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optimistic
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# Posted: 5 Jun 2023 18:21
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Gotten a little obsessed with this mini japanese 4x4 trucks. They are cheap, reliable, and very useful.
I am thinking about buying one and keeping it at the cabin.
My only concern is that the millions mice I have in the wood will decimate it.
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FishHog
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# Posted: 5 Jun 2023 20:19
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I for some reason really like them as well and want one, but really can't justify it. But they are cool
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optimistic
Member
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# Posted: 5 Jun 2023 20:35
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HAHA. My wife vetoed it. I am hoping to change her mind one day. They are so useful. I see them around
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 6 Jun 2023 08:19
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Considering you'd have to buy a used one in Japan and then have it shipped + inevitable duties/fees/taxes it may not be terribly practical. Then of course it would be Right Hand Drive too but that is what I would call a "quirk" LOL.
It is terrible that anything remotely small like a Kei Vehicle in North America is a fantasy.
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Brettny
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# Posted: 6 Jun 2023 09:14
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Quoting: Steve_S Considering you'd have to buy a used one in Japan and then have it shipped + inevitable duties/fees/taxes it may not be terribly practical. Then of course it would be Right Hand Drive too but that is what I would call a "quirk" LOL
That's not how it works any more. There are companies who only sell japanese trucks of many different types. Fire trucks to sedans looks like they have alot of different things. This is just one I drive past going to our property in Walton NY.
I looked into one of these trucks but found the parts are very expensive and I alreaty sold a dump truck I didnt use much. If it's a japanese mini truck or something like a JD gator or golf cart. I would go japanese mini truck. Heat/AC, 4x4 locking diff and you can drive them on the road.
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ICC
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# Posted: 6 Jun 2023 09:20 - Edited by: ICC
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I believe there are sources for these in the US and they will ship anywhere in US. In the US there is also an exemption that allows vehicles 25 years or older to be imported even if they never met the epa , etc rules that were in effect when they were made. I think there may also be some fuzzy rules varying from state to state.
I like the concept but don't care to potentially get caught up in issues for parts and gov regs.
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ICC
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# Posted: 6 Jun 2023 09:31
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https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2022/04/03/is-a-kei-truck-worth-the-investment-heres -what-folks-have-to-say-about-them
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 6 Jun 2023 09:53 - Edited by: gcrank1
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Beat me to it ICC.
A quick query and less than 10min reading convinced me that I likely shouldnt take one if offered free; I dont have the time or inclination Any More to be futzin with a futz vehicle.
I do like the concept. I also liked the concept of a mini-pickup truck decades ago then the Japanese actually made them! I had one Datsun and two Toyota pickups with Great reliability. That old Datsun was simple too.
We also had Several Suzuki based Geo Trackers that later were rebadged as Chevy Trackers (name Geo didnt go over, I guess). 4wd, pretty reliable, a real cab; imo a good choice. Btw, the disc brake caliper floating pins are problematic/like to corrode tight, at least in our WI winter salty roads. Fairly easy to pop apart 1 or 2x a year to lube em up.
After my experience with that class of rig I would be more inclined to go that way than the Kei.
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FishHog
Member
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# Posted: 6 Jun 2023 16:13
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I see used ones for sale all the time on Marketplace. There was a 4x4 with a dump box that I was really eyeing up
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Houska
Member
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# Posted: 14 Jun 2023 21:46
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I explored getting one. In Canada, the rules depend on province. Had a long-term importer nearby who also did repairs/parts, so would have taken a chance on that if the price was right. 4WD dump was what I wanted.
Then I sat in one. It's probably fine if you're average size or smaller. But I'm 6'4 with long legs, and I soon knew I wasn't keen on folding myself in and out.
An enthusiast told me there are "long cab" versions with more leg room, but seems not (usually?) 4WD dump.
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marlena
Member
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# Posted: 24 Nov 2023 11:12
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I had a similar issue with my old car at my cabin. What I found helpful was parking it on a smooth, clear surface, if possible.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 24 Nov 2023 12:20
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Like on the pond?
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 24 Nov 2023 13:04 - Edited by: ICC
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I would like to be able to buy one of these here in the US...
Toyota IMV O..... https://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/a45752401/toyotas-10000-future-pickup-truck-is-b asic-transportation-perfection/
But not much chance for it to come here. There's also an electric version test vehicle
And speaking of electric..... A couple of years ago someone who writes for electrek.com imported an electric Chinese Kei-truck to the US. Lots of hoops to jump through. He's had it on a working ranch here. It has done very well for them.
-izzy
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travellerw
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# Posted: 24 Nov 2023 23:38
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I really really wanted one since the cost of a SxS is so stupid these days...
In the end, I just couldn't justify it and instead just bought a decent used honda quad at auction ($1200). Then built a trailer to haul behind it. Maybe not as cool as a mini truck, but I think its more useful!
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Provolone
Member
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# Posted: 25 Nov 2023 08:11
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Oh, those mini Japanese 4x4 trucks are pretty neat, aren't they? I've been eyeing them myself for a while.
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 25 Nov 2023 10:25
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Here’s mine, 1980 Datsun. Ranch truck only, won’t pass smog test.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 25 Nov 2023 14:20 - Edited by: ICC
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Quoting: paulz Ranch truck only
Probably run forever
A cousin has a '79 Toyota 4x4 pickup, the first year a 4WD was factory-made. It is used only as a mule on his ranch but still has a farm/ranch plate. I have no idea if it could pass an emissions test. (No emissions check in our county).
-izzy
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Provolone
Member
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# Posted: 28 Nov 2023 05:02
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I hear you on the mouse problem. I had a similar issue with my old car at my cabin. I used natural repellents like peppermint oil around the car, which worked pretty well.
If you're looking for more heavy-duty protection, especially when you're not around, there's some great equipment out there. I stumbled upon this site a while back, and it's been a bookmark ever since. You might want to see here for some solid options that could keep your truck safe from those critters.
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 30 Nov 2023 16:17
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Quoting: ICC Probably run forever
Sure seems like it. I don’t use it much but it always fires right up. Don’t know much about it, 50s-70s cars were my bag, but I remember reading that this was the only year of Datsun badged 4x4s, Nissans from then on.
What I do use often is this, given to me by the same neighbor with more money than time. It’s a Bush Hog, 4x4 with a Briggs V twin. Beat to death but still going.
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ICC
Member
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# Posted: 5 Apr 2024 20:32
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Sort of on topic.... interesting read....
https://www.motortrend.com/features/1997-honda-acty-kei-car-mecum-auctions-houston/
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