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Used Suzuki Carry Kei Truck (Mini Truck) for Sale — 77 listed

The Suzuki Carry is the kei truck built in the largest numbers — which is why it is the easiest of the five to find in a given specification, and the cheapest to keep running. 77 are listed on UCARWORLD from US$1,100 FOB, and 35 of them are old enough to import into the USA.

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

77 Results

Buying a Suzuki Carry kei truck in the USA

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

Carry trucks listed
77
from US$1,100 FOB
Eligible for US import
35
built in or before September 2001
Eligible within 12 months
0
25 years old during the next year

The 25-year rule, applied to the Carry

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 660 cc Carry has been in production since 1990, so the earlier chassis codes qualify today and the later ones become eligible month by month.

GenerationBuiltStatus todayListed
DB71T, DC51T / DD51Tto 1999Eligible now9
DA52T / DB52T1999–2002Eligible if built in or before September 2001
Eligible soon for the following 12 months		24
DA63T and later2002 onwardsNot yet — each vehicle qualifies 25 years after its own build month42
Other / chassis code not identified—Check the build month on each listing2

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 Suzuki Carry for

3.40 m long, 1.48 m wide, rated at 350 kg, with about 50 PS — the strongest standard output of the five. Those numbers decide the jobs it is good at, and which specification to look for above.

Daily farm and smallholding work

The default choice on Japanese farms for decades, and the one most often bought two or three at a time. Parts and know-how follow it everywhere.

Look for: 4WD, 5-speed manual, extra low if the ground is soft. Check the bed floor and the rear cross-member for rust.

Contractor and site work

About 50 PS as standard pulls a loaded bed up a ramp or a site track without the engine working at its limit.

Look for: A steel or aluminium bed in sound condition, and a truck with service history on the timing belt.

Lifted and off-road builds

The Carry has the deepest aftermarket of the five: lift kits, tyres and bumpers are stocked in the US for this chassis first.

Look for: DB52T and DA63T are the usual bases for a build. Confirm the drivetrain is 4WD before planning a lift.

Delivery rounds and small fleets

When you need two or three identical trucks, the Carry is the only model where matching specifications are usually available at the same time.

Look for: Same chassis code and same drivetrain across the units, so spares and servicing stay simple.

Orchards, vineyards and nurseries

At 1.48 m wide with a 4.1 m turning circle it works rows that a full-size pickup cannot enter.

Look for: 4WD with a locking differential for soft ground. Farming grades usually carry extra low as well.

Snow clearing and winter work

Light on the ground and easy to recover, and 4WD versions keep working where a 2WD pickup sits and spins.

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

The Carry’s own contribution is availability: it is the model most likely to be in stock in the exact specification you want, and the model a US parts supplier will have on the shelf. See the job-to-specification matrix

Suzuki Carry 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 Suzuki Carry truck is the undisputed king of the kei truck market: by 1999 it had already been Japan's best-selling truck by model name for 28 years in a row. The 1999 redesign for the new kei standards moved the front wheels forward into a semi-cab layout to improve crash safety. The long-serving F6A engine is known for easy low- and mid-range pull and durability, and in 2001 it gave way to the all-aluminium DOHC K6A. A wide range of work-ready versions such as the Carry Nohan farm spec, and a sales and service network that covers all of Japan, were major strengths as well.

Weak points

The engineering is thoroughly conventional, with little to excite enthusiasts. Going semi-cab for the 1999 standards stretched the wheelbase from 1,840 mm to 2,350 mm, which improved crash safety and stability but cost turning ability and limited bed length. About ten months after launch Suzuki added a large-bed version with a longer deck, then redesigned the bed in 2002. Even the Carry, as complete a work tool as they come, took some trial and error to adapt to the new rules.

Suzuki Carry 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 this pageUnder the seatapprox. 50 PSapprox. 4.1 m$1,800–2,80077
Daihatsu Hijet mini truckUnder 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 Carry sits: the strongest standard output of the five, the deepest parts supply and the largest number of trucks to choose from — which is why it is usually the cheapest to buy and the simplest to keep on the road. What it does not have is the collector following of an Acty or a Sambar, so it holds less of a premium when you sell it on. If the work is in tight rows, the Hijet turns about 0.3 m tighter. 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.

Suzuki Carry truck FAQ

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

Yes. Part-time 4WD was offered across the 660 cc generations and is common in the export market, usually with a selectable 2H/4H setting rather than a permanent system. Farming grades often add extra low gearing, and some add a locking rear differential. 4WD does not imply a diff lock, and listing data does not always record it, so ask the seller about that one specifically. How 4WD, diff lock and extra low differ

Any Carry built 25 or more years ago — today that means built in or before September 2001. In practice that covers the DB71T and DC51T/DD51T generations outright, and a growing part of the DA52T/DB52T range as each month passes. The DA63T and later are not eligible yet. Eligibility is counted from the build month on the chassis plate, not from the model year.

They are close on size, payload and price, and both are abundant. Choose the Carry for output and parts supply: about 50 PS as standard and the widest aftermarket in the US. Choose the Hijet for manoeuvring and bed choice: about 3.8 m turning circle, factory dump bodies and the extended Jumbo cab. See the five models side by side

Carry trucks listed on UCARWORLD sit mainly in the US$1,800–2,800 FOB band, with the current lowest at US$1,100. Ocean freight, port and terminal charges, the customs broker, ISF and duty are on top. Condition and drivetrain move the price more than the year does. See the full cost breakdown

Carry Truck Purchase Guide

Overview of Carry Truck - A kei truck(mini truck) representative of Japan, renowned for its durability and convenience.

The Suzuki Carry Truck, a kei truck(mini truck) that has epitomized "loadable, durable, and reliable" since its inception in 1961, is highly acclaimed not only for domestic commercial use, but also in right-hand drive regions and countries applying the 25-year rule. In this article, we're focusing on the popular 9th generation (1991–1999), known for its excellent maintenance and abundant parts supply, and the 10th generation (1999–2013), which elevated practicality by expanding its body size to meet new lightweight standards.

The 9th Generation Suzuki Carry Truck (DC51T/DD51T, 1991–1999) - The definitive version of the standard cab-over model which solidified its status as a classic.

The Charm of the 9th Generation Carry Truck

F6A x Abundant specifications, ample power, and an overwhelming sense of utility.

The 9th generation mainly features the DC51T (2WD/FR) and DD51T (4WD), equipped with a 660cc F6A inline three-cylinder engine (NA/some turbo). In addition to 4MT/5MT/3AT transmissions, we also offer models equipped with sub-transmissions (Extra-Low) and diff locks for agricultural use, providing a wide range of options to suit various needs. With a compact body measuring 3,295mm in length and 1,395mm in width, a spacious three-way open loading deck, and a sturdy suspension comprising front struts and rear leaf springs, this model offers high levels of reassurance as a “working tool” for any terrain, from paved roads to unpaved tracks. Improvements made during the annual upgrade include the adoption of front discs, enlarged wheel diameter, and modifications to lighting, further elevating the overall quality of the vehicle. With its high availability of used cars and spare parts, this generation is easy for overseas users to handle.

Drawbacks of the 9th Generation Carry Truck

High-speed stability and safety equipment are "up to date," but fuel efficiency does not meet the latest standards.

Due to the cab-over short wheelbase and lightweight body, straight-line stability and soundproofing at high speeds are standard at the time. Long-distance and high-speed driving can lead to fatigue, and safety equipment such as ABS and airbags are limited. Designed in a time with looser safety standards, it has a short front which ensures a long cargo bed, but the collision safety aspect is left to successor models that came after the expansion of the light car standard. In addition, the F6A×5MT・4WD model's fuel economy is around 15 km/L in the 10・15 mode, which is a step back in terms of economy compared to the current generation. However, its simple structure and high maintainability ensure good durability if regular maintenance is performed. Its usability in everyday and low-mid speeds and the easy availability of parts cover its downsides.

Rivals of the 9th generation Carry Truck

Honda Acty, Daihatsu Hijet, Subaru Sambar

The main competitors of the same period are the Honda Acty, known for its excellent traction when loaded thanks to its MR layout, the Daihatsu Hijet, chosen for its high distribution volume and expandability, and the Subaru Sambar, which takes advantage of rear wheel load with its RR layout. The Carry with its orthodox design is popular overseas as well as in Japan for its ease of maintenance, abundance, and affordable parts. If you're choosing based on use, the 4WD plus sub-transmission is ideal for unpaved roads and farming, while a 2WD plus a 5MT (or 3AT) model is a good match for city driving due to its lightness and simplicity.

Specifications of the 9th Generation Carry Truck

Size: Total length 3,295mm x total width 1,395mm x total height 1,715–1,805mm Wheelbase: 1,855mm Vehicle weight: Approximately 650–720kg (depending on specifications) Engine: F6A 0.66L straight-3 (NA/some SOHC turbo) Transmission: 4MT/5MT/3AT (some configurations available for agricultural use, including sub-transmission and EL) Drive system: FR (DC51T), part-time 4WD (DD51T) Suspension: Front strut/rear leaf Brakes: Front disc (enlarged annually) Fuel efficiency (10・15 mode): Approximately around 15km/L (varies by specifications) Main grades: KU／KA／KC, agricultural and others.

The 10th generation Carry Truck (DA52T/DB52T → DA62T/DA63T/DA65T, 1999–2013) - Newly standardized for a larger body, the K6A evolution also brings quietness and durability enhancements.

The appeal of the 10th generation Carry Truck

Expanded cabin and cargo space according to new standards, improved quietness and reliability with K6A modification.

The body was enlarged to meet the new standards for light vehicles (total length 3,395mm x total width 1,475mm) with a full model change in 1999, and the front impact absorption zone was also expanded. While the early DA52T/DB52T inherited the F6A (NA/Turbo), they transitioned to the timing chain type K6A after September 2001, improving exhaust gas efficiency, noise reduction, and durability. The minimum turning radius was revised and rust prevention was strengthened, enhancing practical performance. The 4WD continues to be a part-time system, making it strong for off-road starts and hill climbing. The loading platform opens on three sides and it's easy to load and unload due to its low bed. It's a generation where you can feel the "ease of use" in a wide range of scenarios from daily deliveries to farming.

Disadvantages of the 10th Generation Carry Truck

Initial model received feedback about "short truck bed" → Measures were taken within the same year, early F6A also featured belt replacement costs.

At its initial release, there were some complaints about the short bed length as priority was given to interior space. However, in a revision made in November 1999, the cabin was shortened and the bed was extended, quickly addressing practicality issues. Also, cars equipped with the initial F6A required a timing belt change after a certain mileage, thus cost was incurred. After the switch to K6A in September 2001, a chain drive was employed, eliminating this concern. It is wise to check the year and model when purchasing, and choose according to your specific needs.

Rival of the tenth-generation Carry Truck

Daihatsu Hijet (S200 series onwards), Mitsubishi Minicab, Honda Acty (later model)

At the time, the kei truck(mini truck) market was dominated by the lineup and distribution volume of the Carry and Hijet. The Minicab offers a rich selection of cargo bed equipment and 4WD systems, while the Acty was attractive for its MR layout's road-hugging abilities. The Carry improved its cargo bed usability and fuel efficiency through continual improvements, and after its switch to the K6A, it became well-balanced in terms of quietness and reliability. There is also a wide range of used options, and one of its strengths is that for overseas users, the hurdles for maintenance and repair are low.

Specs for the 10th Generation Carry Truck

Size: Total length 3,395mm x Total width 1,475mm x Total height 1,755–1,800mm Wheelbase: Approximately 1,905–2,350mm (varies depending on the year and specification) Vehicle weight: Approximately 650–780kg Engine: F6A 0.66L inline-3 (1999–2001.8, NA/Turbo) → K6A 0.66L inline-3 DOHC (post-2001.9) Transmission: 5MT/3AT (AT setting expansion varies by year and grade) Drive system: FR (DA52T) / 4WD (DB52T), 2WD/4WD configuration also available for DA62/63/65 Minimum turning radius: Improved with yearly modifications (increasing maneuverability) Rustproofing: Enhanced rustproofing of key parts (increasing durability in snowy regions and coastal areas) Fuel efficiency reference (10-15 mode example): DA52T 5MT (NA, 2WD) 16–17km/L, DA52T 3AT approximately 15km/L, DB52T 4WD 15–16km/L (varies by specification) Main yearly modifications: 1999/11 Bed extension, 2001/9 Transition to K6A, improved maneuverability, enhanced rustproofing, and more.