TRUCK
If you are looking for a no-frills utility vehicle that can go just about anywhere and transport almost anything, a Japanese cab-over truck might be the right fit for you. Available in various sizes, layouts, and body styles, there is a truck for every need. Read on to learn more about how Japanese trucks, including mini Kei trucks, punch above their weight.
What Are Japanese Kei Trucks?
A popular style of Japanese truck is the Kei truck, or Japanese mini truck, which was created to meet the classification requirements of the "light vehicle" in Japan. They measure no more than 3.4 x 1.48 x 2.0 meters (length x width x height) and have a maximum engine displacement of 660cc. Because of their size, they are highly maneuverable. This, paired with four-wheel drive capabilities in some models, allows Kei trucks to go off the beaten path and through the narrowest of roadways.
Best Japanese Truck Brands
From giants like Toyota to commercial vehicle specialists such as Isuzu, just about each and every Japanese automobile manufacturer has a cab-over truck to consider.
Toyota
Toyota’s Dyna is a mainstay in various industries around the world, and it is not hard to see why. This medium-duty truck boasts various body types such as a cargo truck, a dump truck, and a route van. Also under the hood are powerful engines, including a 4.9L engine and 4.0L hybrid diesel engine in its lineup. The Dyna is also known for its stylish look with angled headlights, and a spacious, aerodynamic cabin. The sister of the Dyna is the ToyoAce, another popular option from Toyota. Whereas the Dyna is meant more for heavier-duty work, the ToyoAce is designed for lighter tasks.
The TownAce or LiteAce Truck is Toyota’s line of trucks that are designed for light-goods transportation. In the lineup are truck bed variations such as the low-deck, high-deck, and just-low, all of which come with ample interior and cargo space.
Nissan
Nissan’s Atlas is the carmaker’s cabover truck that lives every bit up to its name. The Atlas range features lighter versions that are designated with an "F" in their series numbers, whereas heavier versions are classified with an H. Recent Atlas models come available as the F24, with 2.0L gas and 3.0L diesel engine options, as well as the H43, which comes with a 3.0L or 5.2L diesel engine capable of a maximum payload of 4.5 tons.
Drivers in search of a simple option should pay attention to Nissan’s Vanette truck. The compact model produced from 1999 until 2016 comes with a 1.8L gas engine and a 2.0L or 2.2L diesel engine. Both 2WD and 4WD versions are available.
Besides these two popular Nissan cab-over trucks, the carmaker also produces the Clipper Kei truck.
Daihatsu
The Daihatsu Hijet is one of the smallest Kei trucks around. Its simple build and amazing fuel efficiency make it a low-cost solution for businesses. Don’t be put off by its size as recent models feature a redesigned roomy cabin for a comfortable ride.
If you need a heavier-duty truck, consider Daihatsu’s Delta range of light- to medium-duty trucks.
Isuzu
The commercial vehicle specialist Isuzu brings to you the Elf, its long-running range of medium-duty trucks. The Elf is highly versatile, featuring a variety of cab sizes, such as the two-door standard cab, two-door crew cab, and four-door wide cab, as well as varying body styles like a dump truck.
The face of Isuzu, however, is the Forward. This behemoth gets a range of diesel engines and is available in just as many, if not more body styles than the Elf. Whatever heavy-duty needs you might have, the Isuzu Forward delivers without any questions asked.
Honda
You can keep busy in the Honda Acty Kei truck. Excellent fuel efficiency and maneuverability are a given with the Acty. The cost-affordable truck also comes with comfortable cloth seats and basic features like air conditioning.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi presents the Minicab, a Kei truck as pure as they get. The Minicab does away with any unnecessary features to keep maintenance and upfront costs rock bottom.
Mazda
Mazda’s Autozam Scrum, later known just as the Mazda Scrum when it became a rebadged version of the Suzuki Carry, is a sturdy Kei truck. The Scrum delivers with a cushy ride, a tough build, and a wide range of utilities.
Subaru
The Subaru Sambar is a hardy Kei truck that has been in production for more than 60 years. Since 2012, the Sambar has become a rebadged Daihatsu Hijet all while continuing the winning formula of reliable performance.
Suzuki
Like the Subaru Sambar, the Suzuki Carry Kei truck has delivered cargo in the harshest of terrain for more than 60 years.
What to Consider When Buying a Used Truck from Japan
It pays to do your research when shopping for a Japanese cab-over truck. Before even considering which make and model is best for you, it is important to first check to see if owning such a truck, especially the smaller Kei-style trucks, is legal in your region or state, as well as any special licensing requirements or regulations that pertain to such a vehicle. Based on your local laws, things to look out for include whether or not the truck includes seat belts, a horn, and appropriate lighting.
Once you have verified that it is in fact legal, there are several factors to consider including the intended purpose, engine displacement, vehicle size, cabin size, mileage, and warranty coverage.
When buying a used Japanese truck online, reputable dealers are more likely to ensure that the vehicle is in the best possible condition by offering a comprehensive warranty to provide you assurance that any damage, mechanical problems, and missing items not stated in the vehicle’s description will be covered.
Here at BE FORWARD, we stock well-maintained, used trucks in great condition and back them with our optional warranty coverage.
Where to Get the Best Deals on Japanese Trucks
The Japanese trucks listed above can be found through various automobile exporters; but with BE FORWARD, you can be sure that you will get a great deal on over 15,000 listings of well-maintained Japanese trucks. Build your Japanese truck fleet with BE FORWARD!
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