Japanese Mini Truck FAQs

At Auto Technic, we import and sell Japanese Mini Trucks!

Here are some basic FAQs on these unique and amazingly capable trucks!

All of our trucks are grey market imported directly from Japan. They are ALL 25 years or older (to legally be imported under grey market laws). From our point of purchase to arriving in the USA, it typically takes 3-5 months (travel time port to boat to port, NYNJ)

Honda Acty, Mitsubishi Mini Truck, Suzuki Carry, Subaru Sambar, Daihatsu HiJet, are the main staples of what we offer. We also buy and sell the mini-van version of these trucks

Besides the Subaru’s which are 4-cyl 656cc engines, the rest of the brands are all 3-cyl 656cc engines. The trucks come in 2WD and 4WD versions. The majority of what we import are 4WD trucks. They are carbureted engines. Daihatsu, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi typically have the engine underneath the seats, while Honda and Subaru are “rear” engine configuration. They all may be run on regular gas. Tank size is about 8gal and most average 40-50mpg

On 2WD and 4WD ‘fixed’ bed versions, all 3 bedsides of the trucks fold down, creating a LARGE carrying space to load and truck things around! Some dump body versions also have foldable bedsides, but typically do not.

-Bed Size: 6x4.25 is the typical bed size (NOTE, THAT IS LARGER THAN MOST NEW PICKUP TRUCKS BEING SOLD THESE DAYS!!!!)

-Bed carrying limits: Factory spec states 750-900lbs as a safe load weight for these trucks, however, many owners have stated 1000-1200lbs is a good ‘max’ limit to live by

-Top Speed: 2WD trucks can comfortably reach 72-76mph driving speeds. 4WD 65-70mph and dumb bodies 60-65mph.

(We recommend upgrading wheels and tires to a wider aspect ratio for better grip and response)

-These are ALL Right Hand Drive vehicles!

-We only stock manual gearbox trucks. In very rare cases, we will buy and sell Automatic Gearbox trucks, but they are not common

-Most trucks are 5speed manuals, though some of the 4WD and dump bodies come in a 4speed option

-Auto Technic sells wheel and tire packages for these trucks, starting at $1,100-$1,500 depending on size and choice of tire typically 12”/13” versions

Typically we sell our 2WD trucks for $5,500-6,500, our 4WD trucks for $6,500-7,500 and our dump body version 4WD trucks for $7,500-8,500. Our vans sell anywhere from $9,000-12,000. Mileage and condition dictates the price points

Great question! Parts are readily available, are usually quite inexpensive (comparative to European car repair, our mainstay) and we work on all makes/models of JDM trucks!

YES! Here in CT, Auto Technic registers and plates these trucks with CT vintage plates (20+ years and older vehicles are eligible for this). This is for CT residents ONLY, and we cannot comment on other states and the legalities of road registering a JDM mini truck. Each truck LEGALLY MUST go to the Wethersfield DMV Inspection Station for a visual VIN and safety verification/check. We handle all of the incoming document/paperwork, inspections, registrations and plates for our CT customers, all you’re responsible for is providing insurance for the truck, WE HANDLE ALL OF THE REMAINING ASPECTS. IN HOUSE!

Congrats on making the decision to own a vehicle that is capable, fun and extremely rewarding to drive! Come down to the shop, pick one out, and then we get to work! We offer customized extras for our trucks too, paint, body work, bed liners, window tinting, lowering, lift kids, off-road tires, lowering kits, coilovers, sticky on road tires, aftermarket wheels, YOU NAME IT!!!