Reader Review: 1988 Daihatsu Charade -
(All welcome world Ryan, who was #blessed enough to own one of Japanese res earch more cars last thirty years - JB)
Im not a guy monogamous, at least not when it comes to cars. Since my college years, I always had two vehicles at all times. The idea was to have a more beautiful newer car for travel and weekend and then add an old beater to fight against the dull daily commute, shop, and save wear off the new car. After all, variety is the spice of life. It was also nice to have a few choices depending on my mood in the driveway.
Daihatsu My story begins with the "drummer" before a 1987 Subaru Justy. This was a find on Craigslist in 06: two owners, only 110,000 miles, working air conditioning, mechanical condition trustworthy. The interior was a little rough, however, with weathered sun seats and carpets torn. Outside, the paint was gone and the C-pillar was a big nasty teeth, almost like a ninja had a pseudo-chop through it. But he adopted stringent smog regulations in California, and for the si mple price of $ 550, all cosmetic defects could be forgiven.
This proved to be reliable and solid ca r can be during the four years I owned it. Apart from some electrical gremlins caused by the decision of the former owner to wire some foglights at home, the car has never needed attention. I drove from one end of California to the other - constantly. But part of me still wanted to bring the Justy in the original 80s glory econo box. Since the costs were prohibitive, I had to give up that idea, no matter how much I wanted to see the end result.
To fill the time and also to prove that I can not stay engaged, I often traveled Craigslist for a newer potential, cleaner drummer to replace the Justy. There is a Japanese and American compact Sea cheap, abused for years 80 and 0 ready to be torn eager sellers. Keywords such as "Tercel" or "Escort" (not the other way) resulted in a lot of options, but none deserves serious attention.
One day, the thought crossed my mind that random Daihatsu once existed on these shores with cheap models and gay. I had serious doubts that any would pop up on Craigslist, but it was wor th trying. I remembered my kindergarten teacher with a Charade. They were also common in my native Australia, he once was. Then here is , a result: Daihatsu Charade 1988, with only 48,000 miles and in very good condition. There were some blurry pictures attached, and the announcement had been posted for more than a month. "Get real," I said, "There is no way this car would be clean, and even if it were, it would still sell"
I sent them. the owner to see if it was still for sale, and returned quickly with a resounding yes. he mentioned that he had for only six months to use as a commuter, but could not get to ease. he needed something big. A Chevrolet dealer sold to him, and the original owners had kept for 21 years before that. Asked about his condition and if there were problems, he said "He is in great shape, with just a dirty headliner".
Weve all heard this before. Ads claiming a used car is in as-new condition and bright inside and outside. Once we get there, however, it has a laundry list of problems that the seller seems surprised. All these problems must have passed just after th e announcement has been published!
I did not expect, but I drove the 100 miles from Los Angeles to Temecula to see the Charade anyway. If this car was a failure, at least, it was a good workout and there would be a casino where I could kill time. Honestly, I thought it would be a bust, and my day was already planned on it being one. It was a car 21 years saving. How well maintained it could be
Enables the answer was: very well, indeed. house The car was in a nice area and up, and the seller was a Daihatsu collector of all kinds. He had two Daihatsu Rockys stored in his garage. He had tried to sell the Charade for a while. He had a young guy paint his house that has expressed an interest in the car, but has no money saved enough to buy it. After a brief look around, the pleasure he had only minor bumps and the interior was spotless, I took it for a spin without the seller accompanying me.
The car started up the A / C worked perfectly, and everything seemed solid. There was a strange humming under the hood at high speed, but otherwise it was very clean. Prepared to be disgusted by his condition, I ended up doing a walk around in a nearby parking lot and think to myself, "This is actually in very good shape. Really good shape." The pavilion was only some light dirt near visors that could easily be shampooed outside, and the inside was like stepping back in time to 1988. Every detail, tight seams separating the dashboard to the sewing fabric, was exactly how it looked when it left the factory in Osaka.
But the miles? The small amount of wear did not contradict the low mileage, but was the legitimate odometer? The gauge itself was variety to six figures, so it did not roll on Ford-style. After a quick stop at Kinkos to get online and check the Carfax, I confirm that the miles were true. Until it was purchased by the seller eight months earlier, he had spent all his life in the San Fernando Valley. it was perhaps the property of an elderly couple who kept the garage and drove to the grocery store? Maybe someone who did not want to drive? We will never know. One that was left in the car owners manual of origin, warranty booklet, and an information packet from a long defunct Daihatsu dealer in Inglewood.
This was a car that I could not t pass up. It would be a waste to do so, and it would never have another chance to find such a rare car in excellent condition. The seller was asking $ 1.800. I was ready to buy for this but thought I throw an offer to him, pointing out some bumps and engine purr. I mentioned $ 1400, but installed for $ 1.450. With this brief negotiation, I am now officially part of the tiny Daihatsu family and shrinks constantly.
The homecoming was not spectacular, which is exactly what you want when you take a bet on an old car. As silly as it sounds, I had a sense of pride and be unique in scooting home on the frenetic freeways of Los Angeles. In this city obsessed stand out from the crowd, I remembered that there was probably a lot less in this city that Daihatsu Ferraris.
Driving the Daihatsu is an experience in itself. With only 52 horses being pumped out of the tiny three-cylinder, not a car to be all in a hurry. Acceleration is fairly quiet, and even slight hills can be challenging. The transmission itself is quite smooth and makes the most of the modest power of the car. It ends with the speed and once there, can remain stable at highway speeds. At this rate, the small tires 13 inches are affected by the ruts in the road, as well as headwinds generated by other heftier cars. Handling is not capricious power and can get on tight corners. There is a flingable, go-kart feel, but it is within reason. All this may seem like a nightmare to anyone interested in distance in cars, but it is not.
There is an honest to goodness feel this car is intoxicating. No fancy gadgets. No electronic nannies. Want some fresh air? Youll have to crank the windows yourself. Airbags and safety? Not really. Need to check for vehicles in the right lane? Oops, the right side mirror is always on a shelf in Japan. The Charade comes well equipped with "80s econo standards. Air conditioning, rear window defroster, intermittent wipers and interior quality that makes more Geo echo Camry But its really just an engine box speed manual, a few seats, a steering wheel and a body around it. This is a car that requires driving, and not just jump luck. Making the most of the little engine requires concentration, while small compact size makes you aware of everyone around you.
the visibility is different from that found in a modern car. There is an almost 360 degree view from the drivers seat. many legs and head, too. and theres no electronic distractions as touch screens that freeze or difficult commands to voice command.
There are an elite feeling . with the Charade for most people with untrained eyes, its just another o ld car 80 economy - nothing more, nothing less. Some people see and ask if it is a Datsun - or worse, a Daewoo. Every once in a while, someone not see and realize what it is. These people are passionate about cars or former owners. No exceptions. They get excited, remarks on the condition, and say, "Damn, I have not seen one of these 20 years."
This scarcity can be troublesome when it comes to repairs. Fortunately, few things have gone wrong, a testimony of how nothing built in Japan circa 1988. the whirring sound during the test drive proved a leaking exhaust manifold. There is also an ongoing oil leak on moment. My regular mechanic could not, and would not, touch this car. a quick search online revealed a repair shop about 20 miles from the house that specializes in Asian brands orphans (Daewoo, Isuzu, Suzuki, etc.) and they are able to obtain parts. Otherwise the only other issue was quiet. There was no muffler Daihatsu known in the country, and for a Hyundai Ex cel had to play the role. looking for parts for Charade requires contacts, determination and some creativity. It is a labor of love, and the challenge is part of the excitement.
Cut and body repairs are also a concern. The most important bosses were taken by a professional and small will receive their due in the future. The replacement panels or interior trim, however, seems impossible.
disaster almost struck in October 2015. The Charade was parked in the garage of my apartment on the elements of the covered square nearest the entrance. A neighbor in their Toyota Sienna has confused the brake and the accelerator and hit the door that protects the car park. The door is out of joint and nailed to the door of the passenger side of the Daihatsu, resulting in a massive dent and scrape along the entire side of the car. It was heartbreaking after so much love was put into the car. The Sienna driver claimed full responsibility and the car was taken to a reputable body shop , said store having to Google "Daihatsu Charade" to see what happens to their door.
Looking at the damage, they were confident it could not be repaired and the necessary spare parts. The big concern was that the insurance will assess the value of the Charade against the cost of damages and determine a total loss. My heart sank, and my husband, usually not a car guy, was very upset that we could lose the car. Out that the insurance company could not even determine the value of a Charade 1988 and it was agreed between them and the store the $ 700 in repairs would not justify a total loss. Repairs were carried out by professionals and the car looks as good as ever. He recalled how our time with this car, or a car, is valuable and could be shortened.
For six years I bought the Charade, and it currently has 55,000 miles. We like this car. He was affectionately named "Yoshi" and, in a strange reversal of roles, no longer serves the role of a drummer. The dilemma is that it is just too good to pass in the elements and the harshness of everyday driving. My new current car, a Chevrolet Sonic is outside under a car hood and made the most running races. Yoshi is used only for short trips and small to go to the salon of the occasional automobile. Otherwise, he lives a life of leisure in retirement is one of the few of its kind in existence.
There is a link with the Charade which is hard to describe. Many can not understand and probably do not want. Part of being a car fanatic is do not have to explain . It is all about the love of the car, no matter how small, slow, or eccentric, it is.
