DAIHATSU TANTO BUYERS GUIDE(2019-2025)

The Daihatsu Tanto is a masterclass in smart design. With its sliding doors, ultra-tall cabin, and clever pillarless side opening, the Tanto redefines what a small city car can do. Buying a used or imported Tanto, requires some insider knowledge. Therefore, this guide helps you make the right call before you buy.

What You’ll Find in This Guide:

Every Trim Explained — From L to RS & FunCross

We break down the complete lineup:

• L / X Trims

• X Turbo / RS

• Tanto Custom L / X / RS

• Tanto FunCross

You’ll know exactly what features, engines, and tech to expect — and which trims are ideal for daily use, families, or spirited city driving.

Naturally Aspirated vs Turbo Engines

We compare both engine types:

• 658cc KF-VE NA

• 658cc KF-VET Turbo

Our recommendation?

• Best Overall

• Best for Simplicity

Urban Driving, Comfort & Practicality

The Tanto excels in tight spaces:

• Sliding doors

• Flat floors and upright seating for easy access

• Excellent visibility and a tight turning radius

• Smooth ride quality over bumps, ideal for stop-start traffic

Bonus: Rear-seat flexibility, kid- and senior-friendly design, and optional AWD for wet or slippery roads.

Used & Import Buyer Tips

We show you how to avoid risky units:

• How to read and trust the Japanese Auction Sheet

• What CVT fluid to check and when to walk away

• How to test electric sliding doors and Smart Assist safety tech

• What warning lights, noises, or vibrations to watch for during a test drive

Includes a checklist of red flags, ideal mileage ranges, and how to verify service history.

Known Issues & Maintenance Tips

The Tanto is reliable — but here’s what to watch for:

• CVT Transmission Shuddering — common in neglected units

• Engine Oil Consumption in older KF-VE units

• Cooling System Stress in hot climates or urban traffic

• Sliding Door Motor Faults on higher trims

Each issue includes warning signs and practical fixes.

Cheap to Own, Easy to Run

• CVT service every 40,000–50,000 km

• Affordable oil, coolant, and brake maintenance

• Excellent fuel economy (18–22 km/L)

• Great parts support and low insurance premiums in most markets

The Tanto is one of the cheapest vehicles to run in the kei car segment.

Tanto vs. N-BOX, Spacia, and Roox

We compare the Tanto with its biggest rivals:

• Honda N-BOX

• Suzuki Spacia

• Nissan Roox

Verdict?

Conclusion

The Daihatsu Tanto Buyer’s Guide (2019–2025) is your step-by-step manual for confidently choosing the right kei car — especially if you’re importing or buying used.

This guide helps you:

• Choose the right engine and trim for your needs

• Avoid problem units with expert pre-purchase tips

• Understand CVT care and Smart Assist tech

• Compare the Tanto fairly against the N-BOX, Spacia, and Roox

If you want a kei car that’s light on your wallet but big on practicality — the Daihatsu Tanto is it. And this guide makes sure you buy the best one.