The Daihatsu Opti, produced from 1998 to 2003, is a small kei car designed for urban environments. These were common in Japan, and some have found their way to New Zealand. Their compact size and fuel efficiency make them appealing for city driving, but they have unique issues Kiwi owners should be aware of.
Typical problems with the Daihatsu Opti (1998-2003) involve rust (especially in coastal areas), worn suspension components, and potential issues with the automatic transmission. Due to minimal safety features on these kei cars, you need to keep components tip top shape.
For a WOF, critical areas are rust around the chassis and suspension mounting points. Inspect suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends) carefully. Test brake functions thoroughly including handbrake and make sure the tires have plenty of tread.
Optis offer a frugal driving experience with their small engines. Reliability is fairly good but age is becoming a factor. Compact size means space is limited, both for occupants and cargo. Parts availability might be restricted to auto recyclers and online import, so planning ahead is a must! These were not designed for long journeys, fuel consumption is ok round town but not as good on long haul.