Do you any of you have one? I’m looking to get one for my property. We can license them as a UTV and used them on the road in Wyoming.
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Kei Trucks. Japanese utility trucks.
- Thread starter Bender
- Start date
I drove one for 2 years as my “staff car” when I was the DO for a squadron that was also in charge of a very eclectic motor pool… loved that thing. It came in handy when I was running late for staff meetings, etc. too, I could park that thing anywhere.
Topped out ~30 mph, but that kept me out of trouble on base; I tend to have a very heavy right foot!
Topped out ~30 mph, but that kept me out of trouble on base; I tend to have a very heavy right foot!
The fun part is trying to sit two guys in full Chem gear side by side in them.
A couple of guys could also easily "re-park" them.
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Post a picture of one after it gets hit by a full size truck.
Many around here, but finding one for sale is almost hopeless. Those running these roads, are faster than 30mph.
The kind and diversity of options you can get on rides out of the US is almost endless. Reason guys who mod US shit to work instead of look at, are always backed up.
Have a Mitsubishi Minicab, has been great for years.
Watch timing belts.
Work to hauling elk.
R
It’s for farm stuff. Not a daily. I have a company truck for that
I want one for farm chores, move farm stuff. Run to the mail box. Haul weeds, bale of hay.
So you want a small lorry. That's what they called all of the flat front trucks when I lived in Singapore (92-96, k-3rd grade).
Actually there was one for sale, at a private residence on Highway 4 going west into Jonesboro, Louisiana. Not sure if it is still there but it was out front last week (7-20-2024)
I might add that it looks like it has been rode hard and put away dirty. Not nearly as nice looking as the vehicles posted here.
I might add that it looks like it has been rode hard and put away dirty. Not nearly as nice looking as the vehicles posted here.
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I used to work for a company that imported them......by the hundreds.
They come in a standard conex box with 5 per box stacked tight.
I've driven hundreds if not thousands of them......the trucks will do 70-80mph and get 35-40 mpg doing it.
Very common for them to either have a software lock on speed or a block welded to the shifter to lock out 3-4-5th gears.
The one you want is the 997cc EFI engine, it's a Toyota design and uber reliable.
We mod'd them into scissor lift beds, dump beds, people movers (for places like Vegas casinos) and military use on the nuke dump sites.
Los of universities, golf courses, hospitals, etc....
www.vantagevehicle.com
People mover for some odd casino......4 people per side, awning on top, luggage down center.....padded seats and awning canvas made by some upholstery shop that did shitty work (the one on a TV reality show 'Overhaulin') and believe me those guys did shitty work.
They come in a standard conex box with 5 per box stacked tight.
I've driven hundreds if not thousands of them......the trucks will do 70-80mph and get 35-40 mpg doing it.
Very common for them to either have a software lock on speed or a block welded to the shifter to lock out 3-4-5th gears.
The one you want is the 997cc EFI engine, it's a Toyota design and uber reliable.
We mod'd them into scissor lift beds, dump beds, people movers (for places like Vegas casinos) and military use on the nuke dump sites.
Los of universities, golf courses, hospitals, etc....
Vantage Vehicle International, Inc.
Vantage Vehicle International, Inc., headquartered in Corona, California – about one hour from Los Angeles – designs, assembles and sells low speed utility vehicles recognized worldwide for their durability, dependability, and versatility.
www.vantagevehicle.com
People mover for some odd casino......4 people per side, awning on top, luggage down center.....padded seats and awning canvas made by some upholstery shop that did shitty work (the one on a TV reality show 'Overhaulin') and believe me those guys did shitty work.
Have a buddy with one he used for running around the hunting woods. Damn thing could go almost anywhere.
Be careful though. Apparently every manufacturer in japan made them with all kinds of different running gear and power. He had some things break and liked to never got parts. Had to match part numbers from various places
Be careful though. Apparently every manufacturer in japan made them with all kinds of different running gear and power. He had some things break and liked to never got parts. Had to match part numbers from various places
There’s a bunch of them around here. All owned by dudes with Rivians and Manbuns.
But they are cheap and never seem to quit. And since you can’t buy a 1980’s ford Ranger or a Rabbit Diesel pickup any more…
They have their uses!
Sirhr
But they are cheap and never seem to quit. And since you can’t buy a 1980’s ford Ranger or a Rabbit Diesel pickup any more…
They have their uses!
Sirhr
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See that upper pic I posted ^ up there ?
There are enough parts there on those shelves to build at least 3 complete trucks.....and that's not even 1/10th of the parts that Vantage carries on hand at all times.
All makes, all models, of those little ...uhh....trucks ? and vans.
The earlier vans are super cool.....both side doors slide open and lock in the open position......great for a driving bar at parades (ask me how I know....or rather, don't).
We even imported a few ambulances on those tiny chassis, they come complete with oxygen bottles and IV setups, suture kits....everything you need.
Funny thing...
I doubt there has ever been a single one made in Japan.
They are made in Thailand, Viet Nahm, China......and there's a plant in Africa somewhere too (unknown by me what country is doing it).
I'd love one, but be aware:
www.theautopian.com
I know of more than one person who's recently gotten fucked by this.
Michigan Enthusiasts Become The Next To Fight The Battle Against Imported Car Bans - The Autopian
Michigan is the latest state to refuse to register kei trucks, causing a headache for car owners and businesses. This group is fighting back.
www.theautopian.com
I know of more than one person who's recently gotten fucked by this.
I have been pricing new Polaris Rangers. Fucking ridiculous 24k for barebones what I want. I paid 12k for one 8 years ago.
I think if you are using for around the ranch or farm and not really offroading they would be fine and more practical. Buy a base ranger and shell out thousands for a cab and heater etc. These come with it.
Only concern is getting spare parts etc. Not sure how difficult that might be.
I think if you are using for around the ranch or farm and not really offroading they would be fine and more practical. Buy a base ranger and shell out thousands for a cab and heater etc. These come with it.
Only concern is getting spare parts etc. Not sure how difficult that might be.
Looks like a mini Unimog. I love it!
And yeah, we just sold our 400cc gas-motor golf cart because we really don’t need it in our neighborhood…and it’s too slow, while simultaneously riding too rough over the speed bumps. It just doesn’t have enough suspension travel despite being lifted.
And a Polaris Ranger or especially the Can Am is way too expensive by the time we add a/c and heat plus a hard top, etc. It’s literally cheaper to buy a used car or jeep just to cruise around the neighborhood.
One of those Kei trucks, lifted like this one, just might be the ticket!
LoL…. I just air dropped that to my wife, and her first words were ”Isn’t that what you drove when we were stationed at Travis?”
Went through this process a few years ago. The mini truck was just too small on the inside and didn’t have the power, you could only fit 2 in it. We have a Roxor and a Kawasaki mule pro fx on the farm. The Roxor is great when you need the extra power and running down the road. The mule has a hard cab on it and during the summer we pull the doors and back glass off then flip the windshield up. The mule has a bigger bed and doesn’t cut ruts in wet fields and the Roxor can handle more weight and tow more. If I had to pick one it would be the mule. It can do 90% of what the Roxor can do and other things the Roxor can’t. Bought the mule used with 350 hours for $12k and $4k for the cab. The Roxor was $25k if I remember correctly.
That site is funnay
They say built by Subaru....or Daihatsu....or Toyota....but they are all the exact same chassis
Look close, not a single difference in any of them.
Tip:
The best ones are made by First Auto Works or "FAW" which yes, is a Chiwanese guv owned entity.
The facility they have in Langzhou is straight up state of the art....been there 3 times to "interface" with the engineers and let them know what the Americans need in terms of sizing, comforts, and options.
Yes it's a super nice facility.....but there is ONE restroom for the entire (something like) 2 million square foot building and the toilet is nothing but a 10-12" hole in the floor.....I shit you not.....
Wait, no, there are plenty of smears all around that hole (some of you guys that have been to China know what I speak of).
They do build a solid truck though.
Here's the site for the mini trucks...
FAW TRUCKS 4X2 T80-FAW TRUCKS
FAW TRUCKS is the top commercial vehicle manufacturer in China with its headquarters located in Changchun City, Jilin Province in China. The products range comes from light duty vehicles to medium and heavy duty vehicles.
And of course you can get them from alibaba...on the cheap
Wholesale faw mini truck With Superior Build-Quality - Alibaba.com
Make more efficient deliveries with wholesale cargo truck, available among the various models of faw mini truck. A wide range of trucks is available to suit the business type.
www.alibaba.com
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Look at the roof....
Note the images I posted up above.....note the roof.
I forced them Wang Chung mofos to raise it 6 inches for us American mofos.
There's a reason why, it should be apparent.
I’m in the process of importing a 1998 4wd acty from carfromjapan, currently waiting for a ship to get my truck on. I paid less than $4k for vehicle+shipping, and I anticipate needing to pay another ~$1500 in taxes, port fees, and titling in WA. It will be my city commuter.
There's a dealer in FL that sells these from time to time
limerencemotors.com
Limerence Motor Co.
Limerence Motor Company is a licensed dealership and importer of classic Japanese domestic vehicles, located on Florida's Suncoast. We have an eye for all original examples with low miles, manual transmissions, turbo engines and rad decals.
limerencemotors.com
I mentioned the Kei mini trucks to a friend of mine in Wyoming last night who owns a side by side, and he told me about a rancher friend of his who bought a brand new Polaris General last year or two, drove it for under 400 miles, and the front end went out. Polaris refused to warranty it. So he's paying the dealer to rebuild the front end. He seems to think the problem is a poorly designed front end. Imagine spending well over $25K on a supposedly premium new UTV and having it fail with such little mileage.
This is very interesting thread. I am looking for a "newer" used side by side and I might as well buy a used truck. Pricing is crazy. One of these min utility trucks would be perfect for my uses - running to mailbox, trash runs, yard debris, etc.
Seen merging onto I35 as I was taking my exit about an hour ago… Either has higher gears and more power than the average Unimog, or gonna be an interesting day for them and the rest of the traffic:
Smaller than I remember them being too… Not 100% sure it’s an actual Unimog.
Cool nonetheless.
Smaller than I remember them being too… Not 100% sure it’s an actual Unimog.
Cool nonetheless.
That would be a Pinzgauer. Mercedes product made by Steyr-Puch.
en.m.wikipedia.org
They got a cool suspension and drivetrain.
Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer - Wikipedia
They got a cool suspension and drivetrain.
Went through looking at them hard last year to replace a Mule FXT. In the end they were too small inside and have no ground clearance. Neat little niche vehicles and make sense for more hard top running with some offroad needs. For the farm a regular utility UTV just worked better for me. Went with a Kubota RTV-X 1130. Extra sized hydraulic bed, good ground clearance and an powerful 3 cylinder diesel for grunt work. Nothings perfect though and I turned up the fuel and adjusted rpm and throttle range to make it a 30mph rig. We have several of the same engine around the farm on pumps and generators so I was familiar with tuning them.
Drove this thing several years ago.That would be a Pinzgauer. Mercedes product made by Steyr-Puch.
Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer - Wikipedia
They got a cool suspension and drivetrain.
Cousin worked for RB.
Airlockers on all axels.
Seemed like it'd climb a telephone pole.
R
They have a few
Mini Trucks & Kei Cars | Motorcycle Warehouse | Portland
Mini Trucks & small SUV's found here. We have brands ranging from Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu, Subaru, & more.
www.mc-warehouse.com
Same for Utah actually. You can street legal register your side-by side, but not the mini-trucks unless the law has changed since I used to do safety inspections.I'd love one, but be aware:
Michigan Enthusiasts Become The Next To Fight The Battle Against Imported Car Bans - The Autopian
Michigan is the latest state to refuse to register kei trucks, causing a headache for car owners and businesses. This group is fighting back.
I know of more than one person who's recently gotten fucked by this.
Steyr-Deimler-Puch was an offroad and truck specialist . even with G wagens Mercedes ''outsourced'' manufacturing to Steyr-Puch , on our market all the military G wagons were badged Styer-Puch ,Unlike Mercedes Steyr long ran on air cooled engines in all their offroad trucks.That would be a Pinzgauer. Mercedes product made by Steyr-Puch.
Steyr-Puch Pinzgauer - Wikipedia
They got a cool suspension and drivetrain.
Even today ,G wagons continue to roll of so 80's looking production line at Magna Steyr
