1984 Daihatsu Rocky F80RV / F70 review from Australia and New Zealand

The gear-box has worn out, lots of worn bearings, difficult 2nd gear shifts (both up and down shifts).

Rear wheel bearings replaced.

Rear differential - a couple of teeth broke off the pinion gear - not sure when, only noticed when something made a scraping sound from the rear. This could have been like this since I bought the car. There was no event or single time that a possible cause occurred!

Both driver's and passenger seats have had broken frames and the driver's seat stripped the ratchet of all teeth from the recliner mechanism.

This car is very reliable though running costs (while a petrol engine was in place) were disappointing, being the same miles per gallon as my Land-cruiser, but without the power. All has changed since I have converted to a Turbo Diesel configuration.

The ride is smooth (with good shockers), but the pitching and rolling (it's a short wheelbase remember) can be disappointing on a long trip or over badly potholed roads. The land cruiser by comparison smoothed out once it hit the dirt.

I like my car (hence the engine swap (and gear-box, and front and rear axles, and...) ). I like "shorts", but still need a car capable of traveling anywhere.

Overall range per tank of fuel and its limited carrying capacity for equipment are its major drawbacks. My next car will be a Land-cruiser (when I get tired of this one).