2006 Daihatsu Extol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Daihatsu Extol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Daihatsu Extol than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.8× usual
  Daihatsu Extol

  18.4% All 2006 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.7%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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 performance2.7× usual
  Daihatsu Extol

  18.4% All 2006 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.8% of all 2006 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.

• Body structure rust or damage5.5× usual
  Daihatsu Extol

  13.1% All 2006 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.7% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Chassis rust or damage3.7× usual
  Daihatsu Extol

  10.3% All 2006 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

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

• Wipers2.1× usual
  Daihatsu Extol

  9.3% All 2006 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2006 Daihatsu Extol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Daihatsu Extol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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
  33% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  23% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 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 3.8× as often on the 2006 Daihatsu Extol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Daihatsu Extol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the 2006 Daihatsu Extol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?