1984 Daihatsu F60 SCAT from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

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.