2004 Daihatsu Extol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Daihatsu Extol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Daihatsu Extol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings4.3× usual
  Daihatsu Extol

  26.7% All 2004 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 16.1%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Braking performance2.9× usual
  Daihatsu Extol

  21.1% All 2004 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2004 Daihatsu Extol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Daihatsu Extol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Rust and bodywork
  29% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Daihatsu Extol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2004 Daihatsu Extol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2004 Daihatsu Extol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?