bx2230orange
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Has anyone considered a Japanese mini truck as an alternative to the typical UTV? Seems like there are at least worth a look.
Has any one considered a Japanese Mini?
- Thread starter bx2230orange
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LBrown59
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Got any ideas or pictures of some ?
farmboy12
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KentT
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Can you say "gray market" -- that's exactly where these things are...
There's been ongoing efforts to try to close the loopholes that allow them to be imported into the US and sold, so FUTURE parts availability would be a huge concern, IMO...
Scooby074
Super Member
I like em!
Hope they keep selling them too. They fit a niche. I only wish the manufacturers would import ALL the Kei cars from Japan. Might make more sense than the "City Electric cars" that are being talked about. Good mileage and easy to park.
Hope they keep selling them too. They fit a niche. I only wish the manufacturers would import ALL the Kei cars from Japan. Might make more sense than the "City Electric cars" that are being talked about. Good mileage and easy to park.
MarkV
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I have a friend that has had one for years and loves it. Heat, AC, 4wd and a dump bed make for a pretty nice little ranch run around truck. He bought his in Alabama from an importer that rebuilds them. I think he said he paid about 5k at the time. A local dealer had them in the 6.5K range not long ago.
MarkV
MarkV
Baucom
Gold Member
I like the mini-trucks and think they're a great bang for the buck in terms of features. They're a bit like a Pro-Gator for about 1/3 the money. Manual trans, 4wd, dump bed, heat, factory cab, etc...for about the cost of a small Mule. The only thing that would hold me back from getting 1 is future parts availability. I'm not sure what would happen to parts support if laws were changed to stop the importation of these mini trucks.
I'd like to see them imported and sold new as ORVs.
I'd like to see them imported and sold new as ORVs.
Iangb
New member
I ran a 1978 Suzuki 4wd flat bed for years (800cc 4cyl) .It was one tough little unit.
Main drawbacks compared to a utv were a very high centre of gravity (ie it sometimes fell over on hillsides), and a turning circle like the "Queen Mary"s.
Main drawbacks compared to a utv were a very high centre of gravity (ie it sometimes fell over on hillsides), and a turning circle like the "Queen Mary"s.
Last edited:
atgreene
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We bought one for our fire dept. Works ok, we put ATV tires on it, 3" lift, stickered it, reg'd it for atv and on-road use.
Drive on the right side, shift with your left hand, takes some getting used to.
Grossly underpowered.
No ground clearance.
I've taken it to 3-4 fire calls and went off road with it. I would have prefered a 6x6 Big Boss or Kubota RTV, but I was out-voted.
Their neat little trucks for running around, but not much for towing, hauling or heavy work.
Drive on the right side, shift with your left hand, takes some getting used to.
Grossly underpowered.
No ground clearance.
I've taken it to 3-4 fire calls and went off road with it. I would have prefered a 6x6 Big Boss or Kubota RTV, but I was out-voted.
Their neat little trucks for running around, but not much for towing, hauling or heavy work.
rambler
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In my state, you can't put them on a public road nohow.
ATV's and UTV's you can get ag permits to run them down the road somewhat.
Ground clearance & power & traction is pretty low on the mini's. I did consider one, but it seemed like it would always be a battle to use it....
--->Paul
ATV's and UTV's you can get ag permits to run them down the road somewhat.
Ground clearance & power & traction is pretty low on the mini's. I did consider one, but it seemed like it would always be a battle to use it....
--->Paul