Alternatives

Ownership cost

Our recommendations

What is it like?

Reliability

Daihatsu specialises in building small, budget cars, and while it pulled out of the UK market in 2011 when the strong yen made it impossible for it to make a profit here, there are still plenty of its models on the used market.

The best of the lot is the Charade hatchback, which feels perfectly suited to city driving and is surprisingly spacious for something so small. However, its back catalogue also includes the tiny Terios and Fourtrak SUVs and the Copen convertible, which featured a Mercedes-Benz SLK-style folding metal roof.

DAIHATSU

FOURTRAK

It's the farmers' favourite for good reason

Used Daihatsu Fourtrak 4x4 1993 - 2000

The limited supply and keen demand in certain parts of the country mean that prices for the Fourtrak are surprisingly high, especially when you consider how little standard equipment it has. It actually works out as more expensive than a Jeep Wrangler.

The Fourtrak's running costs don't look too bad, though. Its insurance groups match the Land Rover Defender's, and are comfortably better than an Isuzu Trooper's, while the 30mpg fuel economy is also pretty impressive. Likewise, servicing a Fourtrak is dear compared to a standard hatchback, but it's no worse than any other genuine off-roader. If you need to have work done on a Fourtrak, the bills shouldn't be too dear. Warranty Direct tells us that average labour rates are among the very lowest and that repair costs are no worse than average.

It's the farmers' favourite for good reason


Choosing an engine is easy: every Fourtrak comes with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine, and, very good it is, too. True, it's not the quickest, but its strong, low-down pull and excellent flexibility are ideally suited to towing and off-roading. There's also no choice of gearbox - it's manual or nothing.

What's more, from mid-2001 to the end of the car's life, there was just one model available, the 2.8 TDX. All you might want to do is track down a model with the optional air-con fitted. Before that there was also an SE version. You should avoid the entry-level TDL version, as it is simply too basic, with no central locking, electric windows or even a stereo.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Running costs that won’t break the bank </li> <li>Generous kit</li> <li>Pokey engine and tidy handling</li> <li>Spacious interior</li> <li>Boot big enough to cope with family life</li></ul>

The car-buying public has fallen in love with small SUVs, or crossovers as they’re often called, with thousands turning away from conventional hatchbacks in favour of something that rides that little bit higher.

Small SUV

Daihatsu may not be one of the most well known Japanese brands, but its cars are every bit as reliable as those from the likes of Honda and Toyota. Warranty Direct tell us that Daihatsus are among the most reliable cars on their books.

There have been no recalls on the Fourtak. And, if reader reviews online are anything to go by, you can expect very little trouble as long as the car has been, and continues to be, correctly serviced. Last, but not least, if you are looking at a Fourtrak, check that it has not been abused off-road. If you're in any doubt, consider paying for a professional check to spot any signs of trouble.

Scan through original road tests of the Fourtrak and one phrase appears more than any other: Ôfarmers' favourite'. With good reason.

In spirit at least, the Fourtrak is closest to cars like the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler, a dedicated and extremely capable off-road workhorse. If you need a car that can head off into the wilds, this should be near the top of your shopping list. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a dash of 4x4 style, but don't need any real off-road ability, the Foutrak will strike you as positively agricultural - in all the wrong ways. None of the models are well equipped - some are particularly spartan - and they all suffer from a jarring ride, sloppy steering and a general lack of comfort and refinement. Performance, too, is very limited, as is practicality; it's best to treat it as a two-seater.

Used Daihatsu Fourtrak 4x4 1993 - 2000 reliability

Complete the 2024 What Car? Reliability survey >>

https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90474827/16ebb403e3a6&rdt=2

Vauxhall Mokka – Save £4766

Peugeot 3008 – Save £6062

BMW 3 Series – Save £2830

Audi A4 – Save £4753

LATEST DEALS:

site ribbon config

Used Daihatsu Fourtrak 4x4 1993 - 2000 review

Daihatsu may not be one of the most well known Japanese brands, but its cars are every bit as reliable as those from the likes of Honda and Toyota. Warranty Direct tell us that Daihatsus are among the most reliable cars on their books.,There have been no recalls on the Fourtak. And, if reader reviews online are anything to go by, you can expect very little trouble as long as the car has been, and continues to be, correctly serviced. Last, but not least, if you are looking at a Fourtrak, check that it has not been abused off-road. If you're in any doubt, consider paying for a professional check to spot any signs of trouble.,

What to look for when buying a Daihatsu Fourtrak 1993 - 2000, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

LATEST DEALS:

Used Daihatsu Fourtrak 4x4 1993 - 2000 reliability

What should I look for in a used Daihatsu Fourtrak 4x4?

What are the most common problems with a used Daihatsu Fourtrak 4x4?

Is a used Daihatsu Fourtrak 4x4 reliable?

What Car? has a buying service

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information