2004 Daihatsu Terios: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings4× usual
  Daihatsu Terios

  24.5% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 16.3%, 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.

• Chassis rust or damage4.9× usual
  Daihatsu Terios

  17.8% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 1.1% of all 2004 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Daihatsu Terios

  19.3% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Rust in key structural areas6.8× usual
  Daihatsu Terios

  9.5% All 2004 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.9× usual
  Daihatsu Terios

  10.1% All 2004 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 2.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2004 Daihatsu Terios MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  55% 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
  30% 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
  30% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% 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 2004 Daihatsu Terios

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× as often on the 2004 Daihatsu Terios as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2004 Daihatsu Terios as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2004 Daihatsu Terios as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?