2004 Daihatsu Sirion: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.3× usual
  Daihatsu Sirion

  20% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.5%, 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes14× usual
  Daihatsu Sirion

  9.8% All 2004 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint dust cover2.3× usual
  Daihatsu Sirion

  10.8% All 2004 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.8% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2004 Daihatsu Sirion MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  43% 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
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  21% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Daihatsu Sirion

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 3.3× as often on the 2004 Daihatsu Sirion as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 14× as often on the 2004 Daihatsu Sirion as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2004 Daihatsu Sirion as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?