Used Daihatsu Hijet Truck for sale

Known for its reliability and versatility, Daihatsu Hijet Truck has been pleased by customers as a “reliable partner” in a wide range of industries, from primary industries such as construction to agriculture and delivery industries, in both rural and urban areas nationwide.

In this buying guide, we'll put the Daihatsu Hijet under the microscope, examining its features, performance, and unique characteristics. We'll explore its strengths and weaknesses, delve into its on-road and off-road prowess, and unveil the quirky charm that has made the Hijet a favorite among enthusiasts and practical drivers alike. Whether you're considering the Hijet for your daily commute, weekend getaways, or light-duty hauling, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision.

The History Of Daihatsu Hijet Truck

Daihatsu - a Japanese automaker has been manufacturing Kei trucks and microvans since 1960. It later merged with Toyota and the Hijet mini trucks became a part of Toyota's inventory. Daihatsu Hijet Truck is considered Daihatsu’s first mini four-wheeled vehicle. Launched in 1960, the Daihatsu Hijet Truck was one of the cars having a long history and became a reliable truck that provides practicality and high performance for both personal use and small business.

The Daihatsu 4x4 mini truck was sold in abundance back in the 90s due to its cheap price and cargo-hauling capacity. The vehicles are currently in their 10th generation, which was launched in December 2004. But, the version limited itself to the van form only. The latest model of the truck version came out in September 2014. Let's go through 10 generations to understand more about this Kei truck line:

Through generations, Hijet Truck has had several modifications in the engine, transmission options, and other changes in the exterior also layouts, however, Daihatsu Hijet still has maintained its reliability and versatility to give customers the best experience while driving.  

Daihatsu Hijet Truck Review

The Hijet Truck has not only been a favorite car in the domestic market but has been exported in various countries and sold under different names, such as the Daihatsu 550 Cab and Cab-Van, and it’s been particularly popular in the US market. So whether the Daihatsu Hijet Truck is the best choice for you, let’s find details through some generations:

Daihatsu Hijet Truck 1994-1999

Daihatsu Hijet Truck has undergone some changes in the 8th generation (1994-1999), focusing on the starting acceleration and interior volume: 

Specification 

Exterior

The eighth-generation vehicle came with a higher ground clearance and a longer wheelbase (1,900 mm) compared to the seventh-generation (1800 mm). Additionally, the body shape of these models was designed more aerodynamically and rounded than the older generation. A larger front grille and headlights are also the highlight of these models.

Interior 

The Hijet is a kei vehicle so there won’t be much space inside. The passenger cabin is perfect for four children but anyone too tall - possibly over 6 feet - will find it difficult to get behind the wheel. The space is at a premium whether it is the passenger cabin or the front row.

You cannot adjust the seats or the steering wheel, not a hopeful situation for large people. For them, sitting inside and getting in and out comfortably are out of the equation.

The pick-up has manual windows, head restraints, a glovebox, a carpeted floor, and two-speed wipers. There is no airbag or central locking system. You have to arrange for your entertainment as there is not even a cassette player or a radio.

The van version is more popular due to having some luxuries like reclining seats, a heated rear window, and a rear wash wipe.

Engine

The older Hijet trucks used to have a 1.0L engine, which was later replaced by a 1.3L petrol unit coupled with a five-speed gearbox. The car is powered by a 659 cc engine, meeting Japanese kei car standards, with a 4-wheel drive giving you a smooth ride on well-laid roads. The 8th generation models had more horsepower (38-42 ps vs 30-34 ps) and torque (5.3-5.8 kgm vs 4.5 kgm) than the 7th generation models. There are several engine options you can choose from in this generation: 

• 659 cc EF-ES/NS I3 6-valve SOHC
• 659 cc EF-TS I3 6-valve SOHC (turbocharger)
• 659 cc EF-GS/VE/ZS I3 12-valve DOHC

Driving performance 

Daihatsu Hijet Mini Truck is one of the quietest vehicles, by the standard of a pick-up. If you are careful, driving it between 50 and 60 mph is almost silent. Although, there would be some noise when you are cranking it at the highest speed - which is slightly more than 80 mph.

Despite being a small vehicle, the structure and manufacturing of the truck are impressive. You will hardly hear any rattle and creak from the dropsides. However, the compact body and the absence of power steering and airbags do not instill crash-protection confidence.

Safety features

The thin body panels are not going to withstand severe collisions. Also, they are prone to rust so you should be careful. If you want to purchase a used Daihatsu Hijet, pay attention to the bodywork.

The recommended servicing for the petrol engine is after every 6,000 miles. It means that you need to spend some money on regular maintenance.

Many dealers compensate for these downsides by offering a two to three-year warranty. In addition, there are likely to be additional anti-perforation corrosion warranty and RAC covering.

Daihatsu Hijet Truck 2014-present

Entering the 10th generation (starting from 2014) Daihatsu Hijet Truck models have improved the interior and fuel performance compared to older generations:

Design

These models are designed for more comfortable and spacious cabins with more headroom and legroom for drivers and passengers. The elevated front pillars provide additional headroom, contributing to a roomy feel. Inside you've got all the utilities of comfort such as: push button start, reverse sensors, and power windows and it even has a little infotainment system with a touch screen. The older models had a simpler and analog dashboard, with fewer features and controls.

When it comes to the exterior, in  2017, the Hijet truck received a thorough facelift, with a redesigned front treatment with a prominent trapezoidal grille.

Transmission

In addition to opting for the 5-speed manual transmission, in 2015, Hijet trucks had a minor update changing to a new 4-speed automatic, and starting in 2021, the latest version of Hijet truck also has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which will satisfy every customer's demand when choosing transmission options. 

Engine 

Sharing the main engine and the name like the 9th generation, you can also choose some engine options such as: 

• 658 cc KF-VE I3 (gasoline)
• 658 cc KF-DET I3-T (gasoline)
• 659 cc EF-SE/VE I3 (gasoline)
• 659 cc EF-DET I3-T (gasoline)

The Hijet Truck models from 2014 to 2023 are powered by a 658 cc three-cylinder engine that produces 52 horsepower and 63 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Conclusion

Whether you're a business owner seeking a nimble workhorse, an adventurer desiring a compact off-road companion, or an enthusiast seeking a unique JDM experience, the Daihatsu Hijet truck promises a blend of capability, efficiency, and surprisingly engaging driving dynamics. And while its compact size may be deceiving, the Daihatsu Hijet truck proves the adage that great things come in small packages.

Ready to explore the world of JDM kei trucks? Browse our extensive selection of Daihatsu Hijet trucks at Car From Japan and discover the perfect fit for your needs. Your next adventure awaits!