2013 DAIHATSU MIRA

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: loud ticking/tapping at cold start that may persist when warm, check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, loss of power under acceleration, increased oil consumption

Fix: KF engines use hydraulic lifters that starve when oil passages clog from sludge or when owners stretch oil changes. Single lifter replacement is 3-4 hours, but typically multiple lifters need replacement requiring full set plus cam inspection. Severe cases need camshaft replacement if lobes show scoring. Count on 6-8 hours for lifters-all plus cam R&R if damaged.

Estimated cost: $800-2,200

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust on startup, coolant loss with no visible leaks, milky oil cap residue, overheating under load, rough idle and misfires

Fix: The thin head gasket on these compact three-cylinders fails between cylinders or into coolant passages. Head must come off (5-7 hours labor), always resurface the head (add $150-200), check for cracks, replace timing chain components while you're in there. Budget 8-10 hours total with ancillary work.

Estimated cost: $1,400-2,400

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: rattling noise from front of engine on cold starts, check engine light with cam/crank timing codes P0016/P0017, rough running and poor fuel economy, sudden no-start if chain jumps timing

Fix: KF engines use a timing chain that stretches with age, especially if oil changes were delayed. Tensioner and guides wear simultaneously. This is a 4-6 hour job requiring front cover removal. Always replace chain, tensioner, guides, and both cam gears as a kit. Failure to address early can result in valve-to-piston contact requiring full engine rebuild.

Estimated cost: $900-1,600

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: red fluid spots under vehicle, transmission slipping or delayed engagement, burnt smell from transmission area, low transmission fluid level on dipstick

Fix: The CVT transmission uses external oil cooler lines that corrode at fittings or crack from engine vibration on the mount side. Lines themselves are 1-2 hours to replace, but often the transmission mount is collapsed allowing excessive movement (add 1.5 hours). Always replace fluid and filter when system is opened. Neglecting this leads to CVT overheating and failure.

Estimated cost: $400-900

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: visible rubber separation between hub and outer ring, wobbling pulley visible with engine running, belt squealing or throwing belts repeatedly, vibration felt through entire vehicle, knocking sound from front of engine

Fix: The rubber damper layer degrades and separates, causing severe vibration that can damage bearings and accessories. This is a 2-3 hour job requiring pulley puller and proper torque specs on reinstall. If it completely fails while driving, the loose pulley can damage timing cover and accessories. Not something to defer once separation is visible.

Estimated cost: $350-650

Typical onset: 120,000+ mi

Symptoms: burning 1 quart per 1,000 miles or more, blue smoke on deceleration, fouled spark plugs, loss of power and poor fuel economy, excessive crankcase pressure

Fix: High-revving kei engines wear rings faster than larger displacement motors, especially if driven hard or oil maintenance was neglected. Compression and leakdown tests confirm. Repair requires engine rebuild with new rings, honing, sometimes pistons if scoring is present. Figure 16-20 hours for removal, rebuild, and reinstallation. Often more economical to source a used low-mile engine (8-10 hours swap).

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500