1999 Daihatsu Fourtrak: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Daihatsu Fourtrak?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Daihatsu Fourtrak than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Chassis rust or damage3.2× usual
  Daihatsu Fourtrak

  18% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2% of all 1999 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.

• Rust in key structural areas5.1× usual
  Daihatsu Fourtrak

  12.7% All 1999 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 1.7% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes4.5× usual
  Daihatsu Fourtrak

  11.6% All 1999 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Steering box9.9× usual
  Daihatsu Fourtrak

  6.9% All 1999 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Daihatsu Fourtrak

  11.1% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 1999 Daihatsu Fourtrak MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Daihatsu Fourtrak MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  35% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  27% 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.

• Tyres
  17% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 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 3.2× as often on the 1999 Daihatsu Fourtrak as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 1999 Daihatsu Fourtrak as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 1999 Daihatsu Fourtrak as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?