Kei Trucks for sale

Buying a Kei truck can be worth it if you need a small, efficient utility vehicle for specific tasks like farm work or local errands (where legally registered) and appreciate their unique charm. However, they often lack highway capability and modern safety features compared to standard US vehicles. Ultimately, the decision depends on your intended use, budget (including import/repair costs), and crucially, your state's specific laws regarding registration and road use.

Street legality for Kei trucks depends entirely on your state and the truck's age. While trucks 25+ years old can often be legally imported federally, state laws dictate registration for road use. Some states (like Texas, Florida, Arkansas) are often more permissive, while others (like Maine, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island) have significant restrictions or may ban them from roads entirely. Always check your specific state's DMV regulations before buying.

The 25-Year Rule is a US federal regulation that allows vehicles including kei trucks 25 years old or older (based on the exact date of manufacture, not just the model year) to be imported into the United States without needing to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards that were in effect when the vehicle was originally manufactured.

Kei trucks typically have a top speed ranging from 50 to 70 mph (approx. 80-110 km/h), depending on the specific model, engine condition, and gearing. However, they are generally uncomfortable and less stable at the higher end of that range.

It depends on the specific model, year, and trim level. Many Kei trucks, especially older base models, do not come standard with air conditioning (AC). However, AC was often available as an optional upgrade or included on higher trim levels. You can easily find kei trucks which are equipped with AC as an accessory on carfromjapan.com using our filter function.

Expect to pay $1,500 to $3,000 for shipping a Kei truck, plus a 25% US import duty on the truck's value. You'll also encounter various other fees, including ISF filing/bond fees (around 115−565), and DOT/EPA reporting fees (total around $70). Therefore, the total import costs often end up between $3,000 and $6,000+, on top of the Kei truck's price.