Daihatsu Fourtrak
If you’re on the hunt for a hardcore 4x4 that’s supreme on rough terrain and incredibly reliable, the Daihatsu Fourtrak should be right up your street. It’s a bone fide off road machine that is made purely for function, not for from. Uncompromising, and simply excellent at what it does, this beast is the perfect choice for farmers, adventurers and pretty much anyone who needs a versatile auto that doesn’t hold anything back.
The Fourtrak was produced from 1984 to 2002, and a couple of generations were released, the second being much more rugged and durable with improved suspension and a more powerful engine. It was available in short and long wheelbase versions, which made it appealing to all types of users. The excellent 4 wheel drive system meant it could go almost anywhere and laugh at anything Britain could throw at it- from arduous terrain to bad weather.
There’s no mistaking the Daihatsu as an SUV or anything remotely luxurious. It’s a real brute of a car that’s ‘back to basics’ and full of brawn. The boxy shape, high ground clearance and overall nonchalance to design make it actually quite impressive. If you’re expecting supreme comfort and refinement inside, you’re going to be disappointed. Build to take a pounding, the interior is hardwearing and very functional, with a limited amount of kit. The LWB models have a lot of room inside, and a big boot that’ll eat up pretty much anything. You’re not there to have a good time and be comfortable, you’re there to (mostly) do a job.
To be honest the handling on road is pretty poor and it’s definitely not one for cruising around. The immense weight means it’s slow too and would struggle to get up to speed on a motorway. But none of it matters because the sole reason to buy this car is due to what it can do off road. It’s superb at pottering around at low speed across pretty much any kind of terrain you can think of. With heroic levels of strength and endurance, it can survive trial by water, extreme weather and even falling rocks. The best way to think of the Daihatsu is like an adventurer with a cast iron jaw who never fails to get take on some of the most inhospitable places on Earth and come out alive.
One of the best things about the Fourtrak is the lack of price, and these days you can pick up a real bargain, especially at Motors.co.uk. With thousands of cheap second hand cars for sale, the odds of finding a great deal are stacked firmly in your favour thanks to big price discounts and an unrelenting approach to quality. A used Daihatsu Fourtrak will do you proud and never give up.
Ultimately, hardcore 4x4s are like gold dust these days, but head back a few years ad you’ll find one of the best ever in the Daihatsu Fourtrak. It’s just epic at what it does. A versatile maniac of a machine that never backs down from taking on the elements, if you need something to stand up to the rigours of your daily life, this is just the one to go for.