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Used Daihatsu Hijet Mini Truck (Kei Truck) for Sale — 108 listed

The Daihatsu Hijet is the kei truck with the tightest turning circle of the five and the widest choice of bodies, including factory dump beds and the extended Jumbo cab. 108 are listed on UCARWORLD from US$1,100 FOB, and 34 of them are old enough to import into the USA.

Set your destination to see the total price including shipping (C&F).

108 Results

Buying a Daihatsu Hijet mini truck in the USA

What decides whether a Hijet can be imported is the build date on the chassis plate, not the model year in the listing.

Hijet trucks listed
108
from US$1,100 FOB
Eligible for US import
34
built in or before September 2001
Eligible within 12 months
10
25 years old during the next year

The 25-year rule, applied to the Hijet

A vehicle may be imported into the United States without FMVSS and EPA compliance once 25 years have passed from the month it was built. The Hijet has run through several chassis codes since 1990, so the earlier ones qualify today and the later ones become eligible month by month.

GenerationBuiltStatus todayListed
S80 / S81 / S82 / S83to 1994Eligible now0
S100P / S110P1994–1999Eligible now9
S200P / S210P and later1999 onwardsEligible if built in or before September 2001
Eligible soon for the following 12 months		34
Other / chassis code not identified—Check the build month on each listing65

Counts use the build month from the listing. Where it is missing, the first registration date in Japan is used instead, since a truck is always built before it is registered; trucks that cannot be confirmed either way are not counted. Always confirm the build date on the chassis plate with the seller before ordering.

Registration is decided by your state

Clearing customs and registering for road use are two separate questions. Federal eligibility is the 25-year rule above; whether a kei truck can be titled, plated and driven on public roads — and on which roads — is set by each state, and several states have changed their position in recent years. Check the reported status for your state

Getting it there

From purchase to a US port the sequence is: order → payment → export certificate and de-registration in Japan → booking → RoRo or container loading → B/L issued → arrival, customs entry and duty. Ocean freight, port charges, the customs broker and duty are on top of the FOB price shown in the listings. See the steps, documents and cost ranges

Freight and duty figures on the guide pages are reference ranges collected from recent shipments, not a quotation.

What buyers use a Daihatsu Hijet for

3.40 m long, 1.48 m wide, rated at 350 kg, and it turns inside about 3.8 m — the tightest of the five. That one number decides most of the jobs it is chosen for.

Greenhouses, nurseries and packing yards

Turns at the end of a row or inside a poly-tunnel where the other four need a shunt. In a confined yard that is the difference between a smooth day and a slow one.

Look for: 2WD is enough on sealed surfaces and costs less. 4WD only if the ground turns soft.

Dump and tipper work

Mulch, gravel, soil and green waste. Daihatsu built hydraulic dump bodies at the factory, so a Hijet dump is a proper installation rather than an aftermarket conversion.

Look for: A factory dump body (listed as dump or tipper). Test the ram and the pump before shipping — ask the seller.

Long days in the cab: the Jumbo

The Jumbo is the extended-cab version, with the bulkhead moved back for reclining seats and storage behind them. It trades a little bed length for a cab an adult can sit in all day.

Look for: Listed as Hijet Jumbo or Jumbo cab. Bed length is shorter, so check it against what you carry.

Warehouses, campuses and facilities

Fits through service doors and down aisles, carries the pallet a golf cart cannot, and an automatic makes it easy to hand between staff.

Look for: Automatic transmission, 2WD, and a clean bed. Hijet automatics are the easiest of the five to find.

Snow clearing and winter work

Light enough to work a driveway without tearing it up, and 4WD versions keep going where a 2WD pickup stops.

Look for: 4WD, a working heater and defroster, and a plough mount if you want one already fitted.

Mobile workshop and service truck

The bed choice extends to box and refrigerated bodies, so a Hijet can be a closed workshop or a cold-chain vehicle rather than a flatbed.

Look for: Box or reefer body. Compare the bed and body types

The Hijet’s own contribution is the turning circle and the body choice: the only one of the five where the factory offered this many shapes on the same chassis. See the job-to-specification matrix

Daihatsu Hijet kei truck: strengths and weak points

Yoshisuke Mayumi, former editor-in-chief of Carsensor

Yoshisuke MayumiFormer Editor-in-Chief,
Carsensor

Mayumi's POINT

Strengths

The Daihatsu Hijet truck has fought a long sales battle with the Carry. When the 1999 kei standards pushed its rivals to longer wheelbases one after another, Daihatsu deliberately kept the full cab and a short 1,900 mm wheelbase. It met the new crash standards while keeping what makes a kei truck useful in the first place: a long bed and a tight turning circle. It also gained the newly developed TOPAZ engine, rated at 48 PS in DOHC form. Like the Carry it has nothing exotic about it, but a wide range of specifications for everything from farm work to deliveries, backed by a strong sales and service network, were big advantages.

Weak points

Like the Carry, its engineering offers little for enthusiasts. A full cab and short wheelbase are a big plus on narrow farm roads and job sites, but they give up some ride comfort and straight-line stability at highway speeds to longer-wheelbase trucks. As a conventional cab-over with the engine under the front seats, it also passes more engine vibration and noise into the cab than the Acty or Sambar. The EF-series engines are tough, but older ones need age-appropriate maintenance — oil leaks, the water pump and the timing belt.

Daihatsu Hijet vs the other four kei trucks

The five mainstream kei trucks share the same regulated body size and the same 350 kg rating. What differs is the engine layout, how tightly they turn, what they cost and how easily they are found.

ModelEngine layoutOutput, standardTurning circleFOB guideListed
Honda Acty kei truckMid-engine, under the bedapprox. 46 PSapprox. 4.5 m$2,200–3,50058
Suzuki Carry kei truckUnder the seatapprox. 50 PSapprox. 4.1 m$1,800–2,80077
Daihatsu Hijet this pageUnder the seatapprox. 45–48 PSapprox. 3.8 m$1,700–2,700108
Subaru Sambar kei truckRear engineapprox. 46 PSlargest in class$2,300–3,80033
Mitsubishi Minicab kei truckUnder the seatapprox. 48 PSapprox. 4.0–4.4 m$1,500–2,50033

Where the Hijet sits: it turns about 0.7 m tighter than an Acty and about 0.3 m tighter than a Carry, and no other model in the class offers this range of factory bodies — dump, box, refrigerated, and the Jumbo extended cab. Automatics are also easiest to find on this chassis. What it lacks is name recognition in the US: buyers ask for an Acty by name far more often, which is part of why the Hijet is cheaper to buy. Read the full five-model comparison

FOB guides assume a standard body in ordinary condition. Dump beds, supercharged versions and custom builds sit outside them. Reference ranges, not a quotation.

Daihatsu Hijet truck FAQ

Questions specific to this model. Cost, shipping and state rules are covered on the guide pages.

Yes, and it is the easiest of the five to find with an automatic gearbox — the search term itself is one of the most common on this model. An automatic makes sense where several people share the truck, or where the work is stop-start around a yard. A 5-speed manual is still the more common listing and usually costs less. Filter the listings above by transmission.

The Jumbo is the extended-cab version of the Hijet truck. The bulkhead is moved rearward so the seats recline and there is storage space behind them — the bed is correspondingly shorter. Buyers who spend hours in the cab, or who need to keep tools dry and out of the bed, look for it specifically. It commands a premium over a standard cab.

Any Hijet built 25 or more years ago — today that means built in or before September 2001. The S80/S83 and S100P/S110P generations are eligible outright, and the S200P/S210P range becomes eligible month by month as each build date passes 25 years. Eligibility is counted from the build month on the chassis plate, not from the model year.

Hijet trucks listed on UCARWORLD sit mainly in the US$1,700–2,700 FOB band, with the current lowest at US$1,100. Dump bodies, Jumbo cabs and refrigerated boxes sit above that range. Ocean freight, port and terminal charges, the customs broker, ISF and duty are on top. See the full cost breakdown

HiJet Truck Buying Guide

Overview of the HiJet Truck - The go-to kei truck(mini truck) in Japan renowned for its durability, capacity, and maneuverability.

The Daihatsu Hijet Truck is a standout in Japan for its "working mini truck" function, shoulder-to-shoulder with the Suzuki Carry. Perfectly poised to effortlessly navigate tight alleyways and fields, it boasts easy utility with a low floor and three-way open loading bed, combined with high durability. There's an extensive import history not only for domestic business use, but also in right-hand drive nations and those with a 25-year rule. Particularly the 8th generation (1994-1999) and 9th generation (1999-2014) models are abundant in the second-hand market, making parts and maintenance information readily available, adding to their charm. This article aims to thoughtfully explain the "attractions, disadvantages, rivals, and main specifications" of each generation, even for our overseas readers.

The 8th Generation Daihatsu Hijet Truck (S100P/S110P, 1994–1999) - The ultimate form of the old standard period.

The Charm of the 8th Generation Hijet Truck

Design prioritizing load capacity and durability

The eighth generation is a practical and straight-forward vehicle, boasting optimal size adhering to the older kei car regulations (overall length 3,295mm x overall width 1,395mm), a three-way opening, low-bed cargo area, and sturdy leaf rear suspension. Its engine primarily features a 0.66L inline 3-cylinder engine (EF series, NA), tuned for emphasis on low and mid-speed torque. There are options for a 5-speed MT (or 4MT depending on region), a 3-speed AT, 2WD (FR) or part-time 4WD, with additional options like auxiliary reduction gears or differential locks for agricultural grades. This vehicle's light body, low cargo area, and wide field of vision allow it to excel in daily loading and unloading tasks and short-distance stop-and-go operations. Its high maintainability and abundance of parts make it easy to maintain it even overseas, a great advantage.

Drawbacks of the 8th Generation Hijet Truck

High-speed stability and safety features are "up to the times".

Due to its cab-over design and short wheelbase, the vehicle's straight-line stability on highways and sound insulation may be inferior compared to current models. Safety features such as ABS and airbags are limited, and it's a fact that it tends to cause fatigue when used mainly for long-distance cruising. The cabin, due to its old-style size, is tight and those with tall stature might find a lack of adjustment range in the driving position. Its collision safety is also inferior to the next-generation models. The expected fuel economy ranges around 14-17 km/L under the 10-15 mode (varies by spec) which is not as efficient as the current generation. It is wise to clearly define the use upon purchase and emphasise on checking the suspension, brakes, tires, and rustproofing condition.

Rivals of the 8th generation Hijet truck

Suzuki Carry / Honda Acty / Subaru Sambar

The mini truck market at that time was crowded with strong competitors. The Carry was attractive for its volume of distribution and low cost of parts, the Acty had an edge in traction during loading due to its MR layout, and the Sambar was known for its tenacity in off-road starts due to its RR layout. The 8th generation Hijet occupies an easily approachable position even for those choosing their first mini truck, with its overall balance, quantity, and steadfast durability. If you are primarily off-road, then the combination of 4WD + sub-transmission is recommended, while the nimbleness of 2WD + 5MT (or 3AT) is pleasing if you drive mostly in the city. The easy accessibility of parts supports the maintenance cost.

Specifications of the 8th Generation Hijet Truck

Size: Total length 3,295mm × Total width 1,395mm × Total height approximately 1,700–1,800mm Wheelbase: Approximately 1,900mm Vehicle weight: Approximately 650–730kg (varies by specifications) Engine: 0.66L Inline 3-cylinder (EF series/NA) Transmission: 4MT/5MT/3AT Drive system: FR (2WD), Part-time 4WD (with sub-transmission & diff-lock settings) Suspension: Front struts/Rear leaf Fuel efficiency reference (10・15 mode): Approximately 14–17km/L (varies by specifications and model year)

9th Generation Hijet Truck (S200P/S210P/S201P/S211P, etc., 1999-2014) - Enlarged with new standards, refined with continuous improvements, enhancing the "tool-like" feel.

The Appeal of the 9th Generation Hijet Truck

New standard body and accumulated improvements (Enhanced quietness and durability due to KF series engine implementation)

The 1999 full model change was made in response to the new Kei car standards (total length of 3,395mm x total width of 1,475mm), enhancing the practicality of the interior and cargo bed. Initially, the model focused on a 0.66L straight-three engine (EF series, NA), later switching to the quieter, more fuel-efficient, and durable chain-driven KF series. The transmission includes a 5-speed manual and an automatic, with the drive modes being FR and part-time 4WD. Frequent optimizations have been made to the minimal turning radius, rust prevention, and cargo bed features (such as the height and position of hooks), improving usability over its long model life. There are additional options such as sub-transmission and differential lock for agricultural uses, high roofs, and "Jumbo" (extended rear seat cabins), making it easy to tailor the vehicle to specific tasks.

Drawbacks of the 9th Generation Hijet Truck

The evolution of equipment is gradual - year and grade confirmation is a must.

The model life is long, so details such as the engine (EF→KF), automatic transmission (3AT→4AT), safety equipment (airbags, ABS), rust-proofing specifications, bed dimensions and equipment differ depending on the year and grade of the model. When buying used, always determine the "Year, model type, and equipment", and verify if it suits your needs. Even though high-speed stability and quietness have been improved, expecting the comfort of a passenger car is a mismatch due to the cab-over design. If you often travel long distances, it is realistic to aim for a "comfort equipment-focused model" with a larger cabin like a high roof or "jumbo", reduced rotation number of the 4AT, and added insulation materials.

Rivals of the 9th Generation Hijet Truck

Suzuki Carry / Mitsubishi Minicab / Honda Acty (Later model)

During the same period, the Hijet and the Carry both demonstrated their strength in product power and distribution volume. Both are orthodox in design and if practicality is a priority, one of these two should be your choice. At this time, the Minicab was still a unique design by Mitsubishi with plenty of 4WD options and bed options, and the Acty had the charm of road adherence unique to MR. The 9th generation Hijet established a comprehensive strength of being "quiet, durable, and easy to use" through continuous annual improvements and the transition to the KF series. It's available in large quantities and across a wide price range, so the biggest merit for overseas buyers is the ease of finding a model that fits their purpose and budget.

Specifications of the 9th Generation Hijet Truck

Size: Overall length 3,395mm x Overall width 1,475mm x Overall height approximately 1,750–1,900mm (Varies with high roof, etc.) Wheelbase: Approximately 1,900–1,905mm Vehicle Weight: Approximately 670–820kg (Varies with specifications) Engine: 0.66L Inline 3-cylinder (Initially: EF series/NA, later transitioned to KF series) Transmission: 5MT, AT (Initially 3AT → Later years 4AT) Drive Method: FR (2WD), Part-Time 4WD (With sub-transmission and differential lock) Grade Examples: Standard/High Roof/"Jumbo" (Extended Cabin), Agricultural special series Reference Fuel Economy (10-15 mode / varies with year and specifications): Approximately 15–20km/L