NO, you are not crazy. You are just crazy about Subaru Sambars. I'm not far behind too. I own one and I love it and I drive all over North Carolina in all highways at 110km or 60 miles per hour. Thanks for sharing.

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

While Sam's wife and daughters do not agree with your assessment of him, we appreciate you coming to his defense ;) . Great to hear from another proud Sambarer! Keep driving yours in good health in 2023.

@DaihatsuMiraWalk-Through

Жыл бұрын

I also live in North Carolina in Clayton and drive a 1993 Daihatsu Mira Walkthrough which is a very rare JDM to see here.🙂

@space1commander

Жыл бұрын

@@DaihatsuMiraWalk-Through Very cool, we are close by I live in Durham and work in Morrisville and I always use my Mini Truck to go to work 147S to 40.

@DaihatsuMiraWalk-Through

Жыл бұрын

@Space1Commander I generally use the Mira Walkthrough just for joy riding, car meets and shows, etc. It's quite rare and very hard to import a decent one. Maybe we'll cross paths someday.

@ELDYABLO360

Жыл бұрын

@@space1commander any off road use? Like maybe beaches of NC? Planing in getting one and it's something I'd like to do with it.

Great review! I hit 77mph in my SC Sambar with 4 adult passengers and I still had room to go; but Sambars will spin a bearing at extended trips at 70 and above; they will run all day long at 50-55, or 60-65 with cool down breaks. Also, the Sambar Squad group has probably the most comprehensive technical database and support among the vehicles you tested.

@AwakenWithCoachKathy

Жыл бұрын

Where can I find a battery for a Sambar? Mine just died 😢 Thank you!

@cdoublejj

5 ай бұрын

the new beetle runs it's living day lights out the highway, look at google results for high rpm on highway, it suprises everyone, i put GOOD ASS OIL IN IT! like better than mobile one hi dollar but, i buy in bulk for lower prices.

@1dash133

2 ай бұрын

@@AwakenWithCoachKathy Do a web search for "Sambar battery". You'll get dozens of hits.

I'm 6'4 and the only kei ive driven was a Honda Acty van. I had TONS of room. I was so shocked how roomy it was for me. 10/10 driving experience will buy one.

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Keep in mind that vans have far more room than trucks. Vans have nicer seats with more leg/knee room and nearly unlimited room to recline. Trucks, on the other hand, have limited room for movement due to the rear cab wall, to which the headrest is bolted.

Great review! I just purchased a Suzuki Carry 4WD, dump. I fabricated a mounting bracket for a plow and winch. No lift, just beefy snow tires. I'm sure I'll have no problem with the 4 low and axles locked. Slow and steady will easily make it work. Everything is going really well so far. I'll be ready for the North East snow this year. 👍

I remember the years I spent in Japan and Korea, where such vehicles were very common. The most I recall seeing were those used for farming and hauling equipment. They were great for out in the fields, and getting into those smaller side streets, being real work horses for almost everything.

Nice summation. I just ran my supercharged Subaru Sambar TT2 Hi-Cab up and down the hilly Vermont I-91 freeway between Windsor and WRJ at 70+ mph (I hit 120 kph on 175-70 R14 tires). I had to downshift into 4th on one particular hill in 10 miles, always do, because it is mountainous terrain, but we maintained speed. We passed two vehicles in 10 miles and kept up with the majority of the rest. The Sambar does not have a tachometer, but it has shift point indicators for 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear at certain positions noted on the speedometer. The engine and transmission combo is designed for these recommended shift points and it truly screams far beyond what people think would to be normal in reaching these shift points. It is amazing, how nicely it slides into the next gear when I follow the queues. To shift at lower points would be to lug the hot little engine. The full power band in any engine should be regularly used or the engine is being abused. I have been driving and beating the hell out of engines since the mid '60's and haven't blown one yet. I love the way this little supercharged, EFI, four cylinder engine screams. It wants to work and it does. I have owned my Sambar since 2009. I purchased it with 40k miles on it. The engine has been through hell and back, due to some leaky coolant tube situations now in the past, the result of the tin worms eating the tubes (something you'll learn about if you drive a Sambar in salt country), but the engine still does not use a drop of oil after all these years. I rebuilt the cooling tube manifold and runs using soldered copper plumbing pipe and fittings. It was a perfect match. I use top shelf 10w30 synthetic oil, always have. I change it once a year. I don't drive a lot of miles, so this works for me, an oil change every spring. Have some fun with a Kei truck!

@timshulga1570

2 ай бұрын

Where did you end up purchasing the Subaru from? I’m in the upper valley too looking for the same model! Thanks for the help

@jdmcarandmotorcycle4241

Ай бұрын

Synthetic oil not good for old cars

Really good overview of the different trucks! I have owned 6 ACTY's, 5 Sambars, 1 Minicab and 1 Hijet. They have all had their good/bad qualities and quirks. To me Sambars run smoother, and are just better driving than the others. I do like the build quality on the Hondas more, mostly because with my trucks, the interiors are less prone to falling apart.

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

We've found HiJets have the worst interior quality in terms of wear -- especially the seats. The seatbacks turn to dust and the metal rods start poking through.

I bought the Acty. I don't have it yet, but i think i made the right choice. I'm 5'9" and 120 lbs, so space really shouldn't be a problem. I hear nothing but good stories of the real time 4wd. I like the look of it better than the others, too. It was a choice between the Sambar and the Acty, as the engine under the cab in southern Utah heat was just not going to happen. Not going to lie, the final decision maker was price, I absolutely had to have 4WD, 5-Speed manual, and A/C. Found a 95 Acty with all those four 1200 before shipping from Japan. Yeah, the 95 is carbureted, and the 96 is fuel injected, but I really ain't going to be driving it a whole lot as I work all over the country and this is just my at home rig, so I'm cool with second place. As far as it being the weakest, I'm probably never taking it to the freeway, and the most highway driving will be about 6 miles one way, so not a problem. But the other half of this equation is that I'm considering swapping out the engine for a street bike engine when it gives up the ghost. So I'll be upping the power substantially IF I do that, may or may not... but kinda the plan if the engine goes out.

This video is ridiculously informative and thorough. Thank you for making this, it's really helped me narrow down the search. I'm also 6'4 and a few thousand km away from Japan, so it's hard to make informed decisions especially regarding the ergonomics so thank you specifically for covering that and mentioning your height!

@scottystiffchicken

10 ай бұрын

With you @6’6”

@kidsythe

6 ай бұрын

I hope so. I'm about to watch

I have owned a Suzuki carry and a honda acty hands down honda is the best slow I don't care about speed 55mph cruising 😎 all day

@jamesjohnson8661

8 ай бұрын

Please quantify that statement. Acty sucks off road.

@ScottBennettMusic

6 ай бұрын

Own an Acty on a small farm in michigan. Handles off road work perfectly.

@Viper3048

5 ай бұрын

I prefer the Carry

@jimtrailer5627

18 күн бұрын

Hello sir, I have a Mitsubishi high top extended cab five speed that I absolutely love. I’m a big guy 300 pounds. I put it with room. I thought it was very rare vehicle also. He didn’t talk about it, but it’s the extended cab and the high top roof are really amazing, it gives me a shelf up top. I do live in Massachusetts and it’s been good vehicle until something happened and I have not been able to find a mechanic. Look for a whole year which upsets me I just stopped running.

I'm thinking of buying a mini truck but was on the fence over what to get. This video was super helpful... I'm now looking for a Subaru Sambar. :) Thank you for your time in putting this great comparison together!

I bought a Hijet pick/Lift, mostly becasue it had the most accessible engine. Having to work through a hole in the bed just isn’t very fun. With a dump bed, you raise the bed, take off the engine protection plate, and you have full access to the engine. The Suzuki, and the Hijet, have the best weight distribution, due to their true mid engine layout. My Hijet has a perfect fifty/fifty weight distribution with me in the seat.

@keithhooper6123

3 ай бұрын

I had Hondas for years,and found working through the hatch,no problem.Very rarely needed to ,in practice.

My last Sambar caught fire at just over 700'000km. My company has had many of these over the years and I stand by my assertion that they are the best business decision I have ever made.

Sam, thanks for the informative vid. Most thorough coverage of Kei trucks that I've come across. Well done, sir!

日本の軽トラックがこんなに人気があるとは驚きました😊 古くなった軽トラックを大切に使って貰えてる様で嬉しいです from ＪＡＰＮ

@siddadood

3 ай бұрын

Yes we love them! You are lucky lol

Super informative. KZread needs more content like this. Thanks!

This video is exactly what I've been looking for, thank you!

Thanks for the Ranking on those little trucks. I,m looking at them all the time.

Thanks buddy, this video gave me a sense of direction in the market. Much appreciated!

You've been fantastic with your job. I am excited to own a Sambar. Thank you for taking the pains to do the job for us.

A nice, thorough comparison! Thanks!

Thanks so much for a thorough explanation of all the vehicles.

Hey there Class winners! Your video is a blast to watch! There was a lot of good information in the video. A combination of both information and opinion:) However more opportunity for education remains. For the last twelve years, we have been humbled and privileged to own thousands of mini trucks. This has given us unique insight that causes us to proceed carefully when we are asked the question "which is the best KEI truck?" It's the most commonly asked question because it's what the well intentioned consumer wants to know. There are a variety of people out there needing a mini truck for varied applications but there really isn't just one mini truck which is the best for all people. While the fantastic Subaru Sambar is a well engineered and built KEI truck, buying one could be a mistake. A BIG mistake. For example, we've been contacted by five people over the past few years (three of whom self imported) who had either a spun connecting rod bearing or a crankshaft bearing. This is because the Subaru Sambar is a 4 cylinder and is buttery smooth. Add to that the engine literally doubles as the rear bumper way back there. You can barely hear it. This creates a risk to the unsuspecting operator who can over rev their engine and do irreversible damage. Add to that a supercharger and we'll let you imagine the rest:) The KEI vehicle is NOT an acceptable interstate commuter. We sold a Subaru Sambar van to someone who wanted to drive it on the interstate to complete a six hour trip and against our advice did attempt to make the trip. The crankshaft bearing spun on interstate 81. Caveat emptor. We also are hearing from people who are needing a KEI truck for the woods or off road and must have a Subaru. That is a poor union of truck/user since your rear bumper is your engine and there is a large risk of backing into a stationary object and causing huge damage to the powerplant. Seen it first hand:) There are several more acceptable options which are safer and a more appropriate solution. As a secondary or tertiary mention, we have Daihatsu's on a two post lift every day doing oil changes at three different mechanics. We use normal protocol and have not had any trucks fall off:) Thank God for that! Didn't want to write a book here but your video prompted a rejoinder. Thank you for making the video! There is a lot of useful information contained in it:) Caveat emptor for sure. An educated consumer is the best consumer:)

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Great comment and we couldn't agree more with everything you wrote! When it comes to any "best" it comes down to opinion. We always tell customers 1) Pick the vehicle that best suits your needs. 2) Do not daily a Kei in America due to speed, safety and reliability. (Mostly this because of downtime getting parts, but we generally advise against any 25+ year old car as a daily driver.) 3) Keis were designed for life below 50 mph, so only Interstate when you absolutely have to. Of course, plenty of customers ignore us!

@frankrosemeck9898

3 ай бұрын

Judging by this well thought out comment, I'm going to Guess it was written by Tony. Thanks for all the education!

Very nice video, by the way. I’ll be looking for more in the future.

this video really helped me decide which kei truck im going to purchase, thank you !

Thanks thinking about a mini, and this helps! Thanks for sharing your experience. 🇯🇵

Great video. I’ve been looking at these and this is really helpful.

Awesome video! Thank you so much for breaking it down.

Thank you Sam for doing this video!! God bless you Sir. I'm actually going for a Suzuki Carry!!😊

Thorough and informative, thanks for the video.

Great Job Sam!! Spot on with your assessment!.. My buddy "Oh Kei Garage" now owns that 12km Sambar from your clip..lol

Fresh intro to a cool subject. TY! :)

I think you forgot a few points with the Honda acty. The truck is a unibody which sets it apart. The acty has the longest bed space because it dips in behind the seats. The acty has much more interior storage room than the cab over alternatives under the seats. The acty is best off-road in my opinion from testing the others. The acty also was offered in a 6 wheel version that can have tracks installed! Also being real-time 4x4 it is much safer in snowy conditions. I do agree with a lot of the things about the acty in your video though especially the leg room.

Great video! Just importeda new hijet van for adventuring around our new property, '22 4x4, and will be used for camping and exploring as we just purchased a combination of diff pieces of land totaling around 7100 acres! My wife just got a new '22 extend cab hijet truck, and we also ported in a new jimny and a landcruiser strictly for on property use! Should do well for use in a few private tinyhouse communities we will be bringing online this coming summer! again, great video! We've been getting folks across our existing private communities, who live in tinyhouses, to nab hijets we've been bringing in! Many have large sprinter vans, f350s/3500 rams, very large vehicles, and enjoy using the small hijets to put around town, as they are legal as atvs, and sxs's! keep up the great videos!

Just ordered my second Minicab (sold my 1st and instantly regretted it) . While I never had any trouble with highways or backroads, it definitely was revvving quite high at speed. Moving forward, if I ever am in the market again, I will now be looking for a Sambar for sure, Just couldn't resist the price on the 4x4 mitsu with AC and dump bed as I'll only be using it as a property maintenance vehicle instead of buying a Kubota RTV.

Thanks for the comprehensive comparision. At 6'2 I was concerned most about fitting. Good to know Sambar is the way to go for me.

@dWsjapan

3 ай бұрын

はじめまして！サンバーが抜群です😸日本より！

really interesting thanks Sam

Excellent information. Thank you for sharing this.

Definitely happy I found this video. Been looking all over FB marketplace for a kei van and came very close to paying a premium for a minicab bravo. Glad I found out it’s difficult to find parts for it. Might try my luck with the Diahatsu since it’s so hard to find a Sambar van for cheap

East Coast Canada, I got myself a 2005 Suzuki Every Wagon and it is a blast to drive with its 4x4 turbo I turn so many heads and so many people want it, I mainly bought it for mail delivery but now its my daily driver and at 6'5" its tight but I have good leg room, amazing head room like 6 or 8 inches of head room, I haul so much stuff in it, and I'm working with a buddy of mine to get a side by side plow mounted on it, very excited. great video B'y

Thank you for the information. I was trying to pick one to buy and now i have all the info i need.

My '98 Sambar is being put into a shipping container next week. I'm 6'2" 250#, and I had done some research before buying and knew it would have more room and I also liked the idea of weight distribution and ease of access to the engine. It will be used around a small farm in East Texas. These minitrucks are much more useful and affordable than a side by side. I appreciate your video and thanks for helping me feel better about my decision to buy the Subaru.

Hey man, love the cars and the jokes, great vid !!

Wonderful review for a future buyer.

Awesome review, glad I came across this.

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the positive feedback. Happy New Year!

Thank you for the comparison video, hopefully some of this translates into their van models. I'm ready to make the purchase of a Kia van after doing some research for almost a year( and saving a few extra bucks) I have been leaning towards the Subaru sambar and your video sealed the deal for me, I'm 6'3 and would like as much room as I could get in one of these. Thanks again for the video

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Check out our video comparing the Sambar Dias to the Acty Street : kzread.info/dash/bejne/dJll1M-uoZnHnJs.html

Awesome video!

If I'm on the highway going downhill with the wind at my back and my foot to the floor, I can bury the needle on my Autozam Scrum and it doesn't mind it at all. And even when fully loaded with ~1,200 pounds of topsoil, I could keep it at 65 kmh going uphill on a 12-14% incline in 4th gear. That truck impresses me every day and is a blast to drive. Great reviews and comparisons of the main competitors. I completely agree with your ranking, too. A Sanbar might be my next acquisition.

Thanks for helping me make a decision on what to choose when I get to that decision. It was either between the Subaru or the Honda. I'm leaning more towards subaru since I will probably hop on the 5 a lot

Hi Sam, great mini truck review! I think you were fair in your world. Urban, highways, etc. Don't forget they are trucks. I haul 600lb hay bales and firewood in Colorado mountains. I wouldn't want a rear engine, prone to damage and taking payload ability here. I've done a couple of videos that get that point across hopefully. I also believe Suzuki parts availability is the best. Thanks again!

Have daily driven my 94 Sambar for 2yrsvwithout a problem. Fantastic vehicle, the most functional and practical truck that I have ever owned.

Excellent consise video. I imported 18 or so JDM. And ran them in other countries. Thank 🐦 you!

2001 HiJet owner here. I love this thing, but it's not that useful in a rural setting unless you have it raised and have serious tires on it. Highway speeds of 70 mph are possible but you're beating it to death. Staying around 50-55 is pretty good. The High-low ranges are cool as are the locking differential and the DUMP BED (gets all the oohs and ahhhs). North American users will want to get heavier springs as the slightest pothole jars the spine. All in all, a pretty cool and rare package though. Love it.

@wildbill23c

Жыл бұрын

The new models are in the $20k price range with the same options....thought about getting one until I found out the new(er) models cannot be registered for use on the highway. Paying that kind of money for something I can't get in and drive into town is totally pointless. Cool around the property but would be nice to actually use it to run into town since I'm only 4 miles from town and 35mph speed limits to get to town and lower speeds in town 20-25mph, it would make a great vehicle for that, but sadly registration/title isn't an option on the new ones.

Great review of the factors that matter.

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! We try our best.

Been wanting a kei van for a while now, but highway capabilities have been a deterrent. Especially as I would primarily use it as a camper. Anyways, great video! Answered so many questions I didn’t even know I had!

Absolutely amazing video! So glad I came across this because I want to buy a Kei truck soon 😊

This is the video i have been waiting for. Personally i enjoy them all however i do like the Hijet and Minicab more.

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, @tacoman572! (Check out the other Class Winners RANKED! video already up (A/B/C Kei Supercars) and our full-length Seat of The Pants review videos on the Carry, Street, Sambars featured in this video.) And most importantly, we love when your favorite differs from ours, since if we all wanted the same vehicles, the prices would be out of reach for most.

@tacoman864

Жыл бұрын

@@CollectorCarGuru i truly enjoy these videos keep em commin

I have a 92' Acty and I love it, I have taken it on several trails and never any issues.

Made that decision simple. TY!

Nice job. Agree with the conclusions.

That Supercharger clip was in Olympia, WA crazy be able to figure that out at a glimpse

thank you this helps a lot

This is the Future!

Very good video packed with a lot of useful information. How would you rate the newer Suzuki DA63T compared to the other models?

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Since the DA63T Carry generation didn't roll off the assembly line until January, 1999, it is too young to be imported into the USA...and consequently, we have absolutely zero firsthand experience with it or its contemporary competition. Once we do (probably in about 16 months from now), expect we will post an update. Thanks for watching and commenting!

Exactly what I was thinking, I'm looking into a Sambar supercharged right now. I have an importer looking for one. As soon as he finds a clean one I'll have my little tank 😂

Although this does answer a lot of my questions, I would love to see a video like this dedicated to the van versions....as I will need to buy one sometime this year for my new job....based on this video, the Subaru is my #1 choice, followed by the Suzuki.

Well done, you have my vote for the Sambars.

Thanks for the informative video. Currently hunting for a Kei van for my lake house to run people up steep hill to and from the dock. At 6'3" it sound like the Subaru is best option. Didn't here it mentioned but have you had chance to try the turbocharged models from Mitsubishi and Suzuki in the vans?

I'm biased to the Hijet because I bought one a few months ago. I looked at a LOT of kei trucks for sale online and the Hijets of the same year seemed to have fewer problems. The A/C is going to be problematic on 25+ year old vehicles but worked more often on the Hijets. The Hijets seemed to have less rust on both the frame and the body. That was a big concern for me after my Toyota Tacoma had a manufacturer's defect that caused the frame to rust through at 91,000 miles and rust completely in half at 137,000 miles despite me living in Kentucky on the lower edge of the salt belt. The old Hijets also had fewer oil leaks. I hate oil leaks almost as much as I hate rust. Almost all of the Sambars I saw had oil leaks, some minor and some major. So far, my Hijet has been easy to repair, maintain and upgrade, but I don't have a lift. That was good info to know. Thanks for the warning. The Hijet engine has a ridiculous number of vacuum lines. The top of the engine looks like a plate of spaghetti.

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Subaru engines have been notorious for oil seepage for decades -- not just the Kei Clover 4, but also US-market larger four cylinder engines. In our experience rust is an equal opportunity problem to all manufacturers and models in the space. We would suggest your sample size on A/C is probably not large enough and might have skewed results. Since A/C compressors and systems are largely sourced from common suppliers, they are all just as likely to be in need of a recharge -- a simple task on all of the models. (The systems in 25 year old vehicles often just need a can of R134A to get them working again.) And yes, many of the options have enough vacuum hoses to scare DIYers. It is imperative to ensure vacuum hoses are not leaking, as a 25-cent piece of hose can make a vehicle run like a two-legged cow on freshly Zamboni-ed ice.

@Liberty4Ever

Жыл бұрын

@@CollectorCarGuru - I looked at 300-400 used 25+ year old mini trucks before finally making a purchase. It got to the point that I'd skip straight to the inspection sheet to quickly see if there were any problems that I considered to be disqualifying. My survey sample size wasn't all that small! I was a bit obsessed. :-) I measured the vacuum lines (ID and OD) and ordered 15 feet of blue silicone vacuum hose to replace the short black rubber hoses on top of the engine. They look like the original hoses on the 1996 Hijet. The exterior was a bit oxidized but the hoses weren't cracking or dry rotted. I'm replacing them as preventive maintenance to avoid future vacuum leaks which seem much easier to prevent than to diagnose. The blue silicone tubing will allow me to replace the hoses one at a time and easily keep track of which hoses still need to be replaced. Apparently, most of the S110P Hijet vacuum hoses on the engine can be plugged. They're used for emissions control that probably isn't working and only made a subtle difference when new and fully functioning. I'm saddened to see 25+ year old kei trucks imported into the US and driven where roads are salted in the winter, and in a few years the frames are badly rusted. Frame corrosion is car cancer. Almost anything else can be repaired. I'm not driving my Hijet on salted roads until I "paint" the truck inside and out with Monstaliner bed liner so I can then spray the undercarriage and frame (inside and out) with Surface Shield lanolin based anti-corrosion treatment. I'll spray that inside the doors when I'm in there to clean and lubricate the window tracks and linkages, being careful not to plug any weep holes at the bottom of the doors. I wanted a mini truck with air conditioning but ultimately opted for no A/C to keep it simple and maintainable. I may regret that in the summer, but the older I get the more cold natured I am and the summer heat isn't too bad. I may install after market power windows. :-) My remote power door lock kit is arriving later today. Pimp my kei truck!

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

@@Liberty4Ever Awesome. As we talk about in our book "So You Think You Want A Japanese Domestic Market Import", going only by the auction inspection sheet can be a mistake. Auction inspectors miss a bunch and the percentage of A/C-equipped vehicles varies between models, as does the percentage of high quality vehicles sold at auction. We have had vehicles arrive where the auction and on-site independent inspector claimed the A/C didn't blow cold but absolutely did and plenty of the opposite. We've even bought vehicles at auction claiming not to have A/C where we noticed the HVAC panel and independent inspectors confirmed there was working A/C on the day of the auction. But so happy you got the one you wanted and you're planning to take care of it. Enjoy it and love being the great ambassador for the JDM and Kei truck community we know you will be!

@Liberty4Ever

Жыл бұрын

@@CollectorCarGuru - I wish I'd bought your book BEFORE importing a JDM vehicle. I guess some of us are destined to learn at the school of hard knocks. The Japanese characters in the comments section of the inspection sheet that I couldn't read probably disclosed the blown clutch. It's not that big of a deal. I only paid $265 for the Hijet... plus $1935 to ship it, plus port costs, plus $91 to rent a trailer, plus $240 for gas to tow it home, plus.... A few hundred more dollars and I'll be starting with a new clutch and new rear main oil seal. My $265 Hijet is on budget to top out at $5000+ by the time it's ready for its second life in the US. My remote power door lock kit just arrived from Amazon (B01MDLUTPC) and it looks very nice for aftermarket. It has four actuators for a four door installation. I'm hoping to use the other two actuators to lock and unlock the toolboxes - large 20 mm ammo cans that I'm mounting to the headache rack, above the sides of the bed but below the rear window. Pimp my mini truck! I'm a bit confused about my responsibilities as an ambassador for the JDM and Kei truck community. Would it be bad if I did donuts in the snowy Cracker Barrel parking lot until I got so dizzy I puked? Because that's the main reason I bought the damn truck in the first place. :-P

Glad I watched this was going to get the Honda now I’m looking at the sandbar

I appreciate the info I'm going to find one of those sandbars and sit in it and see if it works, THANKS 👍

My parents owned an Asia (Kia) towner back in the late 90’s. It was perfect for tight spaces when parking and loading in downtown. It hink it had a 3 cyl. engine that was super fuel efficient waaaay before we even thought of EV’s.

Thank you for addressing the fuel mileage myth. Everyone selling a Kei vehicle makes that claim. Even my Suzuki Cappuccino doesn't even get 40-50mpg. The best I've ever gotten in my Suzuki carry has been 34mpg. I average about 28mpg.

@shinobione2575

Жыл бұрын

that’s terrible

Thanks so much...just getting in to trying to import (used to live in Japan). Appreciate your video a lot bringing the major plusses and minuses out in the open. I was leaning from old experience toward Suzuki but will now consider Subaru if they have a dump/lift truck. I live in New England and it appears Subaru has best in snow traction. Much obliged.

This was AWESOME and SO insightful! Thank you!! But now, uh-oh... I was all down the path of ACTY (just about to pull the trigger), and now all sights are on Sambar! LOL. :-D Gosh I hope I can find a good one (van). PS: Constructive crit... Maybe turn down the volume a little bit? Felt a bit like I was getting yelled at.

@dWsjapan

3 ай бұрын

はじめまして！私はSUBARUの30年メカニックマンです。　そうです、アクティも悪くは無いですが、多くの構造に哲学を持った、使う人を念頭に作ったサンバーが抜群だと思います😸日本より！

Looks like I am definitely looking into researching he Subaru a lot more and I have a feeling that’s what I’m going to end up choosing.

@dWsjapan

3 ай бұрын

はじめまして！貴方の直感は正当ですよ✨サンバーは抜群です😸日本より！

I recognize that stretch of road you were on 😅 Highway 101 through West Olympia. Love the little truck by the way, I'd love to have one myself

Great, well thought-out ranking, though where the Subaru stumbles is climbing. For rural users who turn these things into UTVs, the subie is way too rear-biased in its center of gravity and lacks low range and diff/hub locks. The Hijet and Carry excel in this application with some pros and cons. Daihatsu made a special Climber version of the Hijet that reigns king, followed by the Carry then the regular Hijet.

Subaru prices are higher....i love the Sandbar and want one bad ( Samba!)....but the Suzuki is a great econo ride...and yes it revs up like a motorbike...the sound of a four banger is superb, though I love the quirky three piston growl, too( well, i got that in the R2...one 5speed, the other a cvt 4WD supercharger(not long to an engine transplant/swap)) You are not Crazy Mr. Bauer(?), you are spot on. Thanks very much. Happy New Year P.S. i got my eye on a Every van...that, as you know, is a midship engine rear wheel drive...hoping the extra weight will solve that-what dya say- feeling she gonna buck ya from behind

@dWsjapan

3 ай бұрын

はじめまして。サンバーは日本の運送業の赤帽社の要請から長距離輸送を含めた多用途車の要求が有った為に、故障の強い4気筒等、ご存知の様に他社よりも凝った構造になっています。なので新車価格も高かったんです(^_^;)でも乗って比較すると異次元の優秀さです😸 　うわ〜R2お持ちなんですね！しかも2台も！スゴイ！ツインカムのヘッドはそろそろ点火プラグホール内のゴムシールからオイル漏れがきますから、たまにコイルを外して適時交換をしてあげて下さいませ😊SUBARUメカニックマン😸日本より！

Excellent video. I have a Honda Acty , I’ve had it for 2 years now. Love it, but very cramped and slow. Next buy is the Subaru

Thanks....you helped confirm and solidify my choice - Sambar !

I'll start by saying your video is most informing. I have seen on the JDM Kei trucks! I would like to see a video on the JDM Daihatsu Mira Walthrough. I have a 1993 Classic model Walkthrough.

Your love for the little Kai shows. But at 6 ft 6 and 400 lb I will never have one I love them so much about the only thing I could do is play Matchbox cars with them I really like your attitude and Reporting in this because of this video you got a new subscriber

Good to know info.

Hi Sam. you reviews were impressive. in older japanese Kei trucks which one has the best automatic transmission if not the sambar is?

The other better ergonomic thing about these Kei trucks that is better than full size pickups, is that even small people can load the beds without having to bench press the loads to waist level height or higher, because the bed level is between the height of our hanging fingertips and our knees, just the height that loads in your arms hang without any lifting needed to get it onto the bed.

Thank you

You are right wright 😊, about Mitsubishi , it power can carry more weight , about 1,2 tons, from others, and stand still even at climbing a hills road

awesome video, do you know which performs best off-road? I have heard that the acty attack is great

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Most of the brands offer an Attack-like spec with locking axles/differentials (such as the Climber.) Quite honestly with 4wd and locking axles/diffs you get to the point where they are basically all equal at stock specifications. Hypothetically, a Sambar or Acty might be better on a very specific type of terrain where more rear weight is necessary, while a Hijet or Carry might have an advantage if the angles require more forward weight. Practically-speaking, though, any driver going into that type of situation frequently will want to modify their vehicle to meet a personalized need. To that end, Carry and HiJet probably have the most aftermarket support in upgrades, but the others have plenty, as well.

@170Eddie

Жыл бұрын

@@CollectorCarGuru awesome thank you

Sam nice video. Thank you. I’ve been looking at kei trucks and this was helpful. One question, have you ever tried a Toyota tow ace. It’s slightly larger and my state doesn’t seem to frown on titling and registering them. Love any input you may have.

@CollectorCarGuru

3 ай бұрын

The great thing about the Town Ace is you can get a turbodiesel. It is a great option for states like OR with kei bans. We did a Seat of The Pants Video on the Mitsubishi Delica, which is the direct competitor to the Toyota Town Ace/Lite Ace. While this covers the van version, much of it will apply to the truck versions. kzread.info/dash/bejne/qpphsdd-qdeZkco.html

Hi Sam, i too have recently caught the Kei truck bug. I am looking at the Mazda Bongo. Do you have any experience with those? I have 2 dogs that go with me everywhere and NEED the room. The larger engine and bed appeals to me too. I plan to use it in my fledgling orchard. Driving up and down the rows ( hereto for Ive used my pickup and trailer) and of course there will be the short trips into town, 2 miles away and occasionally to the larger town 20 miles away. Also, i may be loaning it occasionally to my girlfriend who will drive it 50 miles away and it seems the extra HP and size is a fit for me. Is 4 wheel drive necessary in the Bongo? With the duals in the rear I am wondering 2 WD is enough? Thanks for your time

So cool. Would love to get one someday. Do you what they cost? Do you know if these legal in California ?

2018 Honda acty at the top for me. 4wd top speed 130 kmph I'm 6.1 and the space is perfect and IV fit 500kg on the back to take to the tip. My daily driver and one of the only ones on the road in Australia 😉👍 only $40 bucks for a full tank of gas 🤣

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, 2018 Acty examples will not be eligible for import into the United States until late 2042 for the earliest 2017-built examples.

Good review can you tell me can you import theSubaru Sambars into Australia.

On my second Acty now (first was stolen), and the build quality is, well, Honda. They have a reputation for excellent quality for a reason.

Re: the supercharged Subaru. My Daihatsu Mira TR-XX is also one of these top spec "64hp" Kei cars and it will charge right up to 140kmh and slam right into the limiter easily. I am turning ~4250rpm in 5th gear @ 100kmh indicated

Thanks

Which of these has the best automatic transmission and 4X4 configuration? I plan on converting to using an electric/fuel cell for power.

I own a '97 Hijet Dual Cam SUPER Jumbo, which is insanely rare. Having that big cab solves quite a few problems mentioned in this ranking. The access panel ends up inside the cab. So removing the seats and panel give complete access to pretty much everything. Timing belt (with water pump) took less than 3 hours. That was also figuring it out as I went because there are no You Tube videos for this engine. My truck is auto with 2WD and A/C. I drive it to work everyday. How the truck will be used is not given any consideration in this review. If you want the most capable and modifiable truck for off road, the Suzuki wins hands down over the Subaru and the Honda. But , Like Tony from Mayberry mini Trucks, I agree with most of your reviews. I don't think you can do this topic justice with a 30 minute video. Daihatsu is the largest supplier of Kei trucks in Japan. Suzuki is second, but they are the only two companies in Japan manufacturing Kei trucks.

@CollectorCarGuru

Жыл бұрын

Okay, we're jealous! We cannot emphasize just how rare it is to see a Dual Cam Super Jumbo. (We're still holding out for a 5spd 4X4, but chances of finding one in a condition worth importing is on the level of Powerball winning ticket.) And we firmly agree on your assessment of modification ability and that it is nearly impossible to do justice to this topic in 30 min, but we certainly did our best to hit the major points and glad owners like yourself are here to fill in the blanks with their experiences.

My fiance’s family in SE Asia have a 1990 Suzuki Carry. What is the expected longevity of the motor and transmisssion? They are considering buying a newer Suzuki Every from 2010+ model years. Is there a better wngine between the da64v, da64w and the da17w?