Kei Trucks (MiniTrucks)

[Hooter]

Hey, does any one here own one of these Kei trucks (i.e. minitrucks) from Japan? Looks like they would be the ideal vehicle/ATV for the kind of hunting I do. I read that you can only get them in Canada if they're 15 years old or older.



Just curious if they're well built and worth the price. Here are the specs I found:

Overall

Size: 10.6 ft (L) x 4.5 ft (W) x 5.5 ft (H)
Weight: 1500 lbs.
Wheelbase: 6 ft
Carrying capacity: 1000+ lbs
Mileage: 17~21 Km/L, 40~50 MPG <---
Battery: 12 volt

Exterior

Lights: Headlights and turn signals
Wipers, Horn, Mirrors


Interior

Fully enclosed heated cab
Full instruments: electric, oil, temp, etc
Door locks and full-open windows
AM Radio
Heater
Safety "non-shatter" windshield
2 seats and seatbelts
Right-hand drive

Engine

660cc, liquid cooled, 3 cylinder, regular gasoline
45 to 50hp

Transmission

2WD or 4WD
4 or 5 speed manual transmission

Bed

6.5 ft (L) x 4.5 ft (W) x 1 ft (H)
3 - Individual fold down and removable sides
Carrying capacity: 1000+ lbs


Wheels/Tires

5.80x12 tires

[npauls]

I looked at getting one a few years ago but just can't afford it as a second vehicle for myself. It would be ideal for me when running around town or heading out fly fishing somewhere when you don't need a ton of room but want 4x4 still. I think if I had one I would build a nice topper for it and just use my big truck for hauling the camper and boat.

If for some odd reason I get a hold of some extra cash I will be looking into picking one of them up for all the reasons stated above. Just put it on PLPD insurance and I would save a ton of money in gas and mileage on my new truck.

[Redfrog]

I saw some at a service station on the main drag in Wainwright.

[thepyrofish]

They're cool little trucks. My neighbour had one, and it sold pretty quick when he was done with it.

I think it would make a great little hunting truck... There are 4x4 vans made also. Would save the trouble of building a topper. The ones I have seen were all built by reputable manufacturers. I would think they're as reliable as any other 15 year old Japanese vehicle. Certain parts might not be as easy to find as parts for vehicles normally sold here, but a lot of these have been imported over the last few years, so it shouldn't be impossible.

[NSRfishing]

dont import from usa kei trucks in th us are govererned at 25 mph i think

[Okotokian]

There's one about 10 houses down from me. Interesting little thing, but I suspect a total deathtrap if you ever got in a collision of any impact.

[Fisherpeak]

Buy a 660 Rhino,at least you can get parts for them.I like mine a lot.

[chewydog]

I looked awhile back for one! Make sure if you buy one that was just recently imported, make sure the timing belt and water pump was changed first! Then it should run almost forever! There are several importers who carry parts for them, so I don't think there's an issue with that! Most of the importers already have them inspected so it's just put plates on it and away you go!

Good luck!