Daihatsu Terios soft roader?

[mrRocky]

I have been looking at either a feroza or a vitara for the missus, but have read a write up on the Daihatsu terios and it doesnt seem to bad for the occasional fishing trip away.
Just wondering if i will be able to do some sand driving on the beach with this car or am i better sticking to the norm type cars. I dont want to go hardcore just the occasional rough track and a bit of soft beach sand.
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~motorweb/terios/
any help would be appreciated

[monmendoza]

Please check, I think the terios does not have a low range
severely limiting 4x4 capability. although Im not sure.

[meece4x4]

oppps double post

[meece4x4]

Please check, I think the terios does not have a low range
severely limiting 4x4 capability. although Im not sure.

No low range but they do have center diff lock (that turns it into a normal 4x4 in hi ratio) and will go anywhere a Feroza can go in High range, my wife drove one for almost a year

First gear is extremely low geared and *almost* matched the Fez's low range for light 4x4ing and beach driving the wife never really missed the low range.

On the beach the Terios was excellent with 215 A/T's fitted, the extreme light weight of the Terios ment that it sat on top of soft sand and we never had any problems getting it stuck, the light wieght means it can drive over soft boggy ground that even my lightned feroza would dig in.

treat it for what they are and they do extremely well, chuck a set of RT 01 M/T's on them and you will be supprised just where they can go, we had our one up the back of the farm in all the places I took the feroza, you just have to remember they are very high and narrow, avoid cross siding's at all costs and bare in mind they are not true 4x4's CV's axles, suspension etc are designed for road use not hard core 4x4ing

last minute edit PERFORMANCE WISE the 1300cc motors push the Terios along "OK" they are reving 3800rpm @ 100kph (same as the Feroza) but are more peppy on acceleration than both the Vitra and Fez, extremely good on gas too
saying that we had a ball with the Mrs one,

[murcod]

I'd say they're more than worth a look from all the reviews I've read. They are however a step down in size.....

PS: You should look at the Jimny as well- they are suited to off road use more and can be readily modded.