Thinking about buying a used Daihatsu Mira e:S (1990–2018) in New Zealand? We've documented 10 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, electrical, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
10
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$200–$520
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Daihatsu Mira e:S faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01EF/JB Series Timing Belt Failure (Interference Engine)
CriticalCommonEngine $320–$520 to fix
The EF and JB-series 0.66L engines used in L200, L500, and L700 Mira generations are interference designs where belt failure causes piston-to-valve contact and catastrophic engine damage. JDM imports frequently exceed the 60,000 km or 5-year replacement interval. An additional failure mode is tensioner spring fatigue, which can cause belt jump before complete breakage and is not always immediately obvious.
Symptoms to notice
Engine cranks but will not start
Sudden total loss of power while driving
Engine misfires or runs roughly after partial belt slip
What to check
Request full service history showing timing belt replacement with km and date. If undocumented, treat as an immediate pre-use requirement. Inspect the tensioner and idler pulley whenever the belt is accessed.
Where to look: Front of engine beneath timing cover, passenger side
Ask the seller
“Has the timing belt and tensioner been replaced, and at what km?”
“Are there service records to confirm this work?”
02Rear Torsion Beam Bush Collapse
MinorCommonSuspension $200–$500 to fix
Rear beam axle rubber bushes harden and collapse causing suspension knocking and imprecise handling. Common at 10+ years on NZ examples.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking from rear suspension over bumps and rough roads
Imprecise rear handling feel
What to check
Inspect rear beam mounting bushes for cracking. Push beam laterally with vehicle raised — any movement indicates collapsed bushes.
Where to look: Rear beam axle mounting points
Ask the seller
“Has the rear torsion beam bush collapse been inspected or repaired?”
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMinor
Body & RustMinor
8 more documented faults on the Daihatsu Mira e:S
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 10 documented faults for the Daihatsu Mira e:S, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and electrical. A Daihatsu Mira e:S with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Daihatsu Mira e:S?
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We've catalogued 10 known faults for the Daihatsu Mira e:S, covering engine, transmission, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Daihatsu Mira e:S?
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Most single repairs on the Daihatsu Mira e:S fall between $200–$520 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 10 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Daihatsu Mira e:S?
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Yes. A Daihatsu Mira e:S inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.