1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Chassis rust or damage2.6× usual
  Daihatsu Fourtrak

  15.4% All 1996 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.2% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Brake lights2.7× usual
  Daihatsu Fourtrak

  8.9% All 1996 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.9% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual
  Daihatsu Fourtrak

  9.8% All 1996 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.7% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Rust and bodywork
  29% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Brakes
  25% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Tyres
  14% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?