Japanese mini trucks also known as, Kei trucks (Kei meaning tiny, small or mini) have been made in Japan for over fifty years. In Japan, these vehicles are mainly used for family farms. They are also used daily for personal and business purposes on their roads. These versatile little vehicles are widely utilized throughout Asia, in agriculture, fisheries, construction and even for firefighting.

Japanese mini trucks are being imported into the US for off-road and on-road usage. More than half these trucks are purchased by farmers and hunters, however they are not limited to just these categories.  Mini trucks are also being widely used by businesses, for run around personal use, as school campus maintenance vehicles, on golf courses, in and around factories, in camps and camp grounds, and as maintenance vehicles for large property developments.  Japanese mini trucks are also hugely popular as an ATV/UTV alternative for the outdoorsman, hunter, rancher, farmer and fisherman. Mini trucks are unparalleled when compared to all other off road vehicles.

Due to Japanese laws that regulate the surplus of the older minis, importers bring more used Kei trucks into the US than new. They are shipped from Japan by sea, in containers for sale at prices ranging from US $6,500 to $10,000.

The Japanese mini truck is a tiny but practical pickup.  It is available mostly in 4WD.  They can have high/low transmissions, and rear differential lock. They all have fully an enclosed cab, windows, seat belts, windshield wipers, AM radio, cigarette lighter, heater/air vents, lights, signals, and get up to 45 mpg. Some are equipped with A/C too. They generally have 6 ft. long beds with fold-down/removable sides (dump is an option). The truck length limitation of just around 10’ 6”, makes all of these models into a cab forward design with the engine under the seats and bed.

Japanese mini trucks can go for 120,000 miles and beyond.  It really depends on how well you care for them. They are shipped here straight from Japan and are not someone’s beat up unit.  Most are in superb shape. Trucks are all serviced before selling.

Most will get upwards of 45 mpg, will run up to 60 mph depending upon whether or not you get a four or a five speed vehicle.  The advantage to a four speed is that you will have a two speed transfer case.  This means that you have gears 1 through 4 low and gears 1 through 4 high.  You will also have reverse low and high.  Five speeds do come with an “EL1” which is an extra low first gear however it only functions in 4WD. You’ll love all the power packed into these great trucks! Both the Suzuki and Daihatsu trucks have a three cylinder gas engine. For those who don’t know, Daihatsu is a truck division of Toyota.  They both average around 47 horsepower, which is directly applied to the wheels. The truck will climb the most steep hill imaginable even while loaded down with firewood or sacks of feed without breaking the slightest traction because of the 4×4, differential lock (optional) and Low range gear selector all working together. Put it in high gear and you’ll be ready for the road.

For work, capacity, protection from weather, and road worthiness, these units will put to shame the best UTV & ATVs on the market.  Compare the payload capacity, the axles, transmission, top speed, frame construction, hydraulic brakes, turn signals, windshield wipers with washer, to a Kubota, Mule or any other UTV and the mini truck will run circles around them in every single aspect.  The axles, transmission, frame, suspension and everything else is designed for day after day use on or off road.

A 2.5″ lift kit and new aluminum wheels with new Carlisle off-road tires can be added to any of the trucks.   This really makes the truck look tough, gives it even more off-road traction, and give it about a 4” wider footprint.  Feel free to ask us about up to date pricing on our lift kit and wheel packages.   All trucks are EPA and Customs compliant.