihatsu Terios underwent a major upgrade in October 2000. The engine displacement remained the same - 1.3 liters, but the new engine was more modern than in the original models. Now with a twin-cam cylinder head, it delivered 120kW compared to the original's 105kW. Performance is still underwhelming. The engine is pretty loaded at highway speeds, even in later models, as it's really designed for city driving only.
Toyota controls Daihatsu worldwide and at one time in Australia. Due to low sales in 2005, a decision was made to end production of Daihatsu in that country. Some Toyota dealers may have bits in stock. Spare parts are starting to become a problem as the Terios ages. It's wise to ask aftermarket parts suppliers in your area before making a purchase decision.
They are simple little cars to work with, with a good amount of space under the hood that a good amateur mechanic can get to most areas with relative ease. Insurance costs are usually at the bottom of the scale.
WHAT TO SEARCH
The engine should start without hesitation, pull well even in cold weather, and always have reasonable, if not excellent, performance. Rough idling, especially on a hot day, is another sign of a problem.
Check for correct operation of the gearbox, for clutch slippage and for play in the drive shafts and universal joints. The latter are best tested while driving off-road.
Be careful with Terios, who seems to have fallen into the harsh conditions of the bush. Look for underbody damage, bent bumper corners, and scratches on the paint.
City driving, in which Terios will spend most of their time, also takes a toll on the car's bodywork, as drivers who know how to park by ear knock them off their feet. Carefully inspect the body, and then, if there is even the slightest doubt about the health of the body, call a repair specialist after the accident to get a final opinion.
During a test drive, preferably through mud or at least rough bitumen, listen for squeaks or groans in the back. This may indicate that he was under severe stress from time to time, likely due to being driven heavily across rough terrain.
Examine the condition of the interior, especially for signs of sand use and dirt stains on the upholstery, indicating that the Terios has been seriously off-road.
CAR BUYING ADVICE
SUVs that actually drive off-road are rare. You're probably better off focusing on finding a used one that's never been hit hard on the beaches or in the bush.
