5 Japanese Kei Trucks To Keep An Eye On: The Tiny Titans
Japanese vehicles maintain a stronghold on the automotive industry and for good reason. Versatility, efficiency, and safety are some of the many reasons why customers prefer to purchase Japanese products.. Kei trucks are among the most popular Japanese vehicles, a small powerhouse of a vehicle that presents unique, practical solutions to the world of transportation. A pint-sized truck with a flatbed with custom rears, it is perfect for farming and other forms of industrial transportation. American and Australian farmers have taken notice of this handy vehicle for its efficient maneuvering while maintaining a low carbon footprint. Here are five of the best Kei trucks you should consider, in terms of reliability and cost.
1. Suzuki Carry
The Suzuki Carry is quite a versatile vehicle and has spent the years evolving from a truck into a van. This mini truck is incredibly popular as an import in America, being the second most sold Kei truck in the foreign market. The truck has variants that come with a flatbed capable of hauling a wide range of goods, and ones that have dump beds that are useful when transporting loose materials like sand and gravel. The ninth generation of the Carry is the most imported due to its eligibility. Its functions are quite adaptable to road conditions, with the truck having rear-wheel and four-wheel configurations to match your preferences. A truck built post-1993 is recommended, as the wheel size was increased to a 12-inch diameter, and drum brakes in the front wheels were replaced with safer disc brakes.
2. Honda ACTY
The ever-present Honda ACTY is a great first buy for those interested in importing. When it made its debut in 1977, it proved to be a great hit, and Honda took over a decade to implement structural changes in its second generation, unveiled in 1988. The vehicle was upgraded to a larger engine in 1990, equipping a powerful E07A three-cylinder, 656cc engine. Renowned for its reliability and surprisingly peppy performance, the Acty carved a niche for itself. Early models featured a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, offering a surprisingly sporty driving experience for a utility vehicle. Later iterations adopted a more conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, prioritizing practicality without sacrificing agility. Reliability took priority over comfort, and while air conditioning was optional only, post-1990 changes included a three-speed automatic transmission option, as well as a built-in radio. These great vehicles can be found at Japanese auto auctions, with the help of exporting companies based in Japan such as ZervTek. Enlist the aid of the exporters in obtaining translations of auction sheets, as well as verifying the suitability of the truck for your purposes before placing your bid. The exporter will take care of the whole process up until the vehicle arrives at the destination port.
3. Subaru Sambar
This nifty little truck has been a staple since 1961 and remained popular as a Kei truck imported from Japan. It is not an uncommon phenomenon to see truck drivers using these vehicles on the road in the US. The Subaru Sambar was the first of its kind to introduce the cab over design, where the engine is under the cabin. Initially powered by a 660cc engine, the model later evolved to produce 1200cc, nearly doubling the previous horsepower. It’s important to note that anyone looking to import trucks must follow regulations. Only fifth-generation trucks (manufactured between 1990 and 1998) are eligible for import since vehicles must be at least 25 years old to qualify. Click on the link to learn more about the history of the Subaru Sambar.
4. Daihatsu Hi-Jet
The classic Daihatsu Hi-Jet presents another longstanding option for those looking to import kei trucks. Manufactured in 1960, it is renowned for its maneuverability and user-friendly design, the Hi-Jet is a favorite among urban drivers and small business owners. Its compact size and tight turning radius make it perfect for navigating busy city streets and tight parking spaces. Its initial models had a two-stroke, 360cc engine that was reflective of the laws in Japan at the time, and eventually utilized larger engines as the laws changed, eventually upgrading to a 660cc engine.
5. Mazda Scrum
Originally known as the Autozam Scrum when it first entered the market, it is a relatively new addition to the lineup and is arguably one of the best (and most underrated). Its 600cc, three-cylinder engine is that of a typical Kei truck and has an efficient fuel rating, ranging between 38 and 45 miles per gallon. Interestingly, the engine is that of a Suzuki Carry, and the Mazda Scrum itself is a Carry that has swapped badges. Potential buyers should keep this in mind when pondering between a Suzuki Carry and a Mazda Scrum, as the main divergence between the two vehicles when it comes to the cost is the badge.
