Daihatsu Fourtrak 2.8

I was initially in the market for a comfortable, economical off roader that was actually capable of towing 3.5t. Many state they are legally capable of towing weight like that but i hade a landrover defender 90 and itwasnt safe pulling 3 tons let along the full 3.5 as i see it the only other vehicles that compete on the same level as the fourtrak are the

defender, over priced, so very unreliable, uncomfortable and the chassis will rot like edible panties..

Shogun/ pajero, a good solid 4x4, comfortable, powerful but the fuel economy isnt great.

Landcruiser, the daddy of the towing fraternity but so expensive to buy puts it out of the league.

Discovery, same as the defender but a little more comfortable. Still a land rover.

The fourtrak isnt uncomfortable but it has a hard ride. but as a light vehicle and its capability to tow thats just the price you really have to pay to make sure when towing your vehicle isnt bobbing around under weight. The interior is basic but tough even 200,000 mile examples have decent interiors that dont crack or creak. Dont expect cup holders or fancy buttons this is a functional vehicle with its eyes set firmly on the tasks in hand. The engines clacks away like a solid dependable tractor, it makes you feel like it'll just run on and on forever amd the second hand offerings prove that time and again. You wont be buying a fourtrak thats had a new engine installed this isnt a landrover y'know.... It'll be the original lump thats still running sweetly.

I should say at this point this isnt a family 4x4 it is a 3 door and really only seats 5 comfortably. Plus the choppy ride will leave rear passengers feeling scrambled on back lanes

The wide track of the vehicle helps stabilise when towing and gives it good road handling, this has been improved over the older versions.

A seven seater estate will only really seat 5 the other seats are not great and nor do they come with seat belts. You will need a shogun for your five kids amd the horse trailer.

I get 30mpg on a regular basis so thats great considering how the others perform. And with the turbo its plenty fast enough.

There are downsides and these are rust, often it can be the sills, they are a weak point and can be replaced for around £150 each if you ask around, the inner rear arches can fail too but this is a case of patching it up. Transfer boxes can fail so check it in 4x4 too. Spares havnt been a problem and at the age they are now plenty have been taking off the road to keep a second hand parts supply very bouyant.

Overall a 100,000 mile example in 2012 in good condition needing no welding is making around 1500-1800 on ebay. ignore the dreamers who think they will get 3000 for the same vehicle those cars have been on ebay for months and months... That said these are not a common vehcile and people tend to fall in love and keep them. So second hand ones dont come up often you may need to look for a month or two before finding one thats right for you. .... Or pay twice the price for an older defender that will go wrong on a weekly basis (if your lucky it'll only be weekly)

Having had most of the 4x4's listed above (not the landcruiser) i can firmly say the fourtrak is the business and i doubt they will ever drop below £1000 in value