Daihatsu Terios reviews

I am on my second Diahatsu Terios because I think it is a great small car for a senior citizen to drive locally. I am tall (5ft 8ins) and even with my hair up I still have head room. I have a bad back and is the right height for me to slide into the car without discomfort. I live on a hill so in icy conditions it is great to know that I can flip a switch and it goes into 4 wheel drive so that I can to and from my house without issue. It is reasonably economical and very reliable. The manual is easy to follow so I can maintain items under the bottom - oil, brake fluid, windscreen washer, coolant etc. I mainly use it for going to/from work, shopping, taking the grandchildren out and driving locally. I take it on long journeys (2-3hrs) about 4 times per year, fully laden with son/grandchildren and baggage and it has not let me down, although the comfort for all passengers is reduced. The only issue I have with it, is the drivers electric window mechanism is not very sturdy and I have had to replace the unit twice in the past - It would also be nice to have electric heated seats.

. . . I wonder how much longer I'll be able to afford it. Road tax is £245 and because it's permanent four-wheel drive, it guzzles petrol like there's no tomorrow and struggles to go up hills - there really isn't a lot of oomph to it, although it trundles along the motorway okay. Another negative is that it's a bit noisy inside the cabin. However, it's perfect for my needs and I feel safe and secure in it. There is ample room in the back for my two beagles or my mother's (folded) wheelchair and I really like the high driving position. It looks a lot bigger than it really is; with the same size chassis as a VW Golf and a small turning circle it's easy to park. I also love its chunky looks. I'm currently paying £170 a year for fully comp insurance. I like the chunky controls for the heating and A/C and I also like the general appearance of the entire dash. I am thinking of changing it for something cheaper to run and with a bit more acceleration, but really can't bear to part with it!

Despite many negative comments from motoring journalists, the Terios is a great vehicle. It is very comfortable, practical and, although modest in size, roomy and a good load carrier/ towing vehicle. I bought mine second had with 89000 miles on the clock and it drives like new. The only fault I have had is with the rear door stay which came detached and had to be welded. I use it for both off road and long distance driving and, while it is clearly not a sports car, find it good for both. The automatic box is very smooth. I recommend it to anyone who wants a very practical vehicle and does not worry about image.

I am tall and have back problems so this car is high off the ground which suits me. Its a 4x4 at the press of a switch so in heavy snow or ice (I live on a hill) it proves invaluable - not many times a year but brilliant when needed. Narrow and compact car - most of the time its only me in the vehicle but when I need to take the 3 grandchildren out at weekends its perfect. Seats fold down so makes loads of space to transport items to the tip or collect white goods from the shops. This is my 2nd Terios and both have been reliable and economical to run.