Should you buy a USED Kei Truck? - Suzuki Carry vs. Daihatsu Hijet

[@ReDriven]

Shop Idemitsu’s full range of specialist Japanese motor oil here - bit.ly/3CDAgpi

[@kpkpss]

Had my hijet for 3 years service every 5000km and never missed a beat .. currently has 75000km and I love it

[@jacktomis1743]

5,000km?

[@1969Risky]

I remember years ago when I lived in Sydney a few greengrocers had these Kei Trucks & used them locally. One of them came into our shop that I was working at with the owner saying that it was knocked back for rego due to rust on the chassis. On further inspection it was only surface rust. The owner could have just taken it back to an inspection station to get it passed but he decided he wanted it to be freshened up as he loved his Daihatsu Kei Truck. The rust spot we took care of in minutes but we undersealed it & we had a spare stereo system with CD player & we installed that for him. The owner was over the moon & he drove it for years & he still owns it. I actually drove his Kei Truck & it brings a smile to your face. When Marty at MCM bought his Kei Truck tipper & had it modded, it brought back memories. If you need something to carry a few boxes of veggies or fruit, these are a go to vehicle. Great review Adam, I had to watch it twice in a row!

[@michaelduong3852]

I go to japan almost every year and out of all my trips, the most memorable ones were when i hired Micro Camper vans (suzuki Carry Van) and traveled around japan from tokyo, to sendai, niigata, Kanazawa, kyoto, Wakayama and back to Tokyo. Driving the suzuki was such a blast and by the end of the trip, I wish that i could buy that van off the owner and take it back with me. If anyone is planning to visit Japan, I highly recommend hiring a micro camper and take the country route and not the hwy. Heaps of clean rest stops and stunning views that you can never get from taking public transport or the freeway.

[@daweigo6851]

Thanks, good tip...

[@downunder7342]

Sounds very interesting. Are there companies who rent them? Could you point me in the right direction please. Thanks.

[@dadovitchnic]

I was in the Army for quite some time, in the mid 1980's our unit in Melbourne had a Nissan Trayback van, Column shift with a massive canopy and joy of joys, they hadn't taken out the AM radio. I had the pleasure of driving it to Adelade and back, With the masive canopy it had getting over 80 without slipstreaming behind semi's was not happening. Fun times!

[@daweigo6851]

Ha ha, sounds like a long drive 😅

[@Dieu_regne]

Living in the Japanese countryside, these are the bane of my existence. Mostly driven by old farmers at no more than 40kmh everywhere.

[@daweigo6851]

😅😅

[@daweigo6851]

Frustrating

[@mikaelwiberg2938]

😅

[@MattBlack6]

Mate, nothing changes. I live in the country in rural/coastal northern NSW (we are barely clinging on to "country"). Around here it's old Indian banana farmers in old Nissan Patrols and LandCruisers with banana boxes piled precariously high in the back going slow so they don't roll over.

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Living in the Japanese countryside, these are the soul of my existence. Mostly driven by everyone, everywhere, and sometimes even in one lane at a time.

[@jonmarshall1502]

It’s about time you reviewed these. I love mine, practical, fun to drive, reliable, surprisingly capable of handling a decent load despite the small engine. Fine for a bit of light offroad exploring.

[@davidhancock91]

My wife’s family live in the Philippines. We drive one over there . They are robust, rough as guts, and f-ing dangerous in any accidents over 10kph. We fill it full of adults, kids, food and drinks, and take at least 10 people to the beach for the day. Great fun. do not have an accident at any speed, especially with 10 of the family unrestrained in the back. You will end up with no legs, and probably no family.

[@SaibaKeiosu]

As an owner of a Kei van (Suzuki Every), they are a hoot to drive. Sure, kei's don't have power and you'll mostly be in the left lane, but living with a Kei has been rewarding and hyper economical. i put in 98RON, spending about 30$ a week and get about 20km/L or 5L/100km. Approx 40kms to/from work. Sometimes a full tank will last me 3 weeks

[@davidshepherd3365]

Mighty Car Mods have done some awesome work on their Kei Truck.

[@ddsgardening7437]

Totally agree 👍

[@TwistedDonners]

One car that I'd love to have in my dream garage is the Kei truck the Mazda T2000. When you see what the Kei trucks can do in real life and online, as you said Adam, why wouldn't you want to drive one of these at least once. Great video guys and look forward too Friday's video as per usual 👍.

[@juki6377]

that does look fun

[@AkatarawaJapan]

Accurate review overall but you’re wrong about maximum load being 350kg. It’s calculated by volume: if it fits on the back, you’re good.

[@katzicael]

Kei trucks have 10000000000x more rizz than a Wankpanzer/Cybertruck or Ranger.

[@TheGreatOldOak]

or a damn Ram.

[@kidoctane]

As someone else I know.....calls these "Brodozers"

[@deanchur]

@@TheGreatOldOak Ironically I'm left alone by RAM owners whereas the Hilux and Ranger owners are the ones doing the tailgating. Might be because RAM owners know they've got the biggest truck/ute and don't need to compensate with their behaviour.

[@__qwertz__21079]

Hilux is spared for good reason (read about the Toyota War and you’ll understand)

[@hi9580]

For for poor people and hipsters

[@user-fed-yum]

18:18 Jim has just presented the most credible paid sponsor announcement I've ever seen on KZbin!

[@ReDriven]

Is there an award for this? Please find out

[@PurestBollocks]

Here I was expecting an ad for Raid shadow legends

[@ReDriven]

We’re trying this weird thing where we try to promote things that are somewhat relevant to our niche. Not sure why other channels don’t try it. Surely by this point, everyone on earth has a Squarespace website, a VPN or a hair trimmer, right?

[@mtadc1545]

@@ReDrivenI thought Toyota used Takumi as their oil supplier.

[@justice4g]

wouldn't worry about parts, everyone used to import nissan parts from the US because it was way cheaper than local anyway

[@aviation_hacker]

Jim seemed like he was super comfortable/familiar with how to grab parts and co from overseas for a Kei car, almost like he'd done it himself - does Jim secretly have a Kei car? :D

[@corty79]

I do some work on the early 2000s Suzuki Carry 4wd. Great little truck, but parts availability is becoming a problem. A plastic outer door handle is over $250, 6 to 10 week wait from japan. Over $300 for cv boots ( can't get aftermarket any more), over $500 for a seat belt, and they're being discontinued.

[@bertskidmore5506]

I owned a 1981 800cc Suzuki Carryvan, certainly wasn't quick long downhill it would pull 134kmh at 6700 rpm in 4th was no 5th, it was brilliant to park & around Sydney traffic was lots of fun, you could sneak through gaps bigger cars couldn't .. Would love to try a more modern version with 4wd & zircon for those our Hot Summer Days..Oh if you ever tip one on it's side get one helper push ny hand straight back on it's wheel, I did other minors catches to the right side of her.. The only casualty was the drivers side mirror, easily fixed..

[@LieutenantNuggets]

I have wanted a Daihatsu Midget II for years, i'm now in some financial stability where i can afford one and actively looking for one. I'm obsessed with the Daihatsu Midget II.

[@MicksMechanics]

I’ve had my Kei truck 2022 hijet for almost 2 years I’ve done 40000kms on every possible terrain 110km/h highway for over 100kms 40-80km/h around town Long drives on unsealed roads And complete off-road Hasn’t let me down once never gotten stuck anywhere And all those drives are with over 250kgs of mechanic equipment in the back If anything happened to it I’d replace it with another one without hesitation

[@jonathanbmBen-Menachem]

What is your view on the hijet vs the carry? Can both reach 80 I’m on a country road? This is my big concern.

[@MicksMechanics]

@ any of the newer models with 5 speed auto are very happy to sit at 80kms I mainly drive country roads as I live 1hr inland from coff harbour in a small country town I’ve never driven the carry so I can’t compare but I’d assume they are very similar

[@BarryRedhead-n6o]

I bought a Honda TN 360 Kei truck van in 1970, converted it to a camper and drove it across the Nullarbor and all over Australia it turned a few heads

[@flatrabbitrotorsports2600]

Hey boss the Toyota version of the hijet is the pixis 3:41 Thank ike 👍

[@TheTripleDubya]

I’ve had one of the older Suzuki mini trucks, it was a hoot around where I lived but the freeways were not for it. Fun while it lasted.

[@MrLurchsThings]

Needed a guest spot from Marty 😁

[@mrnicktoyou]

These looks like they are made for 12 year old me who wanted to drive a real truck. The size is perfect, lol.

[@chrisellis1207]

They really do keep Japan moving along. Here, it is best to get them from a dealership so the warranty is legit. Most country roads in Japan are extremely narrow, so the kei trucks make sense. In Tokyo, delivery trucks almost never get parking tickets if the hazard lights are working, so they are really popular. You dont want to get in an accident, they have zero protection...

[@10milauto]

I love my hijet jumbo, and im so happy people are getting around them!

[@jamesgowing3856]

Would be great as a second car for a couple. Run down to the shops, the tip, bunnings. on the way to the city commute, hobby farming and maybe a little bit of offroading.

[@dman1848]

I've seen these modded out and they are a real head turner

[@danceswithferrets]

The technology I want is a vehicle, engine, wheels that sort of thing. All that other shite just breaks anyway. I used a 1.3 Carry box van for plumbing, it was brilliant. because you don't need to leave a space inside to climb in like you do with a 1 tonne transit you end up being able to carry more. The 1.3L was good for 90mph and would carry 3/4 tonne.

[@Sarah-fs8fy]

would be interesting to see how theses fare on our roads. it would be very handy at bunnings.

[@kornkernel2232]

I can see this also best suited for Woolies and Coles collecting shopping trolleys. Far smaller which is great for tight parking lots

[@kpkpss]

Had mine 3 years 2018 hijet and I’m 6 feet tall no issue and daily it for work

[@TheGreatOldOak]

I wish these were as common as Honda civics and priced accordingly rather than being a quirky overpriced import. I would be tempted to get one.

[@jhref]

Nice ad read Jim!

[@daweigo6851]

Very professional 😊

[@3UZFE]

Good for small intercity areas, but you wouldn't really want to drive such on the open road or at speed (however fast they go). They must be 0/5 stars when it comes to safety haha

[@audoinxr6372]

@@3UZFE im seeing more of them on the highway. They can't keep up with traffic and get blown around by us in trucks over taking 😂

[@daweigo6851]

​@@audoinxr6372ha ha sounds terrifying

[@3UZFE]

@@audoinxr6372 I could imagine. Just because you can use them like that, doesn't mean you should. Seems a bit crazy to me hahah

[@Orvieta]

I first thought it was the 1st of April, but apparently these things are legit. Never ever seen one before.

[@rosspane4542]

Had the chance to drive a Suzuki Carry Tipper 4x4 at work definitely the funniest thing I’ve ever driven so much fun & the looks you get everybody laughs & smiles at you 😁awesome little trucks if you have the use for one 👍

[@grantm1891]

Those hvac controls look the same I had in my 1982 Ford Laser

[@danmccarthy4700]

The 25 year cutoff you kept mentioning is heartbreaking as a US resident who literally can't get a kei newer than that. :( Also, fun fact- the van version of the Suzuki Carry is the only vehicle to have ever been sold as both a Chevrolet and a Ford.

[@bhatiaj]

India is full of commercial vehicles like these. We don't call them Kei trucks and the manufacturers (local) are also different. One of them is lovingly called "Chota Hathi" (small elephant), its real name is Tata Ace. It's called that because of its ability to carry loads way beyond what it looks capable of. It's made by Tata Motors (owners of Jaguar Land Rover). There are several others too. All of them come with small Diesel Engines. If you want to see how they are used and abused in India - search for videos of "chota hathi" or Tata Ace

[@KuroRyuu86]

I normally watch the entire video before commenting. But Toyota does have a version in Hijet form. Toyota Pixis. Like the Subaru Sambar and the Daihatsu Hijet. Same truck different badges.

[@DesVids]

Every country should have a Kei category.

[@johnhannonHanno]

Great video. If I owned a small garage I would definitely own the Suzy. I have had a couple of their cars as hire cars, fabulous.

[@chrisweeks6973]

What a hoot - had me smiling throughout! Great review and, having seen many of this type of vehicle in Philippines, I know that they are very effective. 👍

[@spdaltid]

Bought a 4wd Daihatsu new here in Japan a year ago. Biggest problem is being relegated in line behind either my wife or son to drive it.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

It would be great to have these officially imported into the UK as economical useful vehicles that are ideal for the traffic clogged narrow roads here instead of the over bloated bullshit EV trucks.

[@Chops473]

3:40 Toyota’s kei truck is sold under the Toyota Pixis model name (shared with a small car). It may be a rebadged Daihatsu.

[@danielbroughton7949]

Funny video. My son loves these things. We keep trying to convince mum we need one of these.

[@GlenB1963]

A nice set of ATs on the 4wd model and how much fun would it be up on Fraser Island. I want one.❤

[@davidgoodman4546]

In NZ they are used on farms with atv tyres on they go anywhere and way more reliable than more expensive sidexsides

[@GlenB1963]

@davidgoodman4546 clever kiwi's

[@oekfoh8684]

Lol that bunnings voice was not bad

[@danielnicholson6174]

I'll never sit behind one of these at the lights again, the Tobin brothers hearse takes off quicker.

[@Peter_Nottle]

those are fun little trucks, i drove one back in the early 2000's. bare ass driving 😁

[@deanchur]

The Carry (and I'm sure the others) also come in a van variant.

[@ultimablackmage]

Too bad you couldn't get Marty's Kei truck from Mighty Car Mods for this episode.

[@lukehedstrom8009]

another option Daihatsu Atrai, these are pretty cool

[@wilydimayuga519]

Driving a slow car fast, this looks fun.

[@BullyHayes1977]

3:46 - Toyota Pixis. A re-badged HiJet

[@JenGM24]

I would buy 20 of these before buying any regular truck.

[@jensenthegreen6780]

we got a billion of those suzuki carries here in indonesia aswell

[@brainsmatter7067]

Hilarious that you drove past a Bunnings at about 14 and a half minutes after earlier in the video 😂

[@philshen1899]

Ive got a 30yr old honda acty. It did have a bit of rust after a respray and interior its now a show car

[@JP-hb4mv]

You have great taste in vehicles

[@CrazyCamo]

Those shiny ones look amazing. Looks like i can almost get a 2000 version over here in ca.... i don't care about the safety xD

[@tonestar0183]

No way. I like my legs way too much.

[@ravipeiris4388]

I'd buy one if they sold them here in the States ❤. Any chance that idemitsu oil is sold here in the States because I would purchase the oil for my Honda and Maybach 57s.

[@darrennorth929]

Didn't they just ban the import of K cars to Australia?

[@ddsgardening7437]

Afternoon, what do they cost ,Cheers another top show 🎉

[@kevinbarry71]

There are people bringing those into the United States as well. Of course having the steering wheel on the wrong side is a hindrance over here. separately, I find it hysterical that you consider a Toyota Hilux to be full-size

[@Levellled]

well they are full size in any market other than NA

[@KuroRyuu86]

Hilux, Ranger, BT50s are considered Full size in the AU.

[@grantm1891]

They generally carry 2000 - 2200lbs in Australia. Way more than a 150 class

[@lesklower7281]

These are so cute both of them and which one would l buy if l wanted a kie ute both are so adorable but may choose the Daihatsu after all they are owned by Toyota and there are not so many Daihatsus around

[@mrlover4310]

Those who buy these sort of K-Cars have to understand that they are driving effectively a quad bike with a Shell on it a quad bike has no airbags has no crumple zone this is what it is

[@aussiejohn1987]

You'll find that the hijet has autonomous braking and airbags.

[@PeterCox-k1w]

Too unsafe, i want to keep two functioning legs😂

[@MicksMechanics]

@@PeterCox-k1w no worse that having an accident on a motorbike

[@dirtjumper512]

Could say the same about any van

[@mikaelwiberg2938]

I simply can not understand why they don´t sell these typ of cars in europe, I could easly have one as a daily driver.

[@iankusapali9266]

Can you guys be able to review a daihatus move ? 2010 hopefully 😅

[@Hakucho64]

LOL @ BASE jumping!

[@lesmotley6839]

I guess if they break down you can push it home.

[@joshuaclark647]

Really well said resented !!!!

[@vishnusankarsajimon]

please do mazda cx 9 TC!

[@dn059]

The interior looks equivalent to the 79 series land cruiser

[@hexagonosaurus5848]

Thank God.

[@abcdef-qk6jf]

You just gave a recommendation...

[@Watcherw1]

Good sturdy machines

[@edstraker8451]

These things are very common in East Java. You'd probably be better off getting your spares from there.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

My favorite Kei truck is the Subaru Sambar. Too bad they rebadge Daihatsu now.

[@waynezodiac8635]

If they converted these to electric they would sell like hotcakes

[@reys3095]

Minicab miev has been out for years. Although Japanese could try harder with their evs.

[@austin8962]

Why can't large manufacturers bring in cars as durable and practical like these. That's because high-tech and expensive cars bring in the cash. You watch in the future more people will bring imported kei cars and our politicians will ban them on behalf of the car companies.!!

[@KuroRyuu86]

Our politicians allowed Aussie's to bring Kei vehicles in. They fit the Economical Category, because they use less fuel. They even changed our import laws to accommodate these vehicles in certain categories.

[@mattm3208]

When at high school in NZ in the late 70s my mates father owned a security business. They used Daihatsu kei type vans for their security runs at night. These were amazing and had the advantage that you could drive right up to a busineses front door and check it was locked without exiting the vehicle. They had one security guard who was over 6 foot and 20 stone and the looks you got when he extracted himself from this tiny van was hilarious. I never remember them having any mechanical issues with their vans. Amazing

[@sully7011]

Finally!!!

[@julesmarwell8023]

thanks again JIm

[@symontabbenor2186]

Another option would be the Suzuki Carrys that are made in Thailand. Same truck but with a 1500 cc motor 😂

[@santachickens]

Yep. This is the best car you guys have reviewed so far.

[@MattBlack6]

21 odd minutes or so to say YES

[@deanosslewis]

Looks scary dangerous in a collision.

[@Desert_Person]

I need this thing Small food truck I'm selling less than 500m from my house

[@juki6377]

I'm not sure about the claim of "flirtous encounters" you would make with one of these, my guess is, if you like 30-40 year old men it'll be fine but otherwise. I love these but i'd need room for the kids and the bed at the back will just enable my hoarding

[@adamsmith5780]

Toyota make the Pixis. A Toyota badged Daihatsu. Truck and Van.

[@Luke-PlanesTrainsDogsnCars]

Gamera vs. Viras

[@kalina-chan6903]

Day 2 of asking a video of 3rd gen lexus gs

[@mj_aussie_coaster_travels8310]

I wouldn’t buy a kei truck. I’d get a cappuccino or s660. If it’s gonna be tiny it might as well be sporty.

[@DavidLeane-cp2lz]

Great video. 😂

[@lesmotley6839]

If you value your legs avoid these like the plague, even a small front on accident will crush your legs.

[@jamesrebbechi5247]

I worry about my legs and I drive a Disco 4.

[@thestoicwhinger]

Wait till you discover motorbikes

[@oysterapple9621]

Now you're just taking the piss.

[@torquethetalk]

Tuk Tuk ...

[@audoinxr6372]

My grandfather had a few older gen Carrys. Worst vehicles ever 😂

[@himynameisryan]

Care to explain why?

[@audoinxr6372]

@himynameisryan yeah. Was extremely unstable outside of town. All the 80 or more roads. Struggled in the hills at anything past 40kmh. Wind would throw it around with ease. Couldn't handle much weight obviously. Was very loud inside, no AC in the late 80s early 90s ones either. Actually used similar fuel as dads Rodeo doing same trips. But that did everything better. Also we never got to experience a crash in them luckily. He also had some tiny 70s Honda vans too. Opa had a love of these stupid things. Until they got a caravan. Magically they got sold then for an AU falcon wagon 😄

[@himynameisryan]

@@audoinxr6372 maybe its cause im a luxury sedan buyer not a ute buyer, really not the target audience of a kei truck or ute at all, but i always thought wagons were the best combo of function and style