Buying a JDM kei truck Honda Acty 4WD attack

[@metricstormtrooper]

My wife and I had one of those Honda Acty vans, it was the 550cc version, we drove it everywhere, even from Sydney aus to Adelaide. We could fit a double bet futon in it and camp really comfortably. The Acty handled really well, and apart from abysmal fuel economy when cruising over 100 k/hr it was great. I have a Mitsubishi Minicab Miev EV van now.

[@jpsimon206]

What a great overlanding/ hiking setup that van is! I could totally see having a tiny Honda Cub on a rack on the back, sweet little mobile tent

[@timearll266]

It's just good to see and hear you guys. It's been so long but hearing your banter just takes me back and puts a smile on my face.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Tim 🙂 it’s good to hear from you! It’s definitely been a long time. I hope all is well for you and your wife, enjoy some of that good weather down there for me 👍 Take care Buddy 😊

[@OlympicOverland]

We miss hanging out with you man! TMRL

[@woozleboy]

Picked up a 94 Honda a year ago and haven't stopped smiling. Added a lumber rack and it gets put to *work* hauling gear around for event management, a large software campus in the Redmond area, and utility service. I use it more than my S10 Chevy. Added the same Jeep bumper you have on the Carry, which is a challenge as tge Honda has no hard frame mounts up front, requiring some fab work to make it possible. Welded up a simple rear bumper and added a trailer hitch. Not much tongue weight, but enough for a motorcycle trailer or a little 4x8 utility. I love these rigs!

[@Mikefestiva]

They are great little trucks! There a lot of things I like more on my brothers Honda Actty the my Suzuki Carry, the extra room in the cab like storage under the seats and the weight is distributed better in the Honda then my Carry because the engine is closer to the rear. Do you have any videos of your truck on YT?

[@JoergPotratz]

KEI Car on US Roads!!👍👍👍 You need more of this. Easy to drive, affordable und just enough. Nice Video, as every time. Greetings from Germany

[@adrockey]

Great video. These little trucks are interesting and a variety of people here in Iowa even have them. I like just to get one of the beds off one of those to make it into a little trailer for my four wheeler for wood. Hey Mike if you want to get real crazy do a build and put the steering wheel and shifter all on the correct side. That would be a project.

[@howtojake8428]

So that was Andy I spotted the other day on the hwy! I did a double take thinking it might be you but it was white and no rack. Man you might have started a new craze around here. 😂

[@KowboyUSA]

Like that utility/camper on the Ram.

[@petescarport]

I daily drive my Honda acty in tampa Florida 20 miles each way a day. Love it.

[@aserta]

A dump bed conversion is relatively easy on these. So IMO, people shouldn't bother with buying a dump bed vs a decent unit that doesn't have one. The ethos behind these Kei trucks was that they would be cheap, simple, and mass produced easily. So think of them as IKEA furniture lines, where you can actively take parts from a set and mix them with another from the same family, because they were modular in design.

[@emmajacobs5575]

And coincidentally, IKEA stores in the UK used to have these available to hire, to take your flat packs home if you overestimated how much would fit in your car.

[@emikearizona]

Love your videos, as mentioned before I have a brother that I wish I could share this with that's in Montana. Have the greatest times! it looks like so much fun. (And we enjoy your mastercraft on the builds with the camper boxes, and it's cool the two are their own different works of art. My favorite is the diesel heater)

[@Dan-hn1lx]

I love these old JDM's living in Australia we used them all the time when I was younger there just capable little beasts. Keep on truckin mate!!!

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks Dan! Yes they are awesome little trucks, my brother and I use our trucks all the time for work projects and off-roading. We have a lot of videos on our channels 🙂👍

[@ExplorethePNW]

It’s so cool you have a brother that you’re close with to have adventures like this! Subbed to his channel as well

[@brandons42472]

These two weeks flew by. Ready for another mini truck video!!

[@kittenjr.ofcatland1897]

I have a ford festiva and I don't think that I have found a parking spot that I can't fit in. I love the idea of getting a kei trucks, but right now they are just a little out of my price range. Also the ford festiva has just enough power for american roads(65mph). Can't wait to see more videos on both trucks, keep up the great work!

[@jeanchapman1301]

My Chevy Sprint was the same - could fit in any parking spot, even those weird shaped, left over, end spots. 5th gear with the A/C on was a no go.

[@kittenjr.ofcatland1897]

@@jeanchapman1301 Funny thing is I have a AC compressor, however its not set up and I don't think it works. This festiva is my first real car and I'm hoping it lasts me a good bit of time.

[@danf4616]

They are kind of neat, but unless you really have to work a lot of very tight off road trails, I think an older short bed 4WD Tacoma would be far superior. Just a little bit bigger (54in), but much more comfortable, reliable, safer, not road-restricted in any state, etc., etc... Thanks for the interesting videos! 👍

[@360nastybusiness]

But not as interesting . You missing the point of owning a vehicle like this.

[@jimshorts6751]

These little trucks are a lot tougher than you imagine. Many municipalities used them for landscaping and small repair work. Those 3 cylinder engines are bullet proof and sip fuel. They are also a great option for city driving to keep miles off your big vehicle and can park anywhere. The Mitsubishi 4x4 van are legendary, and with the high top, you can go camping and park anywhere you want.

[@andybtec]

Nice to see that the steering wheel is on the correct side. These little pickups are so useful. Greetings from the uk

[@metalman065]

They are kinda cool, I really like the way yours is set up Mike. I know you don't like the over size tires, but they really look good on your truck. Thanks for sharing

[@SupernaturalBeingsofEarth]

Love the rides... Van gmc living guy here, be cool to have a trailer with 1 on & a 4 wheeler or dirt bike in the Mini. Cheers and be safer then you have ever thought it's needed, Ian Armstrong.

[@DecayWithUs]

I want to drive an Acty now! I've only driven the carry. Originally I wanted a Honda but I got my Carry for an absolutely ridiculously cheap price so I'm can't complain 😁

[@OlympicOverland]

All of the different models have cool features and are very unique, I like them all but the Acty just felt right to me. 👍

[@jaymack5736]

mike, another great video and it also helped with me getting mine. I'll be a new owner on Monday. I can't wait

[@garylightning8740]

Thank you. I love these little trucks. They still command high prices here in the UK. Excellent viewing. Regards Gareth Wiltshire UK. Gratitude. Quality. Respect.

[@BarnStangz]

That Honda was a bit clapped, but if the price is right.... My friend in Japan says the farmers call the kei trucks a "field Porsche" LOL! They are always ripping the shiz out of them! Thanks for the video Mike, glad you're spreading the love of mini trucks! I use my little Suzuki ALL the time!

[@010203SW]

It seems that the splendor of the 軽トラ(kei truck) has been known. have fun. From Japan.

[@pookysdad4884]

The round headlight versions are a lot cuter. A friendly little face, like a Bugeye Sprite, or original Neon.

[@Mikefestiva]

I’m a big fan of the round headlights too 👍

[@jasonheinrichs8200]

I drove some of the micro vans over in the middle east (Qatar) I was gifted with the awesome job of driving ppl around like a taxi part of the time I was there with the navy, drove awesome for what they are, lil rippers, wish I could find one cheap here in Texas

[@Military-Museum-LP]

I love these little vans. The only defect is the right hand steering!

[@brettwhyte5996]

You're forgetting how narrow they are, you probably sit further from the centreline in an old Caddy ;-)

[@randallthomas5207]

The CV joints are sold separately, because it is becoming impossible to source the inner ones. And, always by a tipper/dump or scissors lift dump if you can. They are lots easier to work on. Lift the bed, and there is the engine, as opposed to going through the too small hatch in the bed. As to utility: I bought mine to mount a snow plow on. Heated cab, and wipers beat a UTV hands down. But it has become my daily driver. the Big Bronco, hasn’t moved in three years, (I should sell it to my daughter:), and my van only got driven when I went out of town. 4-trips in two years before Covid. so, the mini truck is it. If my Hijet dies, I’ll look for another.

[@justusrogers7473]

Hi Mike, I'm Always happy when a new video comes out. I've bought a langmuir plasma table and a yes welder. I feel like if you do anymore mini truck videos I'll end buying one. Thanks again, Justus Mystic, CT

[@deepbludude4697]

Nice guys good too see you guys hanging! My 87 Dodge Raider wont even comfortably drive at 55! plus my fuel mileage is about 13mpg. Ive driven those on some overseas islands Wake, Ascension, they all do feel different where governed to 45mph. Worked in Korea once we had a KIA Kei1 ton dually with a small turbo diesel i think it was 900cc, that thing was a beast! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Im looking right now at an 82F250 the guy says its gotta go 4x4, 410 t18 300-6

[@bertrandpotvin]

I like the van. I could use one of those. All the time . But those little trucks, are hard to beat.

[@punkbloater]

All the crazy kids are riding these mini trucks nowadays! 😁 Cool that it had the engine in the mid back, I thought they where all front mounted.

[@Ants_Pants]

Amazing views specially that huge mountain in the distance. These smaller trucks are pretty handy. I havent seen one ever down here. Would love to see more footage of this going offroad

[@Mardy72]

I love these things. I have a Suzuki Carry van. 1984 ST90. It's great, but I desperately want one of these little 4x4 trucks. Would be perfect for camping/fishing/kayaking 👍

[@oby-1607]

I have a half ton, a 3/4 ton, and a 1 ton, all 4 wheel drive pickups but would love to own one of these for booting around. It would be great for checking on my cows in the field vs my Rhino which is pretty cold in the winter. One in 4 wheel drive with a dump bed would be perfect.

[@DougsMessyGarage]

The little Honda van was cute.

[@Nunya_Bidnez]

Mini trucks are cool AF. Not a fan of aisian vehicles but this is one i would love to have. Neighbor had one. It was way to cool.

[@1rustytree]

Nice Mike! Neighbor across the road from my cabin in the country was moving to a smaller place, , I bought his little Daihatsu Hijet 4wd , just for playing around on my place. Everybody gets a kick out of the right hand drive!

[@Mikefestiva]

Awesome! I hope you make a video about your truck soon 👍 I would like to see it!

[@annagaming25]

I have the suzuki carry 1999 5 speed AWD and it's very useful for use specially here in the Philippines mostly dirt roads

[@brunokov1]

That's a very good off-roader, my uncle bulit one and he joined an off road competition beating those expensive, modified 4x4's.

[@IHcubcadet]

Very cool. Have been seeing a few here in NH. Always love that view of MT Hood, loved seeing that in the morning when I was staying in Hood river.

[@Hackapoid18]

I have a Suzuki Sierra which is the same as a Samurai, I’ve got 29inch tyres, the stock size is 26inch. I lost my low range gearing like you have with your Suzuki. I fitted reduction gears in the transfer case and it’s now exactly the same on road as it was with stock tyres and the low range is now super low and controllable! A bit of a expensive mod but worth every penny if you go 4wding often. Next mod will be diff locks 👍

[@RC-fu6hg]

Change the gears to get the power back with the bigger gears. I wish they were street legal in my state. I get one if they were. Love those trucks.

[@TheHomePros6221]

That thing is super nice!!! I love those little mini trucks!! So stinkin cool!!

[@Mikefestiva]

There are really neat little trucks 🙂 Thanks for checking out my new video 👍

[@prestonsrc]

Super rad! Those things are cool 😎

[@WeekendWrenchTurner]

Not sure if you're a @mightycarmods fan, but they just did a small turbo install on theirs and it gets up better now.

[@crzysports4298]

I had similar model 4 yrs ago with only 30K odo for $2K.. The engine was in suberb condition. I was lucky!

[@KiLDELTA]

Seeing too many of thesee trucks and vans here in Asia. Cheap, easy to maintain and no prob with parking.

[@Farm_fab]

Mike, a private college near me has a van like that for the maintenance crew. It has a ladder rack on it as well.

[@Military-Museum-LP]

I will be subscribing to Andy’s channel today!

[@Military-Museum-LP]

Piagio ( the scooter/Vespa company) in Italia makes a copy of these but with left hand drive. I’ve always loved these trucks.

[@steved2136]

One small point- Daihatsu isn't made by Toyota- indeed it predates Toyota by a couple of decades.... (in fact they were making cars before the model T Ford was even built!!!) Toyota bought it out (well after your bro's one was made lol) around 2015 or so... but when those 'carry' utes were made- it was a completely independent and separate company...

[@tsikada]

lol 2:03 its takes a while to get used to the turn signal on the otherside!

[@danrussell3439]

Great video, I think you guys are going to have a lot of fun.

[@timd972]

I worked in Japan for a little while and these things were all over. Always wanted one. Little off topic but I am working on an ATV electric conversion and need to replace the shocks. They don't make direct fit replacements any more (trx200sx). Where can I find available shocks listed by size/weight/stroke so I can find one that works with minor fab?

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks for checking out my new video Tim 👍 I would look on EBay and see if you can find some used in good shape of just take a gamble on some new aftermarket shocks sold for dual rear shock street bikes? They usually list mounting point size and there overall length.

[@dirtbikekid_697]

Crazy how long I've been watching you and it seems like you live in Washington which is cool I'm in Washington as well

[@Mikefestiva]

You are correct!

[@pookysdad4884]

Me too. I've never met Mike in person, but we're both on the northern Olympic Peninsula.

[@acuraintegrar5]

Awesome vid! The more i see these vids the more id like to find one of these!

[@georgewashington1106]

I'd love to do the Trans America Trail with one of these

[@just-in-time6069]

The Honda are good for more on road they have 5 speed trans would love to have on to run around .

[@petescarport]

My acty is great. I put Honda del sol rims on it (14”) and it runs 70mph smooth. I daily mine about 500miles a week

[@aaroncowie8155]

Hey guys! Loving the videos. Been learning lots ! Hope you see this -- I just purchased a 1990 suzuki carry almost identical to yours . I am in Canada and can't seem to be able to get anything over here other than the basics. I need a new Left side cv axle . Anyway you could help a guy out? Thanks !!

[@darinareyacrazyman1505]

Never use Armorall on tires.....Kiwi black shoe polish is better, because it fills in the weather checks in the rubber LOL.

[@Mr.Stacey-L-SCC]

Uh oh, you got the mini-truck fever lol. I wonder how long before you start racing each other. Thanks for sharing!

[@OmeMachining]

Lovely little car. Would love to own one. Once i were at vacation in greece, corfu. In the marina they did have some micro trucks. Like half the size of those. Ohh boy I wanted to bring one home 😀

[@davemartin3281]

I still can't find his page on the Acty. I have a '95 Attack and I'd love any advice, and to see any mods/ideas you have about it.

[@vinces8974]

Love those little trucks!

[@basamulankere3345]

Here in uganda KEI trucks are everyone's favorite, easy to live with, big love @Mike

[@walkersamdahl3424]

Hey Mike if it uses the same T-case as a samurai then their are multiple aftermarket gear sets that will correct for the increased tire size.

[@walkersamdahl3424]

I have owned 5 Suzuki Samurai and the gear sets are a godsend.

[@dogpotter]

all right now you have me searching the sale sites looking for mini trucks!

[@Mikefestiva]

Ha ha awesome

[@TheKurtTribute]

I have a 94’ ACTY but mine is not the Attack model. Still AWD but lacks the low geared four speed and locking differential.

[@TargaWheels]

How much are they up there? The cheapest I found down here was 5000. And we're in Hawaii....closer to Japan. I had maybe 3 or 4 to choose from. That was it.

[@Mikefestiva]

My brother got the Honda for 5K 👍 You can import one yourself for about 4K but it takes a bit more work and takes a few months.

[@FlawedOffroad]

Man I would love one of these but im so far from either coast i cant imagine what the iowa markup is on them haha.

[@thesmallenginekid]

For a small trail vehicle I would rather have a John Deere Pro Gator. U sit over the wheels so have a good maneuverability. They have 4wd and diff locks. You can get them with 3cyl yanmar engines. U can put anything in the dump bed. I’ve had a full pallet of sod in one and it handled it with no problem. And you can just lift up the hydraulic dump bed to service any part of the engine. And they have 5 speed manual transmissions

[@Mikefestiva]

Can you get over 100K miles out of one and go 55mph? Are they legal to drive on the highway? You can buy hydraulic dump bed versions for these trucks and they all can haul over 800 lbs. Heated and inclosed cab is also nice. Honestly they are different vehicles for different uses. That John Deere sounds nice but side by sides sell for a lot more.

[@Antique803]

Can you get smaller compatible rims so that you can get tires that are more available with a variety of traction options?

[@brettwhyte5996]

I run a year 2000 Hijet. Like many Minitrucks they leave Japan with 145R12 tires on 12"x4"rims. Tires have a rolling diameter of 22". PCD is 4x100 [4 studs centred on 100mm] This stud pattern is found on some small Honda cars etc. But their wheel diameter is bigger. Some Minitrucks use the same PCD as more common ATVs which opens up the options. I run two sets of rims: Street legal 13"x5.5" alloys with 22" road tires and another set that are 12"x7" front and 12"x8" rear fitted with Bearclaw ATV tires for serious off-road work.They require a mild 1 1/4" lift all round' and 1/4" spacers on the front. But ATV tires aren't road legal and because mine is a Dump Truck, you have to choose rims and tires very carefully to ensure they are load rated to handle everything you are going to carry.

[@delmas15]

Another great video.

[@Mikefestiva]

Thanks 😊

[@quarlow1215]

Cool little buggies. Could have some fun in those.

[@allana8253]

There's got to be some user group online for these mini trucks, right? I haven't looked yet, figured if anyone knows it'd be you guys. Nice that you did do some info. I have yet to hear a discussion on when the 5sp tranys came in (I'm assuming here).

[@meagullseagull2096]

Facebook has a few groups

[@ljes16]

The newer models have 5 speed. These models came with k6a, efi engine. Mine is a 2001 model but is a mini van version.

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

Awesome trucks great vid guys

[@larryalexander4833]

A diesel model would be cool

[@Dadwithallthecool]

Mike, you are killing me...now I have to get a Kei truck.

[@Desire_of_Ages]

I was considering getting one, ... but other priorities kept coming up.

[@flatwaterflatlander5937]

What's the name of that dealer in Oregon?

[@lowerballjoint]

Very functional here in the Philippines too, small roads and congested cities makes them enjoyable to drive..

[@Mikefestiva]

These mini trucks are awesome! Thanks for checking out my video Kevin 👍

[@codyharring9812]

Saw one of these mini trucks at Lowes in NC last weekend. They do look cool and unique. How tall of a person you think would be comfortable in one of these?

[@Mikefestiva]

Probably 6 foot is maximum?

[@pookysdad4884]

I wonder if a flat 6 from a Gold Wing would fit?

[@markstearns2980]

Just like the old Willy's FC Jeeps

[@babyduckmilitia2186]

Good call, I always kind of thought of a samurai as a "modern" willys "jeep"

[@bighoss7603]

How difficult is it driving on the right side of the vehicle and shifting?

[@Mikefestiva]

I thought it would have been odd to get use to but it’s easier then I thought.

[@petescarport]

It’s Second nature. I thought there was no way I could do it and now i jump from car to car all manual and only thing i wrong is blinkers and wipers. Other than that it’s very natural

[@Mikefestiva]

@@petescarport Haha 😂 definitely the blinker and wipers get me sometimes 👍

[@brettwhyte5996]

@@Mikefestiva I live in New Zealand, so our cars are RHD, blinkers on the right. But my current daily driver is a Land Rover LR4, RHD with blinkers on the left. Recently I bought a Hijet Dump Kei 5spd, my brain can flip back to right hand blinkers [mostly] but what cracks me up is after driving the LR4 Twin Turbo Diesel with 680Nm of torque and other powerful cars, it's a decade or two since I've driven anything that required two down shifts on a long incline! So why am I grinning so stupidly coaxing the Hijet up a hill at max revs? :-)

[@pkchutrainer]

Where did you get the mini truck?

[@lonmar44]

Can you please give us the address where they selling those car so I can go get one

[@ka4172]

Straight axel plus CV driveshafts in the rear? Some japanese guys build this kei trucks with straight portal axels from suzuki jImny .Bolt on portals made by Tibus in Germany.

[@oakleyjack7600]

Did you happen to ask for a price on the raccoon van Mike ? Interested in what they are going for.

[@Mikefestiva]

No I didn’t get the price because before we could take it for a drive those two old guys bought it and 4 other mini trucks to take back to Idaho and resell for more. This Honda my brother got for 5K so I think the van probably went for 6k or so.

[@apollo280zx]

Love it! I’ve wanted one for ever. I feel like I waited too long though as they’re now priced over $10k in the Seattle area for basic rigs, $15-20 for the nice ones with dump beds and diff locks. Where in Oregon did you guys pick this one up at? MC Warehouse Inc?

[@Bionicnightmare]

i bought mine from motorcycle warehouse 2 years ago and i live up in vancouver

[@dogpotter]

saw one with dual rear wheels and another with a dump bed

[@aaranzerofive]

From the side, your brother looks just like Denny Hamlin

[@gliOrtidiMauro]

Like a prescindere.. ora guardo il video. 👍💪

[@richsharp1524]

Awesome 👏🏽 . I found one just like that this winter at the end of my road. Had a atv snowblower on it. They wanted $4500.00 for It that was the first time I had seen one until these latest videos. They are pretty sweet litttle trucks 🛻😃

[@davidowen888]

Micro Trucks are Kool 🤓

[@douglasthompson2740]

It would seem you missed the most important point--what were the prices on those different trucks and van??? It is all about the price. As they climb higher and higher they become less and less desirable with other options looking better. What sold them to me four or five years ago was you could get one as a second or third car at a reasonable price for specific use. At 4K to 7K that made sense in comparison to used side by sides, etc. at 10K it no longer is in the beater car range. These guys importing them are now just upping their profit margin to ridiculous levels which will impact their overall sales. I notice as well as the price going up the quality seems to be going down. Where the importers used to sell top quality used cars for a good price now they sell rusty beaters with mechanical issues for inflated prices. Certainly drops the attraction level. Seems silly when you think the yen has gone way down in this time yet the dollar price goes way up!!

[@Mikefestiva]

I don’t think price was that important to include because I’m not trying to sell these trucks, I also didn’t include the importers name in the video because again I’m not making a commercial. If you wanted to know the price just ask. He bought this truck for 5K, all and all it’s been a great little truck, he has put over 1000 miles on the little truck without any problems. I have seen some importers that have been increasing there prices to a level that isn’t worth spending that kind of money on, I would hope people wouldn’t do business with importers that ask over 10k for there products because it’s way to much.

[@Grey_Beard72]

I'd want that Suzuki, just for the front end. Lol!

[@Mikefestiva]

I do like the round lights too 👍

[@BigBoyLies]

whoa... ITS A REAR ENGINED AWD TRUCK!! ITS A 911 TRUCK!!

[@bartismoellis1052]

I have a Hijet that I have used to move a 30 ft camp trailer.

[@bartismoellis1052]

I know these are league to operate on road in many states but you should check out the crash test video it just might change your mind.

[@Mikefestiva]

I have rode over 60K on motorcycles on the road, they aren’t the best in crashes or hitting deer ether. I mostly drive my truck on slower roads, with all the years of riding motorcycles around crazy drivers makes you a safer rider/driver.