2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Daihatsu Charade MOT pass rate and common faults

231 MOT tests in 2024. 61.5% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time61.5%
Failed or needed repairs38.5%
Typical mileage at test60,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 231 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.9%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.1%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively6.1%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.8%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.3%
  6. Spring mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.9%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.6%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
  9. Stop lamp: not working2.2%
  10. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.2%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension27.7%
  2. Lights & electrics16.5%
  3. Body & chassis14.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.7%
  6. Brakes8.7%
  7. Tyres4.8%
  8. Steering1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.2%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.7%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn11.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Daihatsu Charade?

In 2024, 61.5% of 2003 Daihatsu Charade cars passed their MOT first time, across 231 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Daihatsu Charade?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 Daihatsu Charade reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).