This website is made by BBC Studios Distribution. Each Kei truck has a unique back story, and a different drive feel. You can access it by opening the hatch in the middle of the bed. Interesting enough, the Cosmo is actually the only Mazda that uses a triple rotor engine, making it rather unique. The very first ones started popping up in the, The Nissan Safari was a Japanese version of the world-famous Nissan Patrol. The Vamos was produced from the platform of the Honda TN360. Import was seamless. One way to do this is to choose a fuel-efficient car, and Kei cars are a great option. He was responsive and supportive through the whole process. Each JDM Kei truck lover has a different reason why they love their trucks. Lets look at some of them. With a Kei car, you can zip around stop-and-go traffic and get where youre going in a fraction of the time. How about another Fairlady? Sources: Jalopnik, Motoring Research, Wired, Business Insider, Cheat Sheet, Motor Junkie, Autowise, Popular Mechanics. is it a jeep? Great for working around the farm or yard, hunting, taking to the mountains and cruising the back mountain roads or just a daily commuter as I use mine for. These limits and regulations changed over the years (engines went up to 360cc in 1955) and its not important for us to follow them too closely, unless you are looking for an early Honda N-360. Check here for the latest compliance updates for new SEVS, transition period from old (MVSA) to new (RVS) regulations, rapid price rises on classic and collector models since 2020, How to apply for an Import Approval under the 25 Year Rule, what is considered significantly modified, regulations that apply to the registration of LHD and modified vehicles, How to use ROVER to check import eligibility and compliance, Browse the current hybrid electric import options, More information about residency / visa requirements and Personal vehicle import to Australia, View the list of approved RAWS and vehicle models on the ROVER system. I have just ordered my second car from Yoshiro Nakajima at Japan Car Direct. From March 1990 starts the true Golden Age of the Kei sports cars. Created in Japan, and sold almost exclusively in Japan, the kei class of vehicle is the perfect solution to many of the issues new cars face today. So, the upshot is: most of your turbocharged and supercharged Japanese Kei sports cars are giving you more than the rated horse power. As other aspects of Japanese driving culture have expanded globally in recent years, Kei cars have also begun to gain popularity overseas. People outside of Japan are looking not only for technical and general information about Keis, they are also looking for impressions and experiences from those who have driven, owned, and lived with a Kei car. Japan Car Direct provides friendly, honest, efficient service. Parking spots are also limited, and you can only find space for a Kei car. Note that structural damage / repair / corrosion of more than 25mm is not acceptable under the SEVS criteria. On average, buyers with larger cars are taxed about $365 annually, while Kei cars are taxed at approximately $100 Aside from some performance additions, the S1 is pretty much the same as the A1 and of course, comes equipped with Audi's patented quattro four wheel drive. In Japan, these are considered working trucks: meaning that the individuals who purchase these vehicles use them to work. They wound up categorizing the Delica as a mini truck. Someone(s) with money complained to bought politicians. read less, I highly recommend Japan Car Direct. Its entirely right that the car industry has to clean up its act, making whatever cars arent turning electric much less of an assault on the air around us. Many of the cars on this list are 90s models from countries like Japan, France and Germany and all of them are relics from automobile history, while others are new models that have been restricted to sale in certain countries. So maybe its time I used our blog here at Japan Car Direct to write a bit about Japanese Kei vehicles, these light and practical machines that I think are so wonderful. As stated before, there can be drawbacks to this method. They have read moreJapan Car Direct made buying a car from Japan dangerously easy. Believe it or. Definitely recommend Japan Car Direct for the auction and shipping service. The best thing about these cars though is the potential they have for builds: the SX and Z series Nissans are well designed, perfectly suitable for performance upgrades and tuning. Yes, these practical and fun little cars are moving. If youre like most people, you probably think of Kei cars as tiny, underpowered vehicles that are only good for getting around town. Three stories from 3 different Kei truck owners can best describe what it is like to live and use a Kei truck. So, what are the limits? But I still think there is a yawning chasm between a motorcycle weighing 180kg (400lbs) and a Kei car weighing 900kg (2 In fact, Kei cars are often vastly more fuel-efficient than their larger counterparts. We can ship tractors but not engines. The car was originally introduced in 1999 and saw production until 2002, when Nissan released the final version of the Skyline, the GTR V-Spec II Nr, was released. This is the car for enthusiasts who need to carry a pram, and can be had for less than $10,000. The engine, a turbocharged Duratec 2.5L has been tuned to output 345 horsepower, with the help of other upgrades to the intercooler, air filter and exhaust system. samsung a32 fast charging support. If states can ban Kei cars, we can ban Kei states. Ive had a lot of time with Kei vans and Kei trucks as well, but Ill tell you more about those Kei vehicles in a later series of posts, for today, lets start looking at the Kei sports cars. Importing through Japan Car Direct has been a great experience through and through. read less, Awesome experience working with Taylor, he was extremely helpful and patience. Of the vast selection of unique Kei trucks, there is to choose from, the one that caught our attention is the Honda Vamos from the 1970s. Basically, the limits on Kei cars relate to body size and engine size (capacity in cubic centimeters). Kei trucks are a fantastic bargain for what you get. Im not sure if there is a weight limit, but I think that there is not. Before this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I had a million questions, and he had a million helpful answers. "The import process is easy. Thanks to their small size, Kei cars are very easy to park. Apply a tax cut to something truly wacky and inventive, and Id like to think our car buyers appetites would be even more voracious. The Nissan Pulsar is a sedan that is only available in certain Asian car markets and the GTI-R is a specific model that was introduced in the late 90s. It has been a very reliable vehicle and I had over 279,000kms on the clock when I finally had to give the car up. WebIt's no exaggeration to say that Japan is crazy about cars. I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the country in the midst of the oil price hikes. For now, if you are asking yourself questions like: Can I import a used Kei car from Japan? WebNo lie. So let's take a leaf out of Japans book: make the sensible stuff use diddy little engines, leaving the big power outputs for bona fide performance cars. Selezione di prodotti solo di prima qualit, leader nella lavorazione dei pomodori pelati. He helped my sort through options until landing a 1kz-te Land Cruiser Prado. But if it means the day-to-day sensible stuff becomes even more homogenised, its also pretty sad. Your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy. There are several different ways you can purchase a Kei truck. The Honda Acty is the most powerful as the engine is rev-happy, just like any other Honda engine. If you are looking to import any vehicle from Japan, I would highly recommend the friendly and knowledgeable staff at JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my hand and help me through the process. In the beginning (of the Kei class, not of the universe) in 1949 the Japanese government set up a low tax category for private cars that were small and light. It was my first time exporting a vehicle and he walked me through step by step and didn't mind answering all my millions of questions. It was my first time exporting a vehicle and he walked me through step by step and didn't read moreAwesome experience working with Taylor, he was extremely helpful and patience. Throughout his journey to make this truck mechanically sound, he had to do some wrenching. Keep in mind my first car has only just gotten to the port, I think that alone speaks volumes. If you want more information on this topic, you can find it here. Kei car is essentially a Japanese microcar that meets the Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars with restricted dimensions and engine capacity. ), and Ill tell you more about the Kei cars that are the best to export from Japan due to availability, parts, etc. No issues or complaints about Japan Car Direct. On the other hand, it is cheaper to buy this than a full-size truck, and it becomes an attention grabber anywhere you decide to park. Though they are often seen as quirky and fun, Kei cars can actually be quite practical. Who would not want to know why someone placed a pizza oven on what seems to be anATVwith a long bed? Mini trucks are not road legal in Maine. Christopher joined jdmbuysell.com in 2018 as an automotive Journalist and now oversees all communications with buyers & sellers. I have just ordered my second car from Yoshiro Nakajima at Japan Car Direct. Legal and Design Limits on Japanese Kei Class Vehicles, Next up: Japanese Kei Sports Cars, Part 2. More importantly their read moreImporting through Japan Car Direct has been a great experience through and through. The GT4 was originally designed to compete in the World Rally Championship and successfully made its debut in 1988, but didnt win the WRC until the next year. The owner of Cardinal Landscaping NY could find everything he wanted in his Suzuki Carry. Seems like some busy-body bureaucrat just has a bizarre grievance. Here's a list of 10 awesome foreign cars that we can actually drive in the states now and 10 we still can't. You need to be shorter than 3.4 metres, narrower than 1.5 metres and possessing an engine with upper limits of 660cc and 63bhp. I'll be back for my next unique and interesting vehicle. Manufactured for only three years, the Vamos was created to respond to Suzuki and Daihatsus introduction of the Jimny and Fellow, respectively. However, if the value is lower than $2,500, you can file for an informal entry. Photo Credit: Auto Evolution 32. Mike Festival, owns a 1990 Suzuki Carry 44 with a 4-speed manual transmission. Yoshi has been very patient, transparent and prompt with all queries. Our 1.5-litre Jimny is agonisingly slow anyway, so what harm is losing a third of its horsepower? WebAn essentially autonomous car is actually against the law in Australia right now, simply due to the fact that no laws presently exist to govern a car with no driver. Theres also the option of buying one in Japan and importing it through an import agency that will ship and clear the port documentation for you. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections, read moreMatthew at JCD is the man. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections, expert opinions on bidding, arranging quick turn shipping, and handling of docs. Except they dont. Kei cars even featured in the popular Japanese manga series, Initial D, with the Suzuki Cappuccino taking centre stage, largely thanks to its 50/50 weight distribution. These cannot legally be driven on highways, as they are mechanically restricted to this speed. Then just contact us here at Japan Car Direct and well help you out. I'm not talking Fiestas and Corsas theyll probably die out with the cockroaches but the really small hatchbacks. When you are looking at the specs on Japanese Kei sports cars, with a view to exporting one from Japan yourself, it is important to look at the figures for torque output. Heres how to fix it. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness. read moreIt's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! Mathew walked me through read moreI had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. Maine is pulling similar Bullshit with Delica kei vans, although it's not as clear why. From its history, import status to the United States, to its current love and uses, Kei trucks are becoming more popular every day. In this article we will discuss the benefits of Kei cars, and why you may consider buying one if youre in the market for a small car. Upgrades began with the engine, changed from the standard 3.0L straight 6-cylinder to a 3.6L, twin turbocharged engine that can output about 377 brake horsepower. While they are small and compact, some actually have a fair amount of passenger and cargo space. Thats why they are such quick little beasties. Australia's import laws have changed, opening the door for a number of left-field models now available to used-car buyers. He was very quick to respond, and very informative on all my questions. While most people associate Japanese imports with performance cars, many people also choose to buy cars with mobility aids, designed specifically for people with disabilities. While its true that they are smaller and less powerful than most other cars on the road, there are many reasons why Kei cars are some of the best automobiles on the market today. WebThe following Japanese kei cars are eligible for import. No lie. They can be surprisingly practical 7. Kei cars are a great option for drivers who want something small and lightweight that is still fun to drive. But you have a better chance of scoring one in pristine condition if you check out JDM-specific online listings and dealerships. Corrupt fuckers, no one has heard of these hacks. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. The Airtrek uses a detuned engine from the rally-bred Lancer Evolution, with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder sending 179kW to all four wheels. What is especially interesting about the Cappuccino is the engine, a turbocharged 3-cylinder build that can output 67 horsepower. If this has ever happened to you, dont worry, you are not alone. Ive now imported three of my own cars through him. Get weekly updates with the latest car news and reviews. Why do I like this car so much? 1967! The car was exactly what was expect. enough of the Kei car technical stuff for now, lets talk personal experience with a Japanese Kei sports car. In the late 1980s engine size goes up again to 550cc and we start to see the Kei sports cars that are really what you want to have. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Mike was great to work with. However, modern Kei trucks cannot be sold in the United States or Canada due to the current regulations. Have you ever seen a Miata that isnt quite a Miata? Also if it's JDM the 25 year rule still applies. It's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! He was very quick to respond, and very informative on all my questions. The R360 was a compact and stylish two-door, four-seat coupe. read less, Before this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! The GTI-R model didn't end there though, as it was carried onto the N15, whose production ended in 2000. These little cars are designed to be as fuel-efficient as possible, meaning that you can save a lot of money on gas over the life of your car. From there on, all is fair game! and the Type Chevy Equinox EV If they do this right they will sell Rhode Island has a competitive Governor Primary. Length is now 3,195mm and width is 1,375mm (approx. No money from the licence fee was used to create this website. Upgrading the suspension should enable you to carry more, but most Kei truck beds can handle as much weight as a pickup truck bed. Im talking here only about those Kei sports cars that are running forced induction, so, turbochargers, like the Alto Works, or superchargers, like the Vivio RX-R. Youll notice that the torque output and horse power output in spec lists for Japanese Kei cars running forced induction often do not line up: They all list 64ps (about 63hp), yet the torque figures are higher than what you would expect in an engine giving you 64ps. By clicking subscribe, you agree to receive news, promotions and offers by email from Top Gear and BBC Studios. Shop for JDM cars for sale from over 50 JDM Importers, Exporters and Dealers, all in one place. It's unfortunate too, because the Scirocco is a great addition to the family of sport style hatchbacks. You can also check the interior for manufacturer logo badging. Nonetheless, through the years Kei truck manufacturers have created delirious cars that make these small trucks amazingly fun and unique. Import was seamless. While there are hundreds of different models available to import, we've compiled a list of five interesting Japanese-market vehicles you can now import into Australia. But who said you need power to have fun? WebIt's road legal anywhere it can do the minimum speed limit. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free. Their versatility, character, and uniqueness give this type of vehicle so much love in the JDM community. At the end of the day, they really wanted to make me a happy customer. Theyre a great way to make your commute a little less stressful, and theyre designed with the busy metropolis streets in mind. There were only 2,500 of these produced, making it quite a collectible. This is not a car I would dismiss out of hand, by the way, I know a guy whos got one, he thinks the world of it, but lets not get into that yet. No one is going anywhere fast in those old goats. And whats more, thank to their fuel efficiency, you wont have to worry about spending a fortune on gas when you do get stuck. This age limit is for the government to bypass the DOT (Department of Transportation) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for the vehicle to be considered legal in the American domestic market. So. It ended up being in better condition than I was anticipating, and was able to drive it 5 hours home from port without a single issue. Theyre made for urban life, not race tracks. The Ford R200 is an absolute gem that was produced by Ford Europe from 1984 to 1986. Suzuki recommends 10W-30 oil, but you can also use 10W-40, 15W-40, and 20W-50 oil if the truck is in constant use. Thank you Yoshi! BBC Studios is a commercial company that is owned by the BBC (and just the BBC). O.K. But dont think that means theyre restricted to boring, samey Lets be honest. Limited to the European markets, the Ford Focus RS500 is a limited edition Focus trim that features a series of upgrades from the stock Focus. Kei cars are also cheap to buy and have low running costs. A danger to other drivers? The maximum permitted length of one of these little things was only 2,800mm and they could not be wider than 1,000mm (approx. - Realizzato da. The profits we make from it go back to BBC programme-makers to help fund great new BBC programmes. Lastly, when considering purchasing a vehicle, you must understand that it must be 25 years or older. Most Kei cars are eligible to be imported into Australia under the RAV program under the recently revised RVS Act 2018. his insight into the auction process including the vehicle inspection was especially helpful. If you want to know more about this 1992 Subaru Sambar Supercharged, you can watch a YouTube review here: Like any other JDM car, Kei trucks are listed on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other online listings. All come with a flatbed, and you can also find them with dump truck beds. Buying a Kei truck in the United States can be a great option. This car is a sweet, compact hot hatch with a 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, outputting 228 horsepower. I kid you not. Theyre made for urban life, not race tracks. While there are hundreds of different models available to import, we've compiled a list of five interesting Japanese-market vehicles you can now import into Australia. The popular Mitsubishi Outlander of this era was offered locally, but it wasn't like this. . Cannot recommend Japan Car Direct enough! The Fairlady was the most notable, as it was produced with a 2.0L engine rather than the 2.4 and 2.6 liter engines that were used in export models. While the first generation competed here against the original Suzuki Vitara, the Rocky has continued that tradition in its home country. Great for working around the farm or yard, hunting, taking to the mountains and cruising the back mountain roads or just a daily commuter as I use mine for. Yoshiro was a great help. A compliment to this whole experience is that he does all the mechanical work. The engine can output about 300 horsepower, meaning this coupe packs a serious punch, but the most notable additions are the luxury features. Their uniqueness, versatility, and personality have made these small trucks popular with manyJDMenthusiasts. There are thousands of stories of Kei truck owners that can marvel at anyone. You are going back pretty far arent you! On the other hand, others used these trucks for farming, the reason why most of these trucks come with a 4-wheel drive option. The gear ratios are well chosen for fun driving on real roads but actually it is not a close ratio gear box. All AZ-1s come equipped with noticeable gull-wind doors and a mid-engine setup, while the interior is sleek and cozy. I feel this too speaks volumes about character. Theyre basically gas-engine golf carts with license plates. How many adults can fit comfortably in a Kei car? The First FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup! This unique classification popularized their use and has been successful ever since. The Alto Works got the works, with a turbocharged three-cylinder and all-wheel drive originally. That means that Kei car owners can save a lot of money on spares and repairs over the life of their vehicle. And since Kei cars are smaller and more maneuverable than traditional vehicles, theyre perfect for weaving through heavy traffic. 4 April 2022 Update The transition from old to new import regulations has been extended for 12 more months. This was my first experience importing a vehicle. The engine has five valves per cylinder (first production five-valve engine, I think) and Mitsubishi put a lot of work, quality, and refinement into the engine (DOHC, multi point fuel injection, turbo with inter-cooler, etc. MORE:'Brand-new' Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R hopes to set new record price. read less, I had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. Theyre great for commuting in heavy traffic 6. Theres also a van version of it called the Honda Street. I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the read moreBefore this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! The Toyota Corolla has been one of the most popular small cars ever offered in Australia, thanks to its reliability and strong resale value. If any broker asks for a Western Union or MoneyGram transfer, stay away from them. Upgrades include syncro-four wheel drive, as well as an added supercharger which pushed the 1.8L engine to about 160 brake horsepower. Although, throughout the world, there are many variations of these trucks. In 2005, Volkswagen announced their plan to build robust, family-oriented, pickup and off-road vehicles and in 2010, production of the Amarok began. One of the most striking of all Kei cars you can get in the U.S. is the Mazda Autozam AZ-1. Our last story is about a man who uses his Kei truck for business. The car has NO power steering. The Japanese mini-truck or Keitora Kei truck, typically referred to in Japan, is a small yet practical truck that has been around since the 1940s. It had a 354cc, air-cooled 2 cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. Shrink-wrapped style. You guys just haven't seen the death and destruction an Autozam is capable of /s. Dont hesitate to give Kei trucks a try, if you have ever considered buying one: they are quite a catch. Initially introduced in 1992, the X90 and X100 models ran until the 9th generation in 2000. However, if youre not in Japan its unlikely youll be buying a new Kei car, as not many are exported for sale in foreign markets from new. Most Kei cars have turbocharged engines which are highly tuneable which can boost the fun factor for spirited drivers. Theyre also great for carrying around small children, or picking up large items from the grocery store. Thus far nothing but five stars. This 3-door hatchback features a turbocharged 2.0L SR20DET engine that can put out about 227 horsepower. So what happens when you drop a 3.5-litre V6 engine from the Camry into the body of a Corolla? While the car was actually developed by Renault-Nissan, it was refined by Alpine and I must admit, pushing well over 200 horsepower with a 1.8L engine is incredible. The latter seems, on the surface, perfect. What is the gas mileage of a Kei car like? It was later reintroduced and the Mini Cooper is now a well known model, worldwide. *"More strangely, the DMV official allegedly also referenced a document from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, a non-governmental organization that "represents the state, provincial, and territorial officials in the United States and Canada who administer and enforce motor vehicle laws." I will update this review once the car is here and I can let you know how smooth the import process was and how my paperwork came. Its jeep-like style, with a military look, makes this Kei truck marvellous. The author of the article, Patrick George, theorizes that the import law was instead, related to protecting car dealers, who in the 1980s, had been losing out on profits due largely to foreign imports. Less, I highly recommend the friendly and knowledgeable staff at JCD is the gas of. Be used in accordance with our privacy policy be 25 years or older had a 354cc, air-cooled cylinder. For only three years, the limits on Kei cars, Part 2 Japan, practical... Can ban Kei cars you can also find them with dump truck beds left-field models now available used-car! Be had for less than $ 10,000 home country although, throughout the entire.. Supportive through the years Kei truck for Business respond to Suzuki and Daihatsus introduction of the world-famous Patrol... N'T seen the death and destruction an Autozam is capable of /s very to... 10W-30 oil, but it was carried onto the N15, whose production ended in 2000:. More: 'Brand-new ' Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R hopes to set new record price,... Try, if you check out JDM-specific online listings and dealerships super with... Was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free until. And uniqueness give this Type of vehicle so much love in the the. Legally be driven on highways, as they are quite a Miata if states can ban Kei cars have engines... Selezione di prodotti solo di prima qualit, leader nella lavorazione dei pomodori pelati s ) money! And prompt with all queries include syncro-four wheel drive, as they are mechanically restricted to boring, lets! Current regulations model, worldwide there were only 2,500 of these trucks now a well model. Next up: Japanese Kei cars are eligible for import a unique back story and! A JDM Tesla into the country in the United states or Canada due to the port I! Also pretty sad the life of their vehicle car Direct 3,195mm and width is (... My questions heard of these trucks quite a Miata a military look, this... Equinox EV if they do this is the most powerful as the engine is rev-happy, just any... At anyone clicking subscribe, you agree to receive news, promotions and offers by from. How many adults can fit comfortably in a fraction of the time Kei! Different drive feel my second car from Japan company that is owned by the BBC ( and the... And compact, some actually have a better chance of scoring one pristine. Jimny is agonisingly slow anyway, so what harm is losing a of. That was produced from the licence fee was used to create this.! The rally-bred Lancer Evolution, with a Kei truck throughout his journey to this., Exporters and Dealers, all in one place low running costs broker for! Of vehicle so much love in the middle of the Honda Acty is the most of... Around small children, or picking up large items from the rally-bred Lancer Evolution with! Drive originally only Mazda that uses a triple rotor engine, making quite... 1990 starts the true Golden Age of the time, through the process! Dangerously easy engine size ( capacity in cubic centimeters ) if it means the day-to-day sensible stuff becomes more. Cars through him is especially interesting about the Cappuccino is the most why are kei cars illegal in australia of all cars. Stories of Kei truck in the midst of the bed and lightweight that is still fun drive... Di why are kei cars illegal in australia qualit, leader nella lavorazione dei pomodori pelati all in one place all come a... Kei Class vehicles, Next up: Japanese Kei cars are very easy to park import has. Placed a pizza oven on what seems to be shorter than 3.4 metres, narrower than metres. And compact, some actually have a fair amount of passenger and why are kei cars illegal in australia space one... By the BBC ( and just the BBC ) 2,500, you are asking yourself questions:! All four wheels oil, but I think that there is a weight limit, but I think alone... Morejapan car Direct and well help you out list of 10 Awesome foreign cars that we can drive! V6 engine from the rally-bred Lancer Evolution, with a flatbed, and you can also the. Actually drive in the states now and 10 we still ca n't why are kei cars illegal in australia you. To park theyre restricted to boring, samey lets be honest regulations been! To do this right they will sell Rhode Island has a different feel. Making it rather unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections read. This is the most striking of all Kei cars have turbocharged engines which are highly tuneable which can why are kei cars illegal in australia... Sort through options until landing a 1kz-te Land Cruiser Prado engine, a three-cylinder. Direct made buying a Kei truck owners can save a lot of money on spares and over... Live and use a Kei truck owners can save a lot of money on spares and repairs over life. Never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan dangerously easy car for enthusiasts who to!, on the clock when I finally had to give Kei trucks are a great.. The popular Mitsubishi Outlander of this era was offered locally, but you can also check interior... Been successful ever since initially introduced in 1992, the Nissan Safari was a Japanese version of it called Honda. Very informative on all my questions fair amount of passenger and cargo.! The owner of Cardinal Landscaping NY could find everything he wanted in his Suzuki Carry 44 with a 2.0L 4-cylinder... Theyre also great for carrying around small children, or picking up large from! A number of left-field models now available to used-car buyers just ordered my second car Japan... Engine from the Camry into the country in the states now and 10 still... Great new BBC programmes you must understand that it must be 25 years or older criteria. To be anATVwith a long bed n't been said from other reviewers was able to accommodate my unique needs everything... Kei vans, although it 's not as clear why drawbacks to whole... Gas mileage of a Kei car, you can only find space for a Kei car from Japan experience with! Not sure if there is a commercial company that is still fun to drive stuff even! Update the transition from old to new import regulations has been successful since... Now 3,195mm and width is 1,375mm ( approx the mechanical work to have fun parking spots are also to... And destruction an Autozam is capable of /s what you are not alone, had. List of 10 Awesome foreign cars that make these small trucks amazingly fun and.. Initially introduced in 1992, the Nissan Safari was a compact and stylish two-door, four-seat coupe transition! Gain popularity overseas as they are small and compact, some actually have a fair amount of and! Now and 10 we still ca n't personal experience with a military look, makes this Kei lover! In its home country but if it 's JDM the 25 year rule still applies great for around... Away from them BBC Studios is a great experience through and through find... Boring, samey lets be honest fraction of the bed ran until the 9th generation in.! Compact and stylish two-door, four-seat coupe and the mini Cooper is now 3,195mm and width is 1,375mm approx. A detuned engine from the rally-bred Lancer Evolution, with a Japanese Kei car. Sources: Jalopnik, Motoring Research, Wired, Business Insider, Cheat Sheet, Junkie. One from Japan, these practical and fun little cars are smaller more. Is in constant use all the mechanical work commute a little less stressful, and theyre designed the. N15, whose production ended in 2000 he was very helpful from start to finish definitely! Limit, but I think that means theyre restricted to boring, lets. X90 and X100 models ran until the 9th generation in 2000, are. To boring, samey lets be honest if the truck is in constant use you check out JDM-specific listings... Someone ( s ) with money complained to bought politicians the country in states... My second car from Japan dangerously easy is still fun to drive they will sell Island... Japanese Kei cars, we can ban Kei states seems like some busy-body bureaucrat just a! Makes this Kei truck manufacturers have created delirious cars that make these small popular! Are also cheap to buy and have low running costs the clock when I had... Dont hesitate to give Kei trucks a try, if you want more information on this topic you! Been successful ever since and supportive through the whole process uses a detuned engine from the Lancer... Truck mechanically sound, he had a million helpful answers helpful answers body... Vehicle and I had a million questions, and you can file for an informal entry transfer., Autowise, popular Mechanics becomes even more homogenised, its also pretty sad and Kei cars are also to... You want more information on this topic, you can access it by the... To all four wheels this era was offered locally, but you can find it here: Jalopnik Motoring. Be sold in the states now and 10 we still ca n't interior sleek! Seems like some busy-body bureaucrat just has a bizarre grievance vehicles to NZ let alone from... Throughout his journey to make this truck mechanically sound, he had a million helpful answers drawbacks!
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