Japanese mini trucks
Compact and versatile Japanese mini trucks
NEW! Check our stock of used mini trucks for export.
From the sixties the Japanese made the “Kei class” vehicles (now generally called “K-class”). Kei means “light weight”.
 They are very popular exports to the USA because import restrictions are less as they are used as off road vehicles on farms or ranches.
The K-class vehicles range from passenger cars and vans, to mini trucks. These small off road trucks can perform many carrier tasks, and are often equipped at the rear with specialized equipment such as farm equipment. Below are pictures of mini trucks modified for hunters and their dogs, and a special events mini ambulance.
 
The 80’s models had mostly 40 horsepower 550cc engines, but starting in the 90’s models had mostly 45 horsepower 660cc engines. Today you will find these trucks come equipped with 660cc engines as standard. The average number of miles driven per year in Japan is only about 6,000, but when checking for a truck at auction be sure to check the milage as often these trucks are put to hard work.
Mini truck quality and value
 K trucks have changed in size over the years and regulations have been constantly changed to meet emissions and safety standards which means that they are now very safe, clean and reliable vehicles.
Its expensive to keep vehicles in Japan, fees such as mandatory “shaken” or registration fee, the “zeiken” or taxes like the “shakoshomei” or parking fees, and the “hokken” or insurance mean that older cars are not worth keeping.
These mandatory safety checks keep Japanese vehicles in good running condition but it means that they have heavy depreciation in value, which means good prices on great quality used mini trucks for foreign buyers outside of Japan.
The major Japanese mini truck manufacturers and models are the Suzuki Carry, the Daihatsu Hijet, the Honda Acty, the Subaru Sambar, the Mitsubishi Minicab, and the Mazda Scrum. Although new models and versions appear on the market every year the designs are basically the same.
Japanese mini truck specifications
The specs on these mini trucks vary from make to make and from year to year, but here are some rule of thumb guides. They are typically 10'10" in total length, about 4'6" in total width, and about 5'8" high.
The typical wheelbase on mini trucks is 6'3", and the inside dimensions of the bed are 4'1" by 6'6". They weigh about 1,400 lbs each. They have manual transmissions with 4 or 5 forward gears - occasionally 6 forward gears and some have high and low ranges.
 They come equipped with 5.80-12 tires, but it is possible to switch to 6.00-12 mud and snow tires, ATV tires, or tractor tires. Extras such as radios are included. and sometimes they have air conditioning and dump beds.
Specification list
Here are some general specs for mini trucks
- Weighs approximately 1600 Lbs.
- 1200 Lb. payload
- 4' 6" wide x 10' 6" long
- Average Size: 4' 6" wide, 10' 10" long, 5' 8" high
- Average cruising speed - 50 MPH
- Bed with fold down/removable sides
- Automotive liquid cooled gasoline engine
- 3 cylinder 550CC or 660CC
- On demand 4WD with high and low range
- 4 or 5 speed transmission
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Full function cabs with 2 seats, wipers, horn, safety glass, all gauges, all lights, seat belts, heater, radio, door locks, some with A/C and more
- Average 40 MPG
Cost of Japanese used mini trucks
So how much can you expect to pay for these trucks?
At a recent auction this 4WD, 660cc, 2006, Suzuki carry started at 400,000JPY.
 
However, older Carrys are much cheaper as can be seen below.
This 4WD, 1999, white, 660cc carry with 240,000kms on the clock started at a mere 30,000 yen!
 
This 4WD, 660cc, 1994 white carry with only 16,000km on the clock started at 10,000JPY!
 
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