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Do You Want to Buy Used Kei Trucks from Japan?

Japanese Used Kei Trucks (Mini Trucks) for Sale!!

Do You Want to Buy Used Kei Trucks from Japan?
500+ Mini Trucks for Sale!
THE BENEFITS OF JAPAN'S KEI TRUCK

Japanese Mini (Kei) Truck is Built for Power, Agility, and Easy Loading

Japanese Mini (Kei) Truck is Built for Power, Agility, and Easy Loading

Japanese Kei Trucks are known for their compact size (overall length 3,400mm, overall width 1,480mm, and overall height under 2,000mm), outstanding fuel economy with displacement under 660cc, and agility to move nimbly on rice paddy and mountain roads.

Known for its wide range of functions, including refrigerated trucks, kitchen cars and trucks, and dump trucks, it has been gaining popularity among buyers of used Japanese cars in the U.S., Hawaii, Guam, and the South Pacific as well as in Europe for several years.

Originating in Japan, where narrow roads are common, kei trucks are small, lightweight trucks designed to meet Japan's strict vehicle inspection system and engine displacement regulations.

In the U.S., they are used for a wide range of operations, from private property to farms, construction, and refrigerated vehicle use.

ABOUT THE LAW

Legality of imported Japanese Kei Trucks older than 25 years in the U.S. from Japan

Legality of imported Japanese Kei Trucks older than 25 years in the U.S. from Japan

Small commercial trucks (mini pickups) from Japan represent a unique category of utility vehicles designed to comply with the country's stringent vehicle regulations. Due to U.S. import regulations, only compact commercial trucks over 25 years from their initial registration date can be legally imported, making these older models the exclusive option for American buyers.

Agricultural enterprises, construction companies, and urban delivery services across America utilize these vintage compact trucks for their efficient design and practical functionality. The 25-year import rule is a strict requirement, effectively determining which Japanese compact trucks can enter the U.S. market.

Guide to Japanese Kei Truck Registration by U.S. State

Each state maintains different regulations regarding the street-legal status of imported compact trucks aged over 25 years.
StateStreet Legal StatusSpecial RequirementsUsage Restrictions
AlabamaLegalStandard RegistrationNone
AlaskaLegalRegular InspectionNone
ArkansasLegalBasic RequirementsNone
FloridaLegalSafety InspectionNone
IdahoLegalStandard RegistrationNone
MaineLegalState InspectionLimited Highways
MississippiLegalBasic RegistrationNone
OklahomaLegalRegular InspectionNone
South CarolinaLegalStandard RequirementsNone
VirginiaLegalSafety CertificationLimited Access
WyomingLegalBasic RegistrationNone
JAPANESE KEI TRUCK REVIEW

Best Kei Truck for Your Needs? Here's How to Choose!

Best Kei Truck for Your Needs? Here's How to Choose!

Each compact commercial truck (tiny Japanese truck) model excels in different aspects of performance and functionality, making the selection process dependent on your specific business needs.

  1. High Turning Performance: It is important for Kei Trucks to be able to turn in a small radius, since farm roads can have tremendous curvature.
  2. The Size of the Cargo Bed: Kei Trucks are loved by farmers, fishermen, construction companies and masons alike, so cargo bed size (measured at floor level) matters.
  3. Roomy and User-Friendly: All four models offer similar headroom, steering, and seat feel, with differences in wheelhouse and door opening that affect ease of entry and exit.

Comparing Japan's Top Kei Trucks

FeatureSuzuki CarryHonda ActyDaihatsu HijetSubaru Sambar
Loading Capacity350kg350kg350kg350kg
Fuel Efficiency15.4km/L14.8km/L15.2km/L14.9km/L
Turning Radius3.6m3.5m3.7m3.4m
Engine Power660cc660cc660cc660cc
Cabin SpaceStandardLargeStandardCompact
Price Range$5,000 - 7,000$5,500 - 7,500$4,800 - 6,800$4,500 - 6,500
Safety FeaturesBasicAdvancedStandardBasic
Maintain CostLowMediumLowMedium

Situations

The recommended model may vary depending on the situation in which the Kei Truck is used.
  • Urban Delivery

    Urban Delivery

    The Sambar or Acty for tight spaces
  • Agricultural Use

    Agricultural Use

    Carry or Hijet offer optimal durability
  • Construction Sites

    Construction Sites

    Hijet or Carry provide reliable performance
  • Multi-purpose Use

    Multi-purpose Use

    Acty offers versatile functionality

Drive System

Like most cars, light trucks are available in 2WD and 4WD. 4WD is popular among those who often drive on unpaved roads. Also, all 2WDs are rear-wheel drive.
  • FR
    Suzuki Carry

    Suzuki
    Carry

  • Daihatsu Hijet

    Daihatsu
    Hijet

  • MR
    Honda Acty

    Honda
    Acty

  • RR
    Subaru Sambar

    Subaru
    Sambar

Japan's Top Kei Trucks Review

  • Suzuki Carry
    • The Best Fuel Economy
    • Low Maintenance Costs
    • Proven Reliability Record

    Suzuki Carry Review

    FR
    The Carry truck, the most common Japanese Kei truck, is #1 for its balance of features. With a 650mm cargo bed height, loading heavy cargo is easy, and its engine provides strong power and handling in the practical RPM range.
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  • Honda Acty
    • Largest Cabin Space
    • Superior Visibility
    • Advanced Safety Features

    Honda Acty Review

    MR
    It is Honda's typical Kei Truck, including its most highly rated driving performance and high-revving oriented engine. Its MR layout gives the Acty the largest cabin space and best visibility in its class, along with advanced safety features.
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  • Daihatsu Hijet
    • Competitive Pricing
    • Balanced Performance
    • Extensive Dealer Network

    Daihatsu Hijet Review

    FR
    The Hijet, designed with women in agriculture in mind, comes in nine colors, including pink and orange. It’s gaining popularity as a work vehicle and light camper base.
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  • Subaru Sambar
    • Smallest Turning Radius
    • Affordable Price Point
    • Compact Design

    Subaru Sambar Review

    RR
    Subaru's model, sold until March 2012, stands out for its compact design and affordable price point. Its minimum turning radius of 3.4m is the smallest of the four, making it especially easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces.
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Japanese Kei Truck Q&A

Q
How to import your own kei truck or kei car from Japan to U.S.

When importing a vehicle from Japan to the U.S., specific regulations and procedures must be attended to.

Step-by-Step Import Process

Stage Key Requirements Estimated Schedule Approximate Cost
Vehicle Selection Must be 25 years or older 1-2 weeks $3,000-6,000
Documentation Export/Import Documents 2-3 weeks $500-1,000
Shipping Ocean Freight 4-6 weeks $1,500-2,500
Customs Clearance Entry documentation 1-2 weeks $500-1,000
State registration - 1-3 weeks $200-500 depending on location

Essential Requirements

  1. Vehicle eligibility: manufacturing date over 25 years old
  2. Original documentation available
  3. Compliance with emission standards
  4. Proper maintenance records

Required Documentation

  1. Export certificate from Japan
  2. Bill of lading
  3. Commercial invoice
  4. Translation of Japanese documents
  5. Customs forms

Import Procedures

  1. Find a reliable Japanese car exporter
  2. Make a contract with the Japanese car exporter
  3. Arrange international shipping
  4. Complete customs clearance
  5. Obtain state registration
  6. Schedule vehicle inspection

Common Challenges

  • Language barriers
  • Shipping delays since shipping space is sometimes tight
  • Customs processing time
  • State-specific requirements

Q
How much is a mini-truck from Japan?

The total cost of importing a Japanese compact truck varies based on several key factors, ranging from initial purchase to final delivery expenses.

Cost Component Range
Base Vehicle Price $3,000-5,000
Auction Fees $100-$150
Inland delivery in Japan $50-$150
Export Processing $100-$150
Ocean Freight $1,500-$2,500
Import Duties $200-$400
Customs Processing $300-$600
Transport to Buyer $300-$800