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.
These cars are the most reliable car for mining and other harsh treatment and I hope to own one one day since I'm only 14.
I have owned my scat for some time now and have found it to be flawless. they are a great reliable car with a lot of power and torque for such a small car, although it has a 2.8 D motor. these cars perform great with a turbo kit off the rocky which just bolts straight on as well as their power steering. wouldn't trade my scat in for a new 4x4 ever. I'm only 25 and a mechanic and I wouldn't trust going out bush with so many electronic things to go wrong.
All up a great car. 10/10.
I have owned my scat for 8 months now and haven't had any problems with it at all apart from fixing up some rust damage.
I can service most things, but am trying to get my hands on a service manuel does anyone have an idea where to get one? Have tried repco and a few other stores and no one has heard of the scat.
Hi I have owned Daihatsu's 4WD's for twenty years, and I have nothing but praise for them. As far as workshop manuals go I have several, they are only available from Daihatsu direct, and rather expensive, but well worth the money.
Mick jillnmick@hotkey.net.au 0427 245067
I recently purchased a manual from ebay at the stagering cost of $15 including the postage, Mine is an F20 Scat/Taft!
I have inherited a 1983 2.8 Diesel Hard top, it had only 83,000 on the clock its now got 100,000 bet car in the world and I love it. No one has heard of it though and I need a fuel cap because I lost it. Best Car!! I want another one!!
I've owned a Daihatsu Scat 1600 4WD since 1982. It's been a great little performer as a second car for the family including the teenage drivers. Not fast, but very reliable and tough off road. Now it sits in the carport waiting for an enthusiast to take it over. All white with fiberglass hardtop which is removable. Still licensed and insured, and needs a good home. Call me on 0417 959 785 for a chat about a SCAT!! Mark from Bullcreek WA.
I was the original poster of this review. Well, its 8 years and another 120,000km on--including many severe outback outings--and the SCAT is still going strong. A few years parked out on the street has caused a little rust that needed to be fixed, but apart from that, and replacing some more suspension bushes and a few glow plugs, no problems. At the moment, it seems that the only threat to its perpetual existence may be the availability of spare parts--not that it's needed many, so far. What a great little truck this has been.
Hi - is your F60 the red one I saw in Dampier 6 months ago with a kayak atop?
David.
I am wanting to purchase a Daihatsu Scat D Ute. Plus a workshop manual. I am retired and looking for something to do. Let me know
lance.collins@bigpond.com.
I have owned my Scat F65 tray top since new Dec 84. Apart from previous comments made, with which I totally agree, these 4x4 are almost indestructible.
Mine has done over 600000km. The only things I have done to it are brakes 3 times, and re-raced the gearbox transfer case and diff seals, only because the Shell agent recommended and I used the wrong oils.
She looks a bit rough but is still a real good goer considering all ways being a farm vehicle in Australia (point her in a direction and you get there "regardless")
ginger_1952@hotmail.com
Hi, I am 15, and I own one of these great little cars. I have put mine through anything, and it is still going strong.
It is an F50 1977. I have had it for 1 year and the only thing that has gone wrong is the front uni, which was bad when I got it, and I am having troble with my front hubs (I keep breaking the bolts that hold them on).
But I love this car (and it is better than my friend's Nissan Patrol; I can get more places than him :P )
Hi
We have a 1983 F 60 SCAT, bought in a very sorry "paddock basher" state about 7 years ago - as a project for my retired husband. After MUCH work and a new paint job it looked great! I love it even if it is rough, noisy, and a bit slow. Such fun to drive though I've not really done any real 4 wheel driving. At least I can reverse trailers and boats now.
When our second son was posted to Darwin in 2005 he said
"Hey Mum, how would you like to swap my Camry sedan for the Scat? I'll need a second hand four wheel drive in Darwin, at least I know this one's history!!"
Well three and a half years later and lots of rattling over bumpy roads in the NT the SCAT is home again - in need of serious TLC.
Hubby's managed just about everything - considering the lack of available parts - but we've come to a halt! We need an "upper steering column bearing". Think he will have to take it out and go searching the wreckers. If anyone has the appropriate maintenance manual, I wonder if you could list the part no.??
Cheers - Wendy.
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