Kei Trucks for sale

Overview

Compact, robust, fuel-efficient and with a super affordable owning price tag, Kei trucks for sale have been among the most sought-after kei car types in recent years for their all-time favorite advantages.

Being loved by Japanese drivers since 1959, these mini trucks are still on the way to take the international markets by storm!

What Are Kei Trucks?

You have seen them before, those small and flexible trucks that somehow look like a jigsaw next to your big bulk pickup truck. Don’t let the look get you because, behind that funky appearance, they are much more than what is to be seen.

Kei truck or mini truck, is a vehicle type originally designed for Japanese street and regulations satisfaction. Rooting from the word “keitora” - which means “light truck” in Japan, this type of truck carries a 660cc-or-less displacement and an abnormal size that can surprise people with everything it brings to the table.

Introduced in 1959 with a limited size of only 3.4 m in length and 1.48 m in width, the average Japanese kei truck came with either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive and was already memorable enough. 

In the meantime, there was a variety of famous Japanese manufacturers that followed the “Kei” crave, creating and spreading them widely and rapidly all over Asia at the beginning pace, namely Honda, Toyota, Suzuki, or Subaru. 

Throughout the 2020s, the overseas auto markets also behold the rising number of Japanese K trucks for sale in North America (USA/Canada) and Australia, or even in some European regions such as England, Ireland, and Norway.

But why have they become so popular in an impressive extended period of time and stand the judges and prejudice from drivers of races? In the surge of kei trucks popularity around the world, let's get to know their outstanding features!

Why You Should Choose The Kei Trucks For Sale?

Compact and Maneuverable

First thing first to notice, their convenient size and easy handling experience. Kei trucks are the perfect fit for navigating spaces. Also, an advantage of high ground clearance signifies them in rough and uneven terrains. 

That’s why so many outdoor enthusiasts have started to purchase kei trucks for sale for long trips besides agricultural grade and transportation purposes.

Moreover, a space for parking will never be a problem for these Japanese light trucks, even on any farm or any street.

Power and Versatility

Packed with powerful forces under the tiny presence, you can make good use of the kei trucks and their large bed to transport lengthy objects like lumber and planks, heavy loads, and packaged goods like beer cases and agricultural containers. 

The vehicles also have good intentions for leisure time like camping, fishing, mobile housing, or off-road journeys.

All that is carried by a 660cc engine that can produce between 40 to 65 horsepower with a water-cooled 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder engine equipped in the front or mid configuration.

Durability and Reliability

A Japanese car line that can make a name for itself for more than 60 years may be nothing but durability and reliability. 

Withstands the test of time and even the roughest application daily, the kei truck brings out the comfort for any of its owners, not only in terms of usage but also in maintenance.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Effects

660cc engine sounds like a dream for any mini vehicle lover, and mini trucks are built on this power base. 

For stop-and-go cities and urban streets, they offer a fuel efficiency number of about 12 to 15 km/liter (28 to 35 mpg). 

With highway driving, the number goes up to 16 to 20 km/liter (37 to 47 mpg) thanks to consistent speed. And for combined terrains, the average number is 14 to 18 km/liter (33 to 42 mpg).

This vehicle type also comes with lower emissions compared to other gasoline ones, which you can partly rest assured about when driving it around.

Affordability

It is no doubt that light trucks are the most affordable truck-type vehicle on the market. Starting with about $900 to $5,000 for a durable decent model, the price can go up to $18,000 or even $30,000 for a recent high qualified truck.

Popular Kei Trucks For Sale

Here are some outstanding Japanese Kei truck for sale for your reference.

Honda Acty Truck

The infamous Acty trucks are among the most desired models within this segment we would like to introduce you. Starting its journey in 1977, the sales number of the first generation of Honda Acty Truck already topped the list.

This truck comes with a 656cc engine and lightweight base, a perfect combination for reliability and versatility. Contradically, the Acty is robust and dependable, but it almost probably lacks several features that current drivers take for granted in their daily vehicles.

Suzuki Carry Truck

This 4x4 kei truck has been a passion project for so many generations of automotive lovers. Coming up with either rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive configurations, you can make use of the Suzuki Carry truck in almost every roadway condition.

Moreover, thanks to its compact design, a flexible typically-ranged 660cc engine, and a payload capacity of 300-600kg, this is a practical commercial vehicle offering great value for money and a wide range of applications such as delivery, construction, or even personal uses.

Mitsubishi Minicab Truck

Another outstanding kei trucks for sale you can keep an eye on is the Mitsubishi Minicab Truck. 

Though not as well-known as the other first model, the Minicab Truck has been selectively built for versatility with a rough construction and a long life span.

Subaru Sambar Truck

Being the first Kei truck to adopt the cabover configuration (engine beneath the passenger compartment), drivers who want to import a JDM mini truck to the United States can choose from fifth-generation versions (1990-1998) and the previous ones.

Getting used kei trucks for sale from Subaru can be a real bargain, with a 1994 Sambar model having a displacement of 1,200cc, virtually doubling its size compared to the fifth generation.

Daihatsu Hi-Jet

Daihatsu has a long history of involvement in the Kei truck market. The Daihatsu Hi-Jet, which debuted in the 1960s, is an excellent choice for importers and purchasers looking for a small and efficient mini vehicle on the streets.

The Hi-Jet's growth has been mirrored by the legislation governing Kei trucks in Japan, with the earliest versions using a two-stroke and 360cc engine. 

In 1990, the Hi-Jet underwent a breakthrough upgrade, with the engine expanding to 660cc and becoming one of the best kei trucks for sale up until now. 

FAQs

1. What is the average Japanese mini truck price you should expect?

On average, the cost you can anticipate to buy a kei truck of all brands, not including taxes and shipping fees, can be between $1,000 and up to $30,000. More recent models will cost more, depending on their conditions, ages, fees, and taxes…

2. Where can you buy Kei truck?

You can find a variety of Kei trucks on local businesses, auction websites, or reliable online auto marketplaces like Car From Japan. We have many great offers waiting for you to take home your favorite mini!

3. Are Kei trucks street-legal in all parts of the world?

No, they are not. You should carefully check your country and region regulations for kei car importing to ensure these trucks are coming to the right place. Consult the car import specialist or local authorities for clarification if necessary.

Conclusion

The value you get for your daily driving and business demands can be unlimited if you take good advantage of the Kei trucks for sale.

Good luck with your dream Kei truck search!