Gas-saving work animals, in reality, Japanese mini trucks (called “Kei”, “Keitora” or “micro” trucks) are imported directly from Japan. Most of these admittedly very practical, but diminutive pickup trucks are equipped with 660cc engines and 4-wheel drive. Constructed to meet requirements for light vehicles in Japan, each mini truck is approximately 11 ft. (3.4m) long with a box generally measuring 6 ft.-4 in. (1.95m) in length. Such mini trucks from Japan can haul almost half a ton. Offered with hydraulic dumps and scissor lifts, most of these mini vehicles have fold-down box sides. Models with van bodies are also for sale. Also, fully enclosed cabs, seat belts, windshield wipers, AM radios, heaters, lights and signals are all included features of these Japanese mini trucks.
Japanese mini trucks weigh approximately 1500 pounds and can accelerate to a speed of 75 miles per hour. Popular throughout Asia, second-hand models are now in use in the US for off-road purposes—for example, on farmland. In Canada, Japanese mini trucks are considered suitable as regular vehicular traffic after passing local certification inspections. With gas mileage reports of upwards of 60 miles per gallon from some owners, Japanese mini trucks are efficient vehicles. According to your choice of a new or used vehicle, US prices for Japanese mini trucks range from about $4,000 to $8,500. In the used mini truck market, a 1990 Suzuki Every Van is priced at around USD $6,086, while a 1992 Daihatsu Hi-Jet mini truck sells for approximately USD $5,848.
Current makes and models of Japanese mini trucks are the result of many generations of evolving styles and designs. The Kurogane KB pickup truck sporting a high designed rear engine was first shown in 1959. The Honda T360, a semi-front truck or pickup, came out in 1963 as the first Honda 4-wheel vehicle. New on the market for 1964 was the fashionable Daihatsu Hi-Jet Cab. The Cony 360 Wide with a 168 cm wheelbase, a rear rigid axle with leaf springs, and a 354 cc engine located underneath the center floor came out in 1965. Then, a van was brought out in 1966. Still available during the early seventies, this mini van lacked dynamic fashion, although its style was definitely contemporary. Later, in 1969, the Mazda Porter Cab was introduced with engine placement under the front seats. This mini truck’s round headlights with rounded cadres which resembled spectacles, contributed to its partially comic style. Since that time, many additional makes and models of Japanese mini trucks have been introduced to the modern road vehicle market, with such major and currently popular manufacturers’ names as Mitsubishi, Diahatsu, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki and Subaru.
- Japanese Mini Trucks – Remakably Sturdy & Durable With A Big Tolerance For Overweight Loads Now even acceptable for regular road traffic in some...
- Saving Money on Your Car Is Not Just About Fuel Economy Saving money is the focus of most people these...
- Attention On Used Cars Sold By Owners Engine Performance And Fuel Saving Device And Car Designer Information When it comes down to it with the current credit...
- Japanese Language Learning the Easy Way Japan is rich in culture and heritage. It’s also the...
- Three Reasons Why Running Boards For Trucks Help Reduce Injuries And Protect Your Passengers Do Running Boards for Trucks really make a difference in...