1984 Daihatsu F60 SCAT review from Australia and New Zealand

Generally very reliable and solid car. Engine and most mechanicals have required no attention besides normal servicing.

Shock absorbers and suspension bushes have needed replacement, several times (lots of bad roads in OZ).

Only serious mechanical failure was of the transfer-gearbox output shaft centre bearing after prolonged, heavy-duty low-range 4wd use (1000km desert crossing). Has been reliable in subsequent trips, so does not appear to be a design problem.

Other niggles are stress fractures in the front mudguards, again because of poor roads.

A very simple, strong and economical 4wd vehicle, provided comfort, size or style are not too important. Will cruise at 110km/hr.

Short wheelbase and the strong engine give exceptional off-road ability. One of the few 4wds which can cope with endlessly corrugated roads without serious structural damage. These are unbeatably good value in OZ, as all mechanical parts are shared with the later model Rocky (so available), but the vehicle is several thousand dollars cheaper.

Factory diff-lock option is excellent off-road but a little hard on the rear tyres wear-wise.

Look out for rust beneath the windscreen, otherwise OK.