The auto world by now knows that Japanese mini trucks are the talk of the town and they are lovable for a number of things that we rarely find on other utility vehicles in their class. If you own one of these Japanese mini trucks then you know how good and reliable they are. Kei trucks, as they are locally known in Japan come in different models and customizations which are made to handle different kind of tasks. They range from dump bed mini trucks, flat beds, skylift, scissor list and other customized models.
In this guide, we will go through some of the most common questions that most of us ask about Japanese mini trucks
Who makes Japanese (Kei) Mini Trucks?
Of course the origin is Japan, but most of us ask who the carmakers behind these vehicles are. Kei mini trucks have for long been produced by many car makers including Suzuki, Daihatsu, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Subaru. They have undergone tons of customizations and changes over the decades and what we have today are some of the latest models utilizing the latest technologies. These carmakers are some of the leading across the globe and the quality of these mini trucks are amazing. In fact, there are many of old models that are still in use today delivering top quality performance. You can therefore choose to either acquire a used model which is also usually cheap or get a new one which could be a bit costly but of course with more sophisticated advantages. It however all goes down to whatever you intend to use the vehicle for.
Why Are Japanese Mini Trucks Cheap?
Most people would ask why Japanese mini trucks are inexpensive as compared to other utility vehicles in the market. Others are even tempted to think that these could be some chunk of vehicles that have been put together to do some light jobs
While these vehicles range from 550-660cc, they are meant to optimize and deliver on carrying medium loads across all-weather roads. Anybody who has used them for a number of tasks will tell you that they can do almost everything that you would get from a pickup truck. Perhaps even way better at some things. So why spend much on any other utility vehicle when you can get yourself a Japanese mini truck for a fraction of the cost?
Are Kei Mini Trucks Reliable?
If you are worried about the performance and whether these vehicles are dependable and can be counted on when it comes to handling tasks, then you need not fret any more. Kei mini trucks have been in continuous production and have for long been the main vehicle used in Japan to carry around small to medium sized loads. Interests have also expanded to other countries and people’s love for these vehicles is unending.
The fact that you can also get these vehicles in either 4X4 or a 2 wheel drive gives one the option to choose which one is suitable for them depending on the condition of the roads that they will be using the mini truck.
Are Japanese Mini Trucks Street Legal?
Legality and usage of mini trucks, just like with any other utility vehicles imported from other countries will vary depending on your country or state. You must have come across some Japanese kei mini trucks around and just wondering if they are road legal. In the United States, there are a number of laws that govern the use of mini truck in some states. Some states allow the vehicles to be used under certain conditions. To get full details on whether a mini truck is legal and if there are any limitations in your state, we recommend you check out this article.
Are Used Kei Mini Trucks Good?
The Kei mini trucks are made by some of the world’s trusted brands and they have gone through high engineering to make them both hardy and good in performance. When you come across a well maintained used Japanese mini truck, you will enjoy an equally satisfactory service from it just like you would with a new one. And if you have been thinking that they are flawed especially with the fact that you get them at a fraction of the cost of other utility vehicles, you are dead wrong.
The only reason why these kei mini trucks are selling at crazy low prices is because the Japanese want to get rid of them and get newer vehicles which cost them less in insurance and taxes.
Where To Buy Japanese Kei Mini Trucks
Now that you have decided to get yourself a mini truck, where do you get it from? You can find Japanese mini trucks all over, even in your local car dealer. However, dealing with a local car dealer might have some demerits which includes the cost of acquiring a vehicle. It is very obvious that the local car dealer is in business and out there to make a kill. If you are not in a rush to get your mini truck, then it is most advisable that you go with the importation option which you can get your mini truck in a few weeks. And if you think that importing is stressful, then we are here to help you. We ship the vehicle to your destined port and let you handle the other simpler part of getting the vehicle on the road.
Many people have had to travel from state to the other to get their mini truck, but they only have one option and that is to go with that mini truck that they are availed with.
Conclusions:
Hopefully the above guide gives you a good understanding on the Japanese mini trucks. They have stood the test of time and are amazing vehicles that you can get to help you run you daily errands.
Check out some of the mini trucks that we have in our inventory by visiting our listings page. You can get in touch with us anytime if there is a particular mini truck or minivan that you would like to get from Japan and have it shipped to you.