1993 Daihatsu Fourtrak Independent TDX 2.8 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Clip inside autolocking front hubs came off preventing car from engaging 4WD.

Wiring inlet located at side of front passenger seat needed sealing to stop wiring getting wet when going through water.

In heavy rain water can leak in through rear window sills if vehicle parked facing downhill!

General Comments:

Has been very economical to run compared to similar 4WDs. Goes anywhere, does anything, brilliant to tow with. A good alternative to a Landrover (and less common!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 1998

18th Jan 2001, 16:33

Like the car, but a weak exhaust manifold.

Rust under the rear wheel arch to the chassis.

A little underpowered.

Makes a good light weight off roader and more comfy than a Land Rover.

11th May 2006, 13:19

I have a 1989 G registered Fourtrak in black with a 1998cc petrol engine, it has now covered 487,789 miles and I have owned the vehicle since new.

The only fault that I have had with the car is it had to have a new carburettor at 358,900 miles and it has just not long ago had to have new tyres and leaf springs, but other than general service items it hasn't missed a beat. But I can't really complain its been an amazing vehicle.

I have been absolutely amazed at the reliability of the vehicle. It hasn't ever broken down! (and it's a petrol, non injection)

It is still on the road and its about to go for a full restoration as it is my pride and joy. And I think it deserves a restoration to completely standard trim as it has covered so many miles.

It went around the world with my brother on his gap year and never missed a beat with him either. It's been through ravines, rivers, axle deep mud, streams, snow, soft sand and just about anything else you can think of. Whether it has been freezing or boiling you can always rely on the trusty fourtrak to get you there! (even if it does take a while to get there).

I will go just about anywhere whether its ruts the size of a small country (piece of cake), axle deep mud (no problem) and steep inclines are its favourite, all you have to do is put it in 4 low range 4 wheel drive, point it at an obstacle, any obstacle and it not only copes it trounces everything in its path.

After the restoration it will be stored for sunny days and weekend outings as I think that it needs a bit of a rest!

5 years ago we purchased a new Fourtrak TDX-SE and it is the same with that one, it hasn't missed a beat, and has even more power to climb those inclines and power its way through axle deep mud.

It has even missed services by quite a long way and still hasn't missed a beat.

My favourite car in the world, will it ever break down? I just can't see why they have discontinued it!