The Daihatsu Mira, a compact kei car, has been a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers seeking fuel efficiency and practicality. Spanning several generations, the Mira offers a range of features and performance characteristics, making some model years more desirable than others. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the best and worst years for the Daihatsu Mira, helping potential buyers make informed decisions.
Daihatsu Mira: Model Year Overview
| Model Year Range | Key Features & Considerations | Potential Issues & Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| L70 (1985-1990) | Classic kei car styling, carbureted engine options, simple mechanicals. | Corrosion, parts availability can be challenging, less safe than later models, emissions compliance in some regions. |
| L200/L210 (1990-1994) | Improved styling, fuel injection introduced, more comfortable interior compared to L70. | Rust, potential for engine issues in higher mileage examples, limited safety features. |
| L500/L502 (1994-1998) | Modernized design, increased interior space, availability of automatic transmission, improved fuel efficiency. | Automatic transmission reliability can be a concern in some cases, potential for oil leaks, limited aftermarket support. |
| L700/L710 (1998-2002) | More refined interior, better handling, availability of turbocharger options, improved safety features (airbags). | Turbocharged models can be more prone to wear and tear, potential for rust, timing belt maintenance is crucial. |
| L250/L260 (2002-2006) | Sleeker design, further improvements in fuel economy, lighter weight, more modern features. | Some reports of weak air conditioning, potential for suspension issues, timing belt maintenance is crucial. |
| L275/L285 (2006-2018) | Most modern Mira, available with CVT transmission, improved safety features (ABS, airbags), fuel efficient engines. | CVT transmission can be expensive to repair, potential for rust in some regions, some models may have limited power. |
| LA300/LA310 (2011-2018) | Eco-friendly models with improved fuel economy, lightweight design, advanced safety features. | Availability of parts for specific models may be limited depending on your region. |
Detailed Explanations
L70 (1985-1990): The L70 represents the early days of the Mira. These models are characterized by their boxy styling and simple, carbureted engines. While relatively easy to maintain, finding parts can be a challenge, and their safety standards are significantly lower than later generations. Rust is also a common concern.
L200/L210 (1990-1994): The L200/L210 offered a more refined driving experience compared to its predecessor. Fuel injection was introduced, improving fuel efficiency and performance. The interior was also slightly more comfortable. However, rust remains a significant issue, and safety features are still limited. Engine issues can arise in higher-mileage examples due to age and wear.
L500/L502 (1994-1998): The L500/L502 series brought a more modern design and increased interior space to the Mira lineup. The availability of an automatic transmission made it more accessible to a wider range of drivers. Fuel efficiency was also improved. However, the automatic transmission's reliability can be questionable in some cases, and finding aftermarket parts can be difficult. Oil leaks are also a potential issue to watch out for.
L700/L710 (1998-2002): The L700/L710 models featured a more refined interior and better handling characteristics. Turbocharged versions were available, offering a boost in performance. Improved safety features, such as airbags, were also introduced. Potential downsides include the increased wear and tear associated with turbocharged engines and the importance of adhering to the timing belt maintenance schedule. Rust is still a factor to consider.
L250/L260 (2002-2006): The L250/L260 series boasted a sleeker design and further improvements in fuel economy. Their lighter weight contributed to better handling and performance. However, some owners have reported issues with weak air conditioning. Suspension problems can also occur, and like previous generations, timing belt maintenance is critical for engine longevity.
L275/L285 (2006-2018): The L275/L285 represents the most modern iteration of the Mira. The availability of a CVT transmission, improved safety features (ABS, airbags), and fuel-efficient engines make it a practical and safe choice. However, the CVT transmission can be expensive to repair or replace. Rust can still be a concern in certain climates, and some models may feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded.
LA300/LA310 (2011-2018): These models are a subset of the L275/L285 generation, focusing on eco-friendliness. They feature improved fuel economy thanks to a lightweight design and other efficiency enhancements. They also boast more advanced safety features compared to earlier models. A potential drawback is the limited availability of specific parts depending on your geographical location, as some variants might not have been widely distributed in all markets.
Best Years for Daihatsu Mira
Based on the above analysis, the L275/L285 (2006-2018) and LA300/LA310 (2011-2018) models generally represent the best years for the Daihatsu Mira. They offer the most modern features, improved safety, and better fuel economy compared to earlier generations. While the CVT transmission can be a concern, regular maintenance and careful driving can help mitigate potential issues. The LA300/LA310 sub-models stand out for their enhanced fuel efficiency and focus on eco-friendliness, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious buyers.
Years to Potentially Avoid (or Proceed with Caution)
The L70 (1985-1990) and L200/L210 (1990-1994) models are generally less desirable due to their age, limited safety features, potential for rust, and difficulty in finding replacement parts. While they may be appealing due to their low price, the potential maintenance costs and safety risks outweigh the benefits for most buyers. If considering these models, a thorough inspection for rust and mechanical issues is crucial.
The L500/L502 (1994-1998) models require careful inspection of the automatic transmission. If the transmission shows signs of slipping or hesitation, it's best to avoid the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Daihatsu Mira is the most fuel-efficient? The LA300/LA310 models (2011-2018) are the most fuel-efficient Miras, thanks to their lightweight design and eco-friendly features.
Are Daihatsu Miras reliable cars? Generally, Daihatsu Miras are known for their reliability, especially the later models. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure longevity.
What are the common problems with Daihatsu Miras? Common problems include rust, timing belt issues (in older models), and potential CVT transmission problems in the L275/L285 models.
Is it easy to find parts for a Daihatsu Mira? Parts availability varies depending on the model year. Parts for older models (pre-2000) can be more challenging to find.
Are Daihatsu Miras safe cars? Later models (L275/L285 and LA300/LA310) offer improved safety features, including ABS and airbags, making them safer than earlier generations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Daihatsu Mira involves considering your budget, needs, and priorities. The L275/L285 and LA300/LA310 models offer the best combination of modern features, safety, and fuel efficiency. However, older models can still be a viable option if properly inspected and maintained, keeping in mind the potential challenges associated with their age.