Safety was a mixed bag with both versions getting dual front airbags, but no standard anti-lock brakes.
The other safety issue is physics. Hitting a light car like the Pyzar with a heavy vehicle is never going to end well for the Daihatsu.
Obviously, this applies to all smaller cars. We're not singling the Pyzar out but it's worth remembering if you will use a light car as family transport.
And like most Daihatsus, the Pyzar has proven itself to be a pretty robust piece of gear.
Its four-cylinder engine tends to run hot - not a problem in itself but it means that a steady supply of clean oil is important.
Skipped oil changes will see the engine develop internal sludge - which is to an engine what cholesterol is to arteries. And the inevitable result is usually just as final.
We'd also drive a Pyzar around slowly in tight circles with the steering at full lock. Any clunking or clicking noises suggest worn driveshafts.
Although they can be changed, it's not a cheap job and should be factored into the price.
But buy a Pyzar at the right price and use it for what it's best at and the little Daihatsu will probably do the job without complaint or fanfare.
That's really the point - designed as an urban load-carrier, the Pyzar makes no apologies, so it's unfair to criticise it for its inability to lap a race track at record speeds.
