USED Daihatsu YRV Hatchback (01 - 05)

My car

After reading comments like "Terrible road holding" "Horrible clock" I must have been mad to buy my F Speed. 600 miles on with brilliant handling, cute clock and going like a rocket I now realise that either my car must have been made when the entire Daihatsu design team and workforce were really happy, or the reviewers hadn't really driven one. My Honda Tourer now rarely gets a look in as my F Speed is much more fun to drive.

My car

It turns heads. Side view looks young and sporty (alloys, rear spoiler), from front it looks boxy, unstable and made for pensioners. At least view inside is unanimous. Everyone who's been in mine loved it. Very spacious and rear 'stadium seats' (raised, extra leg-room) drew many positive comments. At used price unbeatable extras package, all windows/mirrors electric and full air con!!

However while passenger ride is always positive, first impressions of nice driving height will in long run turn to frustration at hard ride - didn't feel shocks were absorbed by anyone but me! But understated acceleration, healthy sounding progress at motorway fast lane speeds was great. It doesn't struggle with fast as you might think, though cornering does feel strained.

Running costs excellent, parts a bit more costly but so rare to need them - until I got a YRV I thought 3-4 repairs a year (Fiat) was normal. YRV kept on going however much I pushed it.

All told, no better car for price so if you're young and on sensible budget that doesn't involve long-term credit, this is the quirkiest-design and best spec you'll get pound for pound. Outstanding VFM. If your ONLY concern is handling (and you have no mates.. passengers!) then pay more for mainstream refinement.

Finally, I also had a persistent water leak so this must be a YRV fault. Bail out, put heaters on and get to nearest main dealer. Excellent service and mine now know where some of the more obscure seals are!