FTO AUSTRALIA

So bought myself a 1987 (and a 1989) Daihatsu Handi (which is basically a Mira) over the weekend. I bought it off an older fellow on the Central Coast who has owned it for around 20 years.

It has a 3 cylinder, 847cc "engine" that peaks out at 33kw. My one is a 5 speed manual, making it the luxury model. It had a rebuild only 50,000kms/4 years ago and theres about 300,000km on the chassis. Has got new shocks, new alternator, immobilizer and some other little bits and pieces. It is completely standard except for a CB radio (lol) with accompanying atannae, and V8 supercars seat covers.

The little bugger maxes out at about 105kph and costs like 40 bucks to fill up on 98 octane.

The interior is pretty damn close to immaculate aside from a few knicks on the door cards. Even the seats are perfect due to being always covered. There's no obvious signs of accident damage (although I wouldn't really care if there was lol) or rust anywhere. Even the paint is excellent aside from a few stone chips on the front.

I serviced it the day after I got it and it only took about 20 minutes. Did oil, oil filter, fuel filter, rotated and balanced tyres + pressures.

Has a very small oil leak from the gearbox and a split passenger's side driveshaft boot. Nothing else wrong with it as far as I can see!

Has no aircon, no power steering, no auto blinker off (takes a bit of getting used to), no cup holders, no glove boxes, no tacho, no clock. To adjust the mirrors you have to move the whole mirror assembly, there isn't even a small adjustment handle

But it is f**king awesome!
I also bought another one made in 1989 which has a 4 speed manual in it. That one had the head rebuilt a few years ago as well and also has a new alternator. Paint is apparently stuffed but meh! Picking that one up this weekend if all goes to plan.

I can only assume you will be permanently banned once a moderator sees this.
All the best.






On a serious note, try to be careful in that thing, it probably has a negative NCAP rating

Bag it out all you like, it can fit several engines in the back at a time and its like thirty bucks a month for insurance in my name (male p plater under 25).

It's a bit scary to drive at first but I drive it a lot more relaxed and safely than I do the FTO.

Plus its almost impossible to speed in and cops don't look twice at it

spetz wrote: On a serious note, try to be careful in that thing, it probably has a negative NCAP rating

That's what I was thinking when I saw it. I would never feel safe in that car knowing a small crash could kill you :\ Not worth the risk.

Drop a 6a12 in it?

Who am I kidding, 6a13tt and be done.

Chebus wrote:Drop a 6a12 in it?

Who am I kidding, 6a13tt and be done.

Why not both?

in the boot...

Daniel, what are you thinking buying 2 of them

I got an awesome deal, the guy didn't want to sell them individually. Im thinking of registering the other and selling it and getting an even better deal on mine. Or rallycross car

Also you guys are just soft

Daniel2019 wrote:Also you guys are just soft

I think you'll be the one who's a little tenderized after a t-bone in that

Can't be too much worse than the mini haha

Daniel2019 wrote:Can't be too much worse than the mini haha

Mate, Mini's are made from 18 gauge British pig iron. When cars were real cars, none of this 0.8mm tin sh*t they use in today's Jap crap! I'll drive through you like a freight train plows through a semi trailer Plus I have a roll cage

I was actually looking into getting a rollcage for the spare on and entering it into rallycross

Daniel2019 wrote:no tacho

Do you want this^
I will send it to ya for free, because you're me bestie.

Only problems you will have...
1. You would need the car to atleast have a rev/tacho wire installed, even one that goes to the ECU (If it has an ECU).
2. It has a switch on the back of the tacho to set it to 4-6-8 cylinder engines, so it might not read the correct revs.

BTW, nice little car

Already checked, it won't fit

Thanks for the offer though bestie

I need a 3cyl tacho, and it doesn't have an ECU. It's a 3 cyl carby set up

It is literally the most basic car ever made. No creature comforts or extras whatsoever.. its awesome!

Ill buy the other one daniel

For reference:

Replaced the exhaust on the Handi with the one from spare car today. No more buzzing around ridiculously. Was kinda funny at first to sound like Herbie but got old real quick.

Funnily enough the spare exhaust was a Lukey aftermarket one but it's quiet and normal sounding now, but I also get to say "it has a hectic Lukey exhaust, yo"

Also got the chance to have a bit of a look through all the spare parts I got with the sale. Basically have a whole spare car + one of every part.

Have heaps of gaskets, seals, even a new clutch bearing, new brakes, all filters etc etc.