5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My Mini Truck

[@randallalton6310]

My boss at a beer garden in Texas had a 4x4 Mitsubishi imported from Japan. Our parking lot was an unpaved horse pasture, and on rainy days people would get stuck, and it was my job to pull them out. It was sooo much fun dealing with macho Texans in their big trucks being completely humbled- being rescued by the tiny mini truck!

[@yaboileeroy3038]

Macho Texan here. Some guys just don’t get that all you need is traction and a little nudge to get a big “fur-by-fur” out of the mud. Anyone who gets mad has an ego problem. Still funny to see a Suzuki Carry with some ATV tires pulling a lifted Ram out of the mud like the little engine that could lmao

[@jeffreycarman2185]

You’re my hero for bringing those big-truck macho types down a couple of notches.

[@ernesttaylor9315]

As a texan with a big truck I actually LOLED

[@TheTAEclub]

​@@jeffreycarman2185Macho Macho Macho Macho Macho Machista Macho Nacho Macho Macho Patriarcha Macho Macho Oligarch Macho Macho Thank you for bringing yourself down a couple notches in confusion leave less competition for the rest of us who focus on ourselves and don't get bothered by other people handicaps

[@inigoacha1166]

I love how manhood is a catolic spanish thing. Right Protestants?

[@nemoskull2262]

0:55 attention 2:10 speed 4:30 rust 5:33 parts 6:15 tires

[@SkinnyMuscles69]

Thank you!

[@doyouseewhatisee3183]

🕯😁👍

[@jamesmwangi343]

If you use the truck daily, like 100-150 kilometers a day in next 18-26 months you’ll be in need of an engine

[@skylerstevens8887]

mvp move right here.

[@Mygg_Jeager]

Denial Anger Bartering Depression Acceptance

[@poppyneese1811]

My son taught English in Japan, he said every Lil old man in Japan had one of these mini trucks, said they were everywhere, said they were the F150 of Japan.

[@obelic71]

don't forget India they are also common there and have the bigger 1 Liter engines.

[@Bagledog5000]

They really are everywhere here. Some of them are 4wd as well. I've thought of picking one up myself for camping when I retire.

[@electrogestapo]

actually, they made so many of those things in Japan that you can find the ones they've replaced literally all over Asia. In pretty good condition too. They're so cheap, they replace them the same rate as shoes.

[@obelic71]

@@electrogestapo for most in asia like Vietnam India Cambodja etc etc. they are not cheap but in the price range of a motorcycle. Piaggio is the 2nd largest player in that market with their tuk tuk (piaggio ape 3 wheelers) They dont throw them away like shoes. even old willys jeeps and French cars/trucks from the 50s are still kept on the road.

[@stiiify9603]

Come here in Philippines you can see them everywhere on the road ranging on that model to db52t to da63t and van.

[@KonwTheTrut]

Drove one of these types around al a sad airbase in Iraq back in 2004. Lasted through our abuse. Thanks for the memories.

[@orbeeznoice3334]

Ayo? 😶

[@mrstevens70]

I was in Iraq also and was always curious about those vehicle.

[@brianthomason5022]

Abuse . Like in nam

[@climatepurification]

Burn out competitions in the workcenter parking lot, high speed test runs, andre the giant "lift the car" moments, mini 4 wheeling excursions. Definitely memories. A solid little truck, well worth its value, do not hesitate to purchase these trucks.

[@inigoacha1166]

Did you brought democracy or you just secured the oil fields for exxon mobile?

[@isaachophan5736]

I can only imagine seeing a Japanese mini truck speeding down a country road at 70 MPH

[@DailyMTBRider]

Haha yeah I have never done that.... 😂

[@kazivance3803]

its kinda scary tbh but my 1996 suzuki carry only goes about 65 and thats kinda scary at that speed

[@joshhale1552]

With its parking break on !!

[@nielsdebakker3283]

@@joshhale1552 No, with a hefty tailwind.

[@lesgallivan4159]

Had one , 110 kph is doable 90 is a nice cruise. Gravel isn't to bad but doing the twisties scares the crap out of a passenger, he is sitting there with nothing in front of him . Used to have a big black dog , rode in the left seat , older people got a real kick out of the dog in driver seat , never had a young person see him , they were always focused on a cell phone . Quit using it cause the nearest parts source was 1000 miles away

[@layzorbeeemz7317]

Go down your your local auto parts store and pick up some DEI heat tape, either silver or gold. It's a metal tape for reflecting heat. Stick it on the bottom of your seat of you want to insulate it a bit better.

[@christopherross8358]

If you wanna go really crazy, there is aerogel foam sheeting. It's like black magic how they handle heat, but deteriorate fast if they are in contact with moisture. Superb results, but far from a one time fix.

[@shplayshiggty7537]

If you wanna get really weird😏 cut holes in the body and make some air ducts for cooling. Or just make an air dam that will direct air into the engine compartment.

[@onfim3305]

If you wanna get REAL crazy quirky wild you could roll the windows down

[@Grigorgale]

Or just move to a colder climate lol

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

1st thing that came to mind 👍

[@KingSengco]

That is an unbelievably reliable work vehicle here in the Philippines mate. From construction companies, drinking water delivery, hauling, public transport and shop truck. Great buy man

[@akihiro3798]

I wonder why it's left hand dive in the Philippines

[@alteffour872]

@@akihiro3798 american colonization

[@toddsmith4704]

I have 1 in the Philippines also its at my in laws . Paid 1500 american for it have a lift kit for it from japan . As soon as I can get back in will put the kit on . Have no problem finding tires for mine or anything else i need for it !

[@alteffour872]

@@toddsmith4704 well, here in the Philippines, you will never have a problem with parts as it is almost everywhere

[@taktuscat4250]

That's the reason why I'm here

[@davidthelander1299]

They’re great trucks - have always liked them - so practical. Sides fold down - can load from the side with a forklift. Such great visibility inside the cab.

[@IFixThings1985]

You can make the tire selection a easier by changing rims. You currently have the 12x4 rims with 145r12 tires. Bolt pattern is a fairly universal 4x114.3. Find some 13 or 14inch rims with the same pattern, bolt them on. The carry came with a 13" option and 155/70r13. With a 13 or 14 off a Honda, Nissan, or Toyota, they'll be a little wider at 5 or 6 wide, you could run something like 175/65r13, 185/65R13 or 185/55R14

[@georgetsichlis]

You can also find tires on websites selling classic mini parts.

[@chrischapman276]

Even the 13 inch is difficult to find. I've got one tire store who has 13s on stock.... only one brand/ model. I'm going to do a 2 inch rise with Nissan wheels for the bolt pattern

[@Holms]

Wondering what's the deal with 13" tires in US? In Europe for example Nissan Micra K11 comes with 13" wheels as well, and there are 13" tires for it, no problem whatsoever. I guess for something like nIssan clipper rio kei-van that should be whole different story, with 12" and very narrow tires.

[@IFixThings1985]

@@Holms Largely because we haven't been restricted to small class cars over the years, we've had larger and more comfortable cars. Part of that comfort is larger wheels and tires.

[@chrischapman276]

@@Holms I agree living in the states. However, in the past 20? Years or so they've done away with the 13 inch stuff. Maybe there's some very cheap, bare minimum model of something still but all the smaller economically priced jobs are typically now 14 inch, if not 15. I drive with 17s on my daily ram dually and the wife's tundra is on nice sized for the truck, 18s. This mini truck I've got with 13s is a pain in the ass being the only tire store that sells 13inch rubber only sells them in a street tread. They work "okay". Just got home a few ago after taking mine up a hill made of loose rock! 4 low. 1st gear. A lot of clutch work. It was fun. I'll be posting it on my chanel soon

[@sureokk]

Always wanted one of these for my second vehicle

[@Ofageover50]

I had a 1960 something Suziki minivan when I lived in Japan. The engine was in the back and was a 3 cylinder 2 cycle. If I went around a turn to fast it would go up on two wheels and one time I hit the brakes too hard and the back of the van lifted off the ground and swapped with the front. This was all doing 15 to 25 MPH.

[@Fuzzybeanerizer]

My ex-wife is Japanese and she said they still had 3-wheeled trucks on the road when she was a kid. I saw some parked as relics and they were pretty heavy duty trucks to only have one front wheel!

[@darren25061965]

These mini trucks are quite popular here in the UK, on the second hand market they can cost a lot more than much larger vans of the same age. With both Petrol and Diesel engines available, 6 seater minibus models and also compact camperevans. I had the pick up truck years ago as a dairyman/Milkman, and it would happily carry the weight. They are definately fun to drive, especially in town centres where you can fit them into such small parking spaces.

[@dondayton387]

For the cost of parts is it worth buying

[@truckerenoch8824]

KZbin: "Hey do you want to know 5 things before you buy a mini truck, even though you've never searched for any tags in this video?" Me: I'm not buying a mini truck, but ...o.k. Also me: ...not disappointed ...also considering a mini truck.

[@jaewok5G]

I was considering buying one over the summer - I didn't realize just how SMOL it is!

[@rhodycars6058]

Same

[@chrischapman276]

@@jaewok5G "SMOL"??? Fill me in please?? Haven't seen this one

[@jaewok5G]

@@chrischapman276 tiny, like a mid size suv with the cab on the hood, a lawnmower engine and 13inch rims.

[@chrischapman276]

@@jaewok5G So SMOL is a vehicle or a was of describing one? I'm thinking what you said is like saying LMAO or LOL kind of thing, "Laughing my ass off"/Laugh out loud" Am I confused? Or are you educating me on yet another one of those, what ever they're called??

[@seanshea8596]

Seattle is a wonderful place to own a Japanese car because there are ex-factory workers from japanese factories who retire to Seattle and sometimes open Mechanic shops. They do great repair work because they sometimes built the same things.

[@jf4872]

Don't know of any that retired from Japan to here and own a shop. One just can't retire and move here due to immigration laws here.

[@jamescarter3196]

@@jf4872 'Not knowing' isn't a reason to leave a comment

[@jf4872]

@@jamescarter3196 I do know. If you read carefully again you'd know that.

[@stokedspokesmtb4907]

So cool to see the mini truck again!

[@DailyMTBRider]

It’s back baby! And better than ever!

[@kobayashiharuno]

i'm from the Philippines, and the Suzuki Carry (better known here as the Multicab regardless of what body type it has) is the 3rd car i drove after i got my license last January 2021. i live in Manila, and these Multicabs are commonly used for telecommunications cable vans, water delivery service, and for some parts of Metro Manila (specifically in Pasay City), these are used as passenger jeepneys. it was harsh, super loud (despited having a gasoline engine), uncomfortable, and actually capable. the one i drove is a dual cab with 2 sliding rear doors and a very small pickup bed. it was so ridiculous but i hauled a lot of stuff there (like luggages full of mostly clotches) and it did not dissapoint. fuel consumption is pretty good too.

[@kswsquared]

The 1991 Carrys are bulletproof offroad! We run a couple on highland plantation duty in Mindanao and they climb well because they are light. Add a heavy load and they grip better. Comfort isn't the priority with how we use them though, but yeah, great value. The 1992/93 ones onward are a bit less durable for heavy duty use. The radiator fans are electric motor driven instead of being connected directly to the engine by belts, and issues creep in over time. We've seen this happen with other guys using later models the same way we do. But for daily driver use or trips that stick to well paved roads, they do well. Also the thing with these is you have to keep on top of the front undercarriage components like the tie rod ends and center posts since they are load biased to the front. They can wear out faster if they're always used to carry heavy loads downhill on rough roads like we have to.

[@B1KER]

I love as you are testing the top speed you blow by the 55mph sign.

[@chumpmtb2554]

We all know Josh is a rule breaker. A rebel.. Besides, ain't no cop catchin' the mini truck! 😎

[@DailyMTBRider]

Break the speed limit? Who me? Never..... 😂

[@noahpaulette1490]

@@DailyMTBRider "I'm sorry officer I don't know kilometers"

[@KaiserVonKrieg]

Recorded in Mexico right? 😏

[@TheMd1975]

@@DailyMTBRider Cop would never believe his radar gun or lazer and just let you go 🤣

[@toyotapartsguy3597]

I have a 1990 Suzuki Carry 660... only has 16,000km on it. Original tires were very cracked. Ordered Custom wheels and tires made for a John Deere Gator. Same bolt pattern. Also did a 4" lift. Mine is a 5 speed so 70 is easy. 2 hands on the wheel is best. Never had an issue with cab getting hot. Also has EL mode for Four Wheel Drive. Will crawl on its own over anything and no stall.

[@shane6961]

Great video! I have a 97 Honda Acty I imported to Canada. The attention it gets is hilarious! I stepped up to 13" wheels because like you said the 12's are hard to find. One of the reason I went with the Honda is because its mid engine so I don't have to deal with the extra heat and noise associated with driving. Like you though I only go about 80 km/h. Its the sweet spot.

[@waregraham8335]

ACTY’s are extremely reliable, I put 100,000km on one without a hiccup

[@nerfherder4284]

I own an '87 Carry. Love it. No manuals, very few parts, but I love it. FYI, pre '91 Carrys have almost no parts so get one newer than that.

[@MrTastytae]

It's a common sight here. Had it as my first ride and i had lots of fun with it. Got to earn a few bucks with it as I gwt small haul jobs with it as well. Painted it black and slapped 13 inch alloy wheels on it. I cried for a week when my ex-gf had me sell it. So I got rid of her too. You're right. When it's parked, some motorists check it out and ask me all sorts of questions about it. Greetings from the Philippines!

[@fooman2108]

Having had BOTH an ancient Kia and Subie I have found a couple of local tire guys who will take stamped (CHEAP) steel wheels from the junk-yard and drill them with the required bolt pattern for whatever size car you have.

[@tracylemme1375]

I lived in The Bahamas for a few years, where I had a Suzuki bus. With an 799cc engine it was probably the most fun vehicle I have ever owned . It was fullof rust(from to down ) from the sea salt, but duct tape held it together. Good luck with your truck and enjoy.

[@mayviolets]

Living in Japan, I see these mini trucks all the time. I don't need a car or truck of any kind at all over here due to the trains. I hope the USA gets Japanese trains soon too. You're really gonna love the trains!

[@kittycatnet]

I think you gave a perfect overview of what to expect. Thank you! I have added over 6000 miles(not KM) to my '91 Suzuki Carry this year. It is my daily driver and love it. I will mention the frame is sheet metal and another place to watch for rust. Mine has AC and it takes more than a few HP away from the engine. Many of the electrical items have constant voltage and connects the ground for use. If adding LEDs , may need a wire swap. EVERYONE will ask you about the truck and I totally agree with you. People also ask is it hard to drive. I had no problems shifting on the left and came naturally oddly. The hard part in the first month was getting in the habit of using the turn signal on wrong side of wheel. The battery posts are much smaller on these trucks and expect to change the terminals out when battery dies. Interstate makes one that fits. For tires you are correct... Damn hard to find but if looking for a road tire, go one size up and buy "Classic" brand for cheap and they work really well. Some of the older VW cars use them. I have so much more info and wish I had the time for it. You nailed all of the highlights perfectly. For speed I say 45MPH normal driving and 50MPH max without damage just like you did. (Yes I know it can go more but that little timing belt and old parts... You get the idea) -Logan

[@dondayton387]

Can buy used ç heap cars an have more protection

[@trowwzers5057]

If I wanted to go 60-65 without much problems, would a 5-speed 2WD work?

[@dm-do7qz]

In Japan these are used by farmers and some others in the countryside. You can't go over 60 KPH on regular roads without getting a ticket. Highway = different. I got a ticket for going 65 but that was in a 50 zone, which I thought was a 60 zone. They are made to deal with narrow mountain roads, roads around farmland, and were very popular post-1960s. They are cheap (you can but for under 10,000USD new), taxed at lower level, durable, handle lots of farm crates carrying produce (such as mikan) to JA market, can be reformed into things like mini-shops which serve rural areas with no set shops anymore or into yaki-imo (sweet potato) sellers even in Tokyo. They are a bit better for the environment and now makers are producing electric versions. People who use them don't really drive long distances. They are great and serve the natural environment where they are designed for perfectly. No F150 is going to fit on a country road (sometimes only one mini can fit at a time) in inaka Japan! More Americans should buy them. Perfect for city small business, shops, or farmers markets. I have seen them made into campers for traveling around! Now that electric versions are coming = even better for environment..

[@danz107]

I learned to drive a stick shift in these when I was stationed overseas in Saudi Arabia in the army! You can practically drop the clutch with no gas in first and you're rolling! Never thought I'd see one again.

[@mrwess1927]

There ya go

[@robinclarke9978]

Add another wish I knew before buying. 6. 4x4 is indispensable! Backend is so light that traction can be lost even on metaled roads. Off road is an absolute must. Has saved the day many, many times.

[@7needsagun1]

I’m in Japan now, and have a 94’ jimny I’ll be bringing back. I’m sure I’ll be the talk of the town as well.

[@TheTech9]

I'm very pleased to see someone else does the old switcheroo saying "heat seaters". It's just easier to say! And gosh dang wish I could get one of these!

[@drv_channel]

You really are so noticeable in that thing. Every time I see it driving around town I instantly recognize it. Haven't seen it at the trailheads yet though...

[@DailyMTBRider]

Oh it’s been there, not too much though!

[@SausagecatChannel]

Remember a buddy of mine used to have a pretty beatup one of these. His coworkers would occasionally prank him on lunch by picking it up and setting it high centered on the concrete curb guards a foot and a half off the ground.

[@SausagecatChannel]

Suppose would be safer than a bikelock though 🤔

[@CapeFearKoi]

I just made a video on my first mini truck. Went to pick up with another guy but his had some rust spots and mine was custom painted and ultra clean. I got lucky. It’s awesome!! It will be a hit on my KZbin channel and local roads as well! It’s a fun truck to drive. Glad I got one.

[@ledsled50]

I have 91 Subaru Sambar. I picked the Subaru because the engine is in the back behind the rear axles. I changed the rims and tires to 13's. She is farm rated so it has an extra low gear. I love being able to drop the sides to load it or even remove the sides and tailgate to turn it into a flatbed. It has a ton of tiedowns so you can strap your load down. It does get the attention of people. The questions, the pictures and the offers to buy it. All in all, I have WAY too much fun with her.

[@robertheinkel6225]

We had two of the small mini trucks in the service. But they were governed to 25 mph. Above that the ignition cut out, but the fuel kept being dumped in the engine, ending up in the oil pan. Ours were Mitsibishi, and had 12 inch tires and four wheel drive.

[@bf6159]

I looked at one of these when I had a farm. All in all, seemed like a very practical vehicle, especially the MPG and how the sidewalls were removable to make it a flat bed. Overall speed wasn't a concern, however, for me, going up and down hills was. It's inability to clime steep grade with a load and the small size of the cab were deal breakers... I'm 6'3", it was not made for folks my height, 5'9" or less should be fine... and driving on level ground or managed pathways. I have seem modified versions which were very capable... however, the cad was still too small, even the extended cab.

[@chrischapman276]

Absolutely correct. I couldn't imagine anyone in the 6' or more fitting in this cab. I'm lucky... as being "next size up from a midget" at 5'6" I fit perfect! The capabilities of climbing (EMPTY) is amazing. I use mine on my 40 acre lot but mostly to "adventure" around my area in South East Arizona and use the 4wd quite often, climbing, driving in snow, driving in deep sand, mud, etc. This little thing, with street tires (being that's all that's available without ordering on line) can climb a cliff! I tried a hill a month or so ago with plenty of 6 inch, give or take, rocks and approximately 300 yards of steep old mining road. She made it with me removing the larger rocks and Low4, first gear, clutch used more than the gas pedal. Took around an hour to do so but she made it! You need the new stuff... Mule kind of thing

[@kswsquared]

Yeah past 6' would be a squeeze; the Kei vehicles were designed to fit a strict set of measurements, and the Japanese aren't exactly the tallest people. Load-wise though, you'd have to plan it well, though with ours we added extras elements to the rear leaf springs and fitted knobby tires for uphill and downhill offroad use with heavy loads. Spares are plenty here in the Philippines since we import these things in large amounts. That being said, we could get away with loading the cab "until the leaf springs stop smiling" (they start to flatten out); then we would nurse it along and pick our lines carefully.

[@SuperSrjones]

Hill climbing in these trucks is entirely possible. I have carried a tray full of rock up a mountainside to my house. Not fast but but it will climb like a lizard up a wall. I once delivered a display fridge to a shop in a mall. It hung over the back of the tray by 5 feet with the motor unit nearest the cab. I backed the truck in through the shop doors and delivered it exactly to where it was to be positioned next to the cash register. Great little achievers.

[@karlrovey]

I've driven one briefly at just over 6' tall. I didn't feel that cramped. It's better than the sport trim Ford Fusion (my wife has one any time I drive it, I have to lean the seat back awkwardly so my head isn't hitting the ceiling.

[@ShutUpandRideMTB]

Bellingham WA to Sedona Mountain Bike Festival = 1,469 divided by 45 mph = 33 hours of driving plus driving back equals 66 hours of driving. 10/10 you should do it. Cheers Josh!

[@oby-1607]

I have a Suzuki Carry 1992 version. Factory lockers front and back. Extended cab. Best part is the left hand drive conversion over right, so the steering wheel and pedals are all on the left. I wanted one forever and saw an ad from someone who needed money bad and scored it for $3,000. Tires on mine are 13 inch but the seller showed me his other mini and it had 14 inch which makes a huge difference in tire availability. My other truck is a Ford F-350 crew cab so there is quite a difference.

[@737Garrus]

That's like the cutest truck! Man the Japanese are good at getting it right!

[@natehill8069]

I have a Daihatsu HiJet that I use on my property. I love it. The only time I ever took it on a public road was when I put fix-a-flat in the original tires (my property has a lot of thorn trees; not a problem now that I have 6-ply off-road tires) and needed to run it a couple of miles to centrifuge the goo. Other than that, it never gets above 3rd gear. In 4x4 it goes anywhere and it carries a lot of stuff, way more useful than a Rhino or Gator.

[@samingram9616]

Yes! Back talking about mini truck!

[@stevie-ray2020]

For a while in the 1980s you could buy a Daihatsu mini van here in Australia, but also available was the Suzuki Carry van which sold for years with the later models having higher roofs and slightly longer noses as Kei vehicle regulations were changed to have more crumple-zone for improved safety. All types of small businesses bought or leased the Carry van (can't remember whether the truck-version was ever imported), although I noted that many were used by cleaners, presumably as they were great when parking was tight. However, a while after I passed my driver's licence in 1980, I did consider buying one of these as it was cheap, economical, & practical for moving stuff (as long as it wasn't too weighty), but quickly scrubbed it from my short-list when I discovered that I really struggled to get my long leg past the steering-column! Went and bought an old 1967 Mini Cooper S instead!

[@itchyvet]

I bought one of these when I got sick of being cold and wet ridding my M/C top work and back. It was VAN with a high roof and a 1,000 cc four cylinder, O/H cam engine. Mileage was so awesome, I never even bothered to see how many miles per gallon I got, all i knew it was super economical. Max speed I ran it on was 90 K's per hour, (70 MPH) when the road was rated for it, which was not often as I used it for a city runaround. Never suffered from heat in the cab, and it gets hot where I live 50 deg in summer. Regular as clock work, she never missed a beat until the wife got a job and wanted to drive the van to and from work. She asked me one day what the red light was for on the dash, :-( OOPS, rushed outside and started the poor old girl, yep low oil was on. Dipstick displayed just a tad of oil in the sump. Apparently the light had been on all week, DUH. anyway, she started to burn oil after that (the car, not the wife) so I took her in for a rebuild. Worst thing I ever did, the guy who rebuilt her did not use original Suzuki parts, and it showed within 4 months, started to leak oil everywhere, main crankshaft seal blew completely, had to remove engine and replace under warranty, but other gaskets were also not up to par. The mechanic refused to redo the job, so basicly stuffed up a perfectly good engine by using sub standard parts. Sold off the little van thereafter, but saw it many times for years later. Would have loved to upgrade to another, but the newer models were very expensive for their small size, so I gave them a misss.

[@chrischapman276]

"The Truck, Not The Wife".... Priceless!

[@stefanpaege2046]

Hey, 90 kph is just around 56 mph, not 70…

[@bobbofly]

1:39 - Yup, Back when I lived in Reo/Sparks, NV I owned a 63 Cadillac hearse/ambulance. same deal. 😁

[@Alienking01]

Here in Germany we see them in the city quite often, they are used as mini garbage trucks, snow plow/salt spreader. They are sold new as Piaggio Porter, which is a license build Daihatsu Hijet. If you want a small weird "car", look up the Piaggio Ape.

[@deanbullock4625]

Piaggo ape

[@giantred]

Thank you for this information, it is super helpful

[@TheGearhead222]

Surprised that you didn't mention that this falls into the Kei car class, which has some fascinating designs within it:)-John in Texas

[@codyhorn4824]

I'm in Texas too, around the Jasper area, and law enforcement tells me they are illegal here, can you get them legal?

[@akatsukiawsome13]

@@codyhorn4824As far as I know they are legal. It’s a car, not a mule. As long as inspected and has US safety lights etc… and if they are 25 years old etc they can get historic tags

[@sumguy0360]

They are not legal to drive on public roadways in Texas but Louisiana is a whole different state lol

[@f1champ551]

@@sumguy0360 I was reading as long at the speed limit is 55 or less (but not for interstate travel or multi lane highways or also non controlled access roads or something like that)... Louisiana makes zero sense when the regs.

[@airbrushken5339]

I moved to Australia from Michigan in 1979. I had Never seen a "MINI" truck .... I was in Australia (and still kicking). I'm a pretty good pin stripper so I would get some side work at the local Simi truck yards pin stripping their trucks and trailers and I saw my first Mini. The owner and I became good friends over the years as we both were Vietnam Veterans. I used to ride my motorcycles, a sportster or my dresser, but I got asked to airbrush some air dams so I needed a CO2 gas bottle and I borrowed that little mini truck. Sydney is hilly and I spent all my time shifting gears. It was fun to play with and I was surprised how much weight it could carry, as he bought steel to build gates and bull bars. Finally a guy ran a light, as we were turning on and arrow light and we even rolled.... he bought a new Holden (GMC) ute as the poor thing was a write off...

[@mrmosquito2267]

You can sand down the rust on those door sills and hit it with some spray on bed liner and it would look awesome. Also do that whole bed with bed liner and the under side of the truck with under coating. Doing this will make it last and look super fresh !!

[@garyanderson-smith9049]

In regards to RUST. From approximately 1998 all the Japanese manufacturers started Galvanising the bodies of all their vehicles. The consequence of this is that rust is no longer much of an issue. However if you have an older Kei Vehicle you would be well advised to pretty much saturate the under body and chassis with Fisholene and two weeks later seal it with Fisholac. Important to also treat the insides of the doors.

[@和気清麻呂-y5c]

Heat-seat is so useful in cold winter.

[@harryspapadopoulos21]

In Greece we have these kind of little kei trucks since the 70s, left hand drive and they are very useful on our narrow roads. You don't see them nowadays so often because most businesses buy euro diesel vans for fuel efficiency and torq.

[@eguitarplayer6689]

You could make the rear wheels bigger and that would get you to 70mph. Those size wheels only need 4 bolts- although it's probably not a common size (bolt pattern). I've been using Motorcraft 5w-50 synthetic because it seems to do better during high rpms. Sometimes a good synthetic oil change will get you that extra 1 horsepower when you need it.

[@PUTDEVICE]

if its not 4x4

[@vinnyfk8296]

Just picked up a 1990 diahatsu hijet climber, been cleaning it for the past week, super suprised of how little to no rust ot has, only 18k miles! Cant wait to drive it

[@rogersimpson9725]

I bought a Suzuki Carry a few months ago. I love it. I agree with the speed thing. It's certainly not a speed machine but I don't really mind because I didn't buy it for that purpose. I used to own a Suzuki tracker and I know Suzukis are made pretty well. My truck did have some rust but it was no trouble whatsoever to fix. I repainted it myself and I used truck bed liner on the truck bed which I think really worked out nice. As far as the tires, when I bought it, it came with an extra set of tires and rims 4 back road stuff or in deep snow. (12 inch) I live in North Dakota & we always get snow here so I'm ready now. However, I also discovered that just about any Japanese rim will fit on these trucks! Well, four bolt anyway. I went and bought four rims at a junkyard for a hundred bucks they came off of a Honda. Theyre 14 inch rims so I went and bought some low profile 14 inch tires which I really love and they fit perfect. Course my speedometer is not going to be right. Who cares it's in kilometers anyway and I always forget what's what. I just try to drive with the flow of traffic. Lol It also has right hand steering which I thought was going to be a problem but actually it was very easy to get used to. Except I always forget that the blinkers on the right instead of the left... I'm always hitting the wipers. And shifting is on the left as well instead of the right. And I have another manual clutch which I drive everyday so yeah sometimes I get mixed up!

[@FrankHurt]

Fellow North Dakotan here, and we just bought a Suzuki Carry, ourselves. Taking it on the highway for the first time today, after using it around our little farm as a workhorse. I'm loving how adaptable it is and I've been dreaming up some sort of way to craft a van body tube frame that a tarp could be attached to (like the old WWII deuce and a half trucks). I think that would be handy when grabbing supplies from Menards or Runnings.

[@rogersimpson9725]

I built a topper with a bed and a rack for my 16 foot flat bottom canoe. I went camping with it and on the way home there was a combine broke down in the middle of the road. It was completely blocked. No way around. He was telling me how to drive back a mile and go around when I just put it in 4 low and drove through the steep ditch like a caterpillar, boat, motor and all. He just stood there with his mouth hanging. Ha ha

[@FrankHurt]

@@rogersimpson9725 hahah, I love it! I've only taken mine to town a couple times now, but I'm definitely seeing the need for some sort of topper. I feel like I can't toss much into the back without worrying about the wind taking it from me when I get back on the highway to head home. What did you build your topper out of? I saved an old fiberglass pickup topper I thought I could somehow convert, but now I'm realizing I'd be better of building something from scratch.

[@rogersimpson9725]

I just happened to run into to our conversation. Sorry for the late reply but I made my topper out of 2x4s that I got for nothing. I put little round windows in it and a bed. I didn't make it quite as wide as the truck bed so I have outdoor storage on each side. I also have storage underneath the bed itself. I sealed it up this summer so it doesn't leak whatsoever. I went camping with it down at sakakawea and I really slept well. the bed is comfortable! I am a certified cabinet maker which helps a little bit. But I don't think you really need a lot of experience to make a topper though. I've seen some pretty nice ones on KZbin. One guy made a camper out of pallets and it looks really nice. I guess I'm old school I like to use what I have when I can.

[@chilledoutpaul]

I use to drive a Bedford rascal van 800cc 4cyl almost the same but mine was a van and not a pick up, it use to be quite nippy, easy to park, the economy was pants (you had to put your foot down more to keep up with the traffic) tad the top speed was a very reasonable 80mph. I use to use it in town quite a lot and even though you wouldn't do much motorway driving it would do the job. incase people are wondering what i use to use my van for, I was a mobile mechanic! the van had quite a lot of stuff in it it wasn't maxed out with weight. The only 1 thing that use to let it down was the van was high sided, so ANY wind the safe max speed was around 40/50mph

[@Maninthewhitehouse]

I had a Bedford rascal, so much fun. Used to Chuck my BMX in the back and go on mini adventures

[@DailyMTBRider]

Those things are sick man! There’s so many cool cars out there!

[@theadventurebiker]

Quite a bit different but Speaking of Bedford I drove an old Bedford TK when I lived in the Caribbean!

[@Maninthewhitehouse]

Sweet! I'd love a tk to make an overland build out of. Think it would be cool

[@theadventurebiker]

@@Maninthewhitehouse That would be awesome. An overland vehicle would best be 4x4 though - the Bedford TK I had was a RWD dually only. The 4x4 variant of the TK was actually called an MK and I think it was a fire service and military issue vehicle only(?). Anyway it was surely an adventure that left me with many fond memories of driving my old TK on the narrow, winding mountain roads on the Caribbean island of Dominica when I lived there. 330cu in 6 cyl diesel, 5 speed cabover with air over hydraulic drum brakes, no A/C and no power steering. Had to have arms like Popeye just to steer that thing! What a hoot!

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

@@theadventurebiker You could order the MK and then build it up as an Overlander... 4 rows of bench seats ; two in middle facing out; two on outside facing in. 30 young persons then got driven from London UK to Capetown SA by a driver and an engineer/mechanic to take care of any mechanical problems en route. Passengers carried on with their individual journeys from there. Vehicle was sold in SA and the crew flew back to London to do it all again.

[@mikjagger3136]

there are tons of these trucks in the philippines as well, the main idea behind is you can squeeze them in tight alleys while carrying your groceries, or any items from any point where transportation and carriage is needed at the same time

[@perryberens618]

I own a Suburu Sambar. 2002 loaded to Half ton capacity, it scared me at 80 MPH. . 65 is comfortable highway speed. 72 is okay. Still have pedal for increased speed on level roads. I generally have short in city driving with great fuel milage, easy parking. A perfect metro work truck.

[@Noah_E]

I own a '77 Wagoneer, a couple Studebaker trucks ('53, '55x2), '63 Cruiser, and '92 Subaru SVX. The SVX gets the most attention of any of them because few people know what it is because so few were made.

[@LECLAUDIOUS]

"cabin is hot or heat seater is hot" I relate as a driver

[@stiiify9603]

Heat seat is designed, japan is cold snowy country. Other models of that mini truck is also have heat seat but if you did not like it just put some insulation so the heat may not just easily dissipate inside the cabin.

[@evanmtb4511]

3:49 H e a t s e a t e r s

[@DailyMTBRider]

They’re the new cool deal man!

[@philso7872]

It's cool to see your mini-truck. Would some insulation with a reflective layer help slow down the cooking of your backside?

[@nickryan3287]

Dude I've said heat seaters my whole life. Completely involuntary. I said it like that as a little kid and I just can't get it out of my head derp

[@ja60123]

Seekers

[@ryancraig2795]

I lol because I've said it, too. "Heat seaters" - you knew what he meant lol

[@pooroldfred]

I got a 2004 suzuki every landy...which is a 7 seater automatic based on yhe suzuki carry. Im 53 years old snd been driving since i was 17.....it is withoutva doubt the best car ive ever owned. I love it. Point and go, great in traffic, 7 seats, and i used it as a van. Loads of headroom and reliabke suzuki engine....its brilliant. Got it on import from japan ...almost 20 years old and has 25k mikes on the clock. Serviced in japan and undetsealed with fluid film on arrival to uk. Wouldnt swap it for a porsche.

[@jaydee3046]

When the first subaru was sold here, it was a 360cc micro car. They had mini truck and van too. That was late 60's.

[@newmoon54]

This is mae by Daihatsu corp. in Japan! Suzuki sold them as a Suzuki mini-truck!!!!

[@MicJaguar]

If you could find one in really good shape, you could mod the heck out of it. Run an air intake through the engine compartment with a mini radiator fan and a independent switch. Get a custom muffler and lose some weight on it with lighter parts. Might be possible to swap the wheel hub for a 5 point and get different tires. I noticed your gas was near Empty. So the top speed depends on a full or empty tank. 😂 you could maybe run a heat exhaust duct from the back of the engine compartment out the top on its own little chimney looking thing. It would be fun to have one and some money to play around reconfiguring it. Definitely improve the seats for comfort. Maybe put some heat shielding. Also a solar panel on the roof to trickle charge your battery. Great. Now I want one. 😂😂😂

[@turkey0165]

From my experience buying and importing a 1995 Honda ACTY SDX 4x4 HA4 ! If you’re buying site unseen from Japan make sure the CVC joint boots are not torn and the seller will Certify no CVC joint damage! You’ve been warned! 😘

[@kimmer6]

It looks a lot like the Diahatsu I drove while working in an oil refinery 20 years ago. Mine was left hand drive, 4 wheel drive and had wide off road tires on it. I think it was only 2 cylinders but had some kind of automatic transmission variable belt drive. The thing was governed to do maybe 25 at the most. It was a fun but odd little vehicle. I can imagine the wonder it brings when you take it to a store.

[@janschezant4747]

Mine has 5th gear transmition and can go 118km/hr max. I have it for 3yrs now, and it does'nt ceases to amused me especially going to farm areas where road is almost imposible to pass like, no road at all. Mini does it.

[@jonathanbriggs7057]

Its funny your last point was tires. I just got off work from my shift at a Japanese (toyo) tire plant and I was looking at the tires the entire video thinking "I dont think we make anything that small in America."

[@turkey4957]

That’s very interesting it would be cool to see a visual reference of the full range of tire sizes from smallest to biggest available in a US market and then Japanese. Wonder what the biggest beefiest tires people commonly use there? With the exception of the very rare collector who imports giant ones not available in Japan

[@ryanholland9348]

I wonder if it would be worth finding different wheels in the same bolt pattern just to get a better tire selection.

[@original__gmebvy]

@@ryanholland9348 that’s what most people who import classic Mini Coopers do, they opt for bigger wheels and tires because there aren’t many places making 13 inch tires, unless you drive a lowrider and don’t mind having Dayton’s sitting low on hydros

[@evlkenevl2721]

I always thought of these as micro trucks, with mini trucks being Hilux, S10, Ranger etc.

[@sr.trolling]

In my country you can see a lot of vehicles similar to this just newer and it's usually used by farmers, hardware stores and transportation companies

[@forrestgreen5831]

When I checked into these some 10 years ago, I was told they can not be licensed for on road use, due to trade treaties. I know no-one in my town in the Texas Panhandle has been able to use them except as utes on their farms or ranches. There are several parked in back yards and behind shops that just languish in dis-use for yhat very reason. One business down in Amarillo just painted it in outlandish colors and used it as their SIGN!

[@steamboatwillie8517]

I had one for donkeys years. Never let me down, never had a service. Passed MOT each year with just the odd wiper blade etc. I'd agree the only drawback is...0 to 60....ok, 0 to 50...., about a week. Went rusty and died all in the space of a year!

[@maxspruit8370]

You forgot to mention that is does a stoppie when you stomp the brakes. Meaning the rear wheels leave the ground and it starts tipping over forwards. A least my moms 88 carry van does this. Here in the Netherlands it was hard to get a wheel allignment done. Most shops aren't setup for skateboard wheels. Fastest car in downtown Amsterdam. Love this little alley racer!

[@aluxtaiwan2691]

Mini truck in Western countries:cool little toy truck Mini truck in Asia: normal work truck

[@jackkraken3888]

This is also common in some parts of Africa, but with a bigger loading area. Super useful and also strangely lighter than you would expect.

[@akatsukiawsome13]

Yeah I mean it does the job. Our old work trucks used to be smaller back in the day, now everyone is obsessed with size. Mostly because people got fat. Look at the old pickup trucks, SO much smaller and easier to get into hard to reach areas. I prefer narrower wheelbases for farm work hauling things, but meh. Almost every modern US truck is designed to pull a huge livestock trailer lol

[@Derek-gf5nj]

@@akatsukiawsome13 safety, not far drove pickups to size up in the US

[@dwreal]

Most of the ranchers I know use RTVs to run a round the ranch only using the pickup for bigger payloads or the pavement

[@RodAnderson-q4c]

I live in New Zealand, and own a Suzuki SC100 Coupe, which has a 970cc motor in it, which is the same motor that was in the Suzuki Carry Van that was imported in small numbers to New Zealand. As far as Suzuki Mini trucks are concerned like the one in the video, I have only seen one, which is in the same town where I live, and it has Duel Wheels on the back. I Love my Coupe, which is a very rare car here..

[@gloknor]

I bought tires on Amazon for my mini, they were Westlake brand with really good reviews and cost $37 ea .

[@PSXBOX-lz1zq]

westlake tires are good.

[@akatsukiawsome13]

Damn I just bought tires! Is that price for off road tires or normal? All season?

[@gloknor]

@@akatsukiawsome13 No they are just on road all season tires , I don't drive in mud just road and gravel areas and occasional grassy areas .

[@johnnorman1793]

To get more power in one of these great little trucks. Install an electric fan, put on a larger diameter exhaust system and re-jet the carby. Do away with as much pollution crap as possible. And like another viewer said, change up to bigger rims & tyres. Wouldn't hurt to replace the radiator with an aluminium one also.

[@c50ge]

I drive a smart car.(smart for two) pulled up to the pump next to a newer Corvette, a couple of people stoped and looked at the smart and walked right past the Corvette. When someone ask what kind of mileage I get. I tell them that it gets such great gas mileage I have to stop and take some gas out of the tank once in a while.

[@allenwatkins4972]

That's a good one. I'll use it one of these days.

[@PureChivalry]

I work at Rent A Wheel and you can get tons of other options for tires. I wouldn't go back to that tire shop, just Google the size and you'll see how many there actually are.

[@DaveCM]

I drove one when I was in Japan. It was geared so low! I started off in 2nd gear.

[@krisdeaglephotography4539]

That’s a truck for you

[@danielpoliti31]

Good points, thank you. But just so you know, the best was just seeing you next to it....smaller than I thought.

[@oldguysride5699]

Put a lift kit on it then increase tire size slightly to a more commonly available size. Cool truck!👍👍

[@SuperSrjones]

I had a honda mini truck in the 1970s. I used to drive it 30kmh to work every day, but the motor was under the tray so it did not get hot. It also did not have rust as i bought it brand new and we do not have salt on the roads. I suggest your truck was a fishermans truck as most farm trucks are not rusty and are still working on the farms.

[@chumpmtb2554]

Nevermind riding Crabapple hits on a hardtail. The mini truck high speed test was the scariest thing I've ever watched on KZbin. 😬

[@DailyMTBRider]

Haha there’s way too much truth in this!

[@ChristianStout]

80km/h is the national speed limit in Japan, so they probably geared/tuned the truck to top out around the speed limit.

[@jackson-ls4fm]

Been thinking about getting this for a daily. Probably a Honda one.

[@joebob7344]

I’m in the process of purchasing one from a rancher. It’s one of those rare barn finds. It’s in fantastic shape for an old truck. The only known issue is that it leaks oil so it has not been started in about a year. As you know an oil leak could be a major or a minor issue. We are in the process of negotiating a price. Hard to say if it has a title as it came with the ranch when he purchased the property.

[@wendyon4517]

I live in rural Japan. There are probably 10 Kei trucks within 200m of my house. I just heard from another channel that Kei trucks have to be at least 25 years old to import into America. Rust could be more from the truck being in an area that gets a lot of snow in winter. I live in the south. It rarely snows so the roads don't get salted. You should order the WPL D12 RC truck that just came out. $50 on AliExpress or Banggood.

[@samhowell7320]

Tires are not an issue. I just put standard 15 inch 4x114.3 rims on mine with regular 185/65/15 tires. Tons of cars like civics and other small sedans use similar tires and they are everywhere for cheap.

[@robloxiangamerprogamer92782he]

The handbrake was on when you did the speed thing, that's why it was a bit slower to get to 115 km/h.

[@robloxiangamerprogamer92782he]

@Calvin G that must've been a very powerful engine

[@MrDemetrisK]

My first auto was a Suzuki like this truck but the van version 1982 year mod ! 4cyl 878cc! I had mangels rims 13'' instaled and solve the tires problem :)

[@ezwr3kz420]

Simple solution to the tire issue, change wheels! Save yourself money in the long run as 4x114.3 wheels are very readily available and will make it easier to source tires, and will add cool points too 👌

[@lookitskazzy]

I wonder if getting forged wheels would be helpful since it is a small engine with minimal power.

[@cordellsmith1523]

You can change the rims out for a different size. I know the lug pattern on a Sambar is 4x100, don’t know about the Acty. If I where you I would get a tire setup with a bigger OD which will help your top speed a bit.

[@ltdanyj]

sport bike motor swap!!! DO IT!!!

[@gelosobrepena4508]

They're a pretty common workhorse in East and Southeast Asia. Some places even repurpose old ones and use them as vans/public transport vehicles.

[@CriticalDepth]

Well, your parking brake light was on... so that probably slowed down your top speed run. 🤣

[@K9River]

I thought that was a jeep thing

[@beningarfield6545]

They are basically like mopeds with 4 wheels here in Japan. Every old man owns one. Super cheap to maintain and insure. Used ones usually sell for 3 to 5 k. And no problem to get tires and spare parts. I wish they were more mainstream in other countries. Very practical.