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DAF 45: light commercial vehicle, engines and what to check when buying
DAF 45 — 1991–2001 model light and medium-duty Dutch truck, popular for urban and regional hauling. We look at the versions, engines, and what to check when buying.
DAF 45 in brief
DAF 45 — the smallest model in this manufacturer's truck series, designed for urban and regional hauling. It comes as a flatbed truck, van, refrigerated truck, drop-side truck, or special-purpose vehicle.
The model was praised for its city-friendly design: a fairly compact cab, a tight turning circle, and straightforward maintenance. These features kept it popular in municipal and delivery sectors for years.
Versions and badging — what's the difference
Numbers after the model name (e.g., 45.130) usually indicate the engine power in horsepower. The additional ATi badge means the engine has a turbocharger with an intercooler.
The DAF 45 is offered with day cabs, less common sleeper cabs, and various chassis lengths. The most common axle configuration is 4x2.
Later versions also used the CF 45 name, but the series' purpose remained the same — light and medium-duty cargo trucks.
Engines and transmissions
This model's engines are turbodiesels, mostly around 4 and 6 litres in displacement. Power typically ranges from about 130 to around 180 HP. Early examples comply with Euro 1, later ones with Euro 2; check the exact standard in the registration documents.
Gearboxes are usually manual, often with 5 or 6 speeds. A manual gearbox is simple and reliable if the oil is changed on time and the clutch is used properly.
What to check when buying a used DAF 45
Inspect the cabin and chassis for corrosion: check the sills, cabin corners, and chassis crossmembers. Ensure the cabin lift mechanism works and there are no leaks through the bulkhead.
The engine should start without prolonged cranking, not emit excessive smoke, and not leak oil. Check the turbocharger, cooling system, and fuel delivery. Ask about the oil change history.
Test the brakes, power steering, and suspension — city use often wears out the clutch and brakes. Compare the chassis and engine numbers with the documents, and for special bodies, request inspection documents.
Versions
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most common variants found in Europe.
45 bortinis / platforminis
1991–2001The most common version for construction and freight delivery.
- Often comes with a crane
- Day cab
- Mostly 4x2
45 furgonas / šaldytuvas
1991–2001For urban delivery and food transport.
- Often comes with a closed or refrigerated body
- Low loading height
- Day cab
45 savivartis
1991–2001For smaller construction and municipal jobs.
- Reinforced frame
- Cab-over design
- Day cab
45 specialios paskirties važiuoklė
1991–2001For municipal use and emergency services.
- Additional body equipment
- Often with low mileage
- Requires appropriate inspection
Comparison of the main 45 versions
| Bortinis | Furgonas | Savivartis | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For construction and delivery | For urban delivery | For municipal work |
| Wheel configuration (most common) | 4x2 | 4x2 | 4x2 |
| Cab | Daily | Daily | Daily |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | € |
If you need a small, simple truck for city driving, the DAF 45 might be worth considering. The key is the condition of the cab, chassis, and engine.
Pros
- Compact dimensions — ideal for city driving
- Simple technology and maintenance
- Many body styles and applications
- Affordable in the used market
Cons
- Old model without modern driver assistance systems
- Risk of corrosion to the cab and chassis
- Low payload capacity compared to heavy-duty trucks
Frequently asked questions
What does the 45.130 designation mean?
The number after the dot usually indicates the engine power in horsepower — in this case, around 130 HP.
Who is the DAF 45 best suited for?
For urban and regional deliveries and municipal work where a high payload isn't necessary. It's not suitable for long-haul trips.
Does the DAF 45 meet Euro emission standards?
It depends on the year of manufacture: earlier examples comply with Euro 1, later ones with Euro 2. The exact details are specified in the registration documents.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
