2009 Daihatsu Sirion: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Daihatsu Sirion?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Daihatsu Sirion than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Ball joint3.1× usual
  Daihatsu Sirion

  20.2% All 2009 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.3× usual
  Daihatsu Sirion

  16.9% All 2009 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Daihatsu Sirion

  11.3% All 2009 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.6% of all 2009 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.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Daihatsu Sirion

  15.3% All 2009 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 3.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Corroded fuel pipes10.3× usual
  Daihatsu Sirion

  6.2% All 2009 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 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.

Common 2009 Daihatsu Sirion MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Daihatsu Sirion MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  11% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2009 Daihatsu Sirion as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2009 Daihatsu Sirion as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2009 Daihatsu Sirion as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?