This buyers guide focuses on Acty's that were made between 1990-1999. The second generation started in the 1988, but in 1990, Acty's got a bigger engine. They went from a 550cc engine to a 660cc engine. The vehicles from the 80's are not commonly imported and parts can be difficulty to source, while the one's from the 90's have more support in comparison. In addition, electronic fuel injection was introduced in 1996. There can be huge differences depending on the year, so definitely do your research on the specific van or truck you’re looking at. Check out the description for some helpful resources!
A really nice video! Great advice not just for people looking to buy an Acty, but I'd say also for car beginners looking to buy their first car. Good job!
Re: "They're the same underneath" (trucks and vans) Well, not so much........ The mechanical stuff does, for the most partinterchange. But, trucks are body on frame construction, vans are unit body construcyion, so there can be box swaps, dump bodies and so on. Also, make sure it has a good windshield. Buy a van with damaged glass and you could be in for a rude surprise. Van windshields are unique to the van, and can run 1500$! (if you can find one) Be wary of vehicle with rain guards (like yours has). They tend to promote rust behind the window gaskets. If it has A/C, make sure it works. The Acty has a unique, and fairly complicated system, scattered all over the car, and fixing a dead one is complicated. Be aware that the vans come in commercial and passenger trim levels. The passenger vans bring a lot of nice upgrades, and you don't save much with a commercial van. Also, the passenger vans tend to be lower miles and better cared for, as they were more likely to be passenger vehicles than work trucks. A big 'AMEN' to the idea that finding, buying and planning for parts on future jobs will be a big part of your life. But, there are importers, junkyards, dealers, and a network of enthusiasts to help. Rob Robinette has like a 50 page online guide to running an Acty in the US which is a must read. Handy hint: Acty plug wires come from Japan, and are rare and expensive. Early 90's Civic 1600 wires are cheap , plentuiful and fit your Acty- and you'll have an extra wire! Oh, and check that oil- Acty engines have somewhat of a rep as oil users- and that pan holds less than 3 quarts. The filter is no problem though; most Honda filters woprk. 12" tires suck; most replace them. I've spent a year fixing repairing and generally getting to know my van. Don't get discouraged. Spend the time to service it and get things right, and it's a fun little ride that's very reliable. (BTW, the real batteries for these are totally unobtainable; buy a tractor battery instead.)
Its cool u use it for daily use. I want to get one eventually to use as my primary as well. I do have a question, were u able to register your car? ik thats a necesity to be able to drive on the roads and ive been seeing and hearing a lot about how a lot of states are either not allowing them or eventually removing them.
When I got my Acty, it was already registered, but Oregon is known for not being friendly to KEI vehicles. My advice would be to ask owners in the state you live in. It will vary greatly.
It depends. Some people use ATV tires. Others get 13 or 14 inch rims to get tires that are readily available. If you go up in rim size, you have to be careful to make sure you do not have rubbing. Rim offset and tire size is critical.
This buyers guide focuses on Acty's that were made between 1990-1999. The second generation started in the 1988, but in 1990, Acty's got a bigger engine. They went from a 550cc engine to a 660cc engine. The vehicles from the 80's are not commonly imported and parts can be difficulty to source, while the one's from the 90's have more support in comparison. In addition, electronic fuel injection was introduced in 1996. There can be huge differences depending on the year, so definitely do your research on the specific van or truck you’re looking at. Check out the description for some helpful resources!
Is t easier for parts under 1996
A really nice video! Great advice not just for people looking to buy an Acty, but I'd say also for car beginners looking to buy their first car. Good job!
Awesome honest video. I appreciate the basic tips. Well spoken as well.
The fun of driving them is worth all the small things that come up,I just ordered my 4th Subaru Sambar,I totally love kei cars so fun
How do I get a sambar imported and can I get it street legal in the U.S.?
Thank you for your video.
This is so helpful. You are the man.
Re: "They're the same underneath" (trucks and vans) Well, not so much........
The mechanical stuff does, for the most partinterchange. But, trucks are body on frame construction, vans are unit body construcyion, so there can be box swaps, dump bodies and so on. Also, make sure it has a good windshield. Buy a van with damaged glass and you could be in for a rude surprise. Van windshields are unique to the van, and can run 1500$! (if you can find one) Be wary of vehicle with rain guards (like yours has). They tend to promote rust behind the window gaskets. If it has A/C, make sure it works. The Acty has a unique, and fairly complicated system, scattered all over the car, and fixing a dead one is complicated. Be aware that the vans come in commercial and passenger trim levels. The passenger vans bring a lot of nice upgrades, and you don't save much with a commercial van. Also, the passenger vans tend to be lower miles and better cared for, as they were more likely to be passenger vehicles than work trucks. A big 'AMEN' to the idea that finding, buying and planning for parts on future jobs will be a big part of your life. But, there are importers, junkyards, dealers, and a network of enthusiasts to help. Rob Robinette has like a 50 page online guide to running an Acty in the US which is a must read. Handy hint: Acty plug wires come from Japan, and are rare and expensive. Early 90's Civic 1600 wires are cheap , plentuiful and fit your Acty- and you'll have an extra wire! Oh, and check that oil- Acty engines have somewhat of a rep as oil users- and that pan holds less than 3 quarts. The filter is no problem though; most Honda filters woprk. 12" tires suck; most replace them.
I've spent a year fixing repairing and generally getting to know my van. Don't get discouraged. Spend the time to service it and get things right, and it's a fun little ride that's very reliable.
(BTW, the real batteries for these are totally unobtainable; buy a tractor battery instead.)
Thanks for correcting me!
@@saladbar21 Update: Early 2022, and Kei trucks, especially Hondas have taken off. Finding a nice Honda van under 10k is getting harder.
These vans in good condition will sell for 8k, most are around 6k-7k though
Thanks!!
Its cool u use it for daily use. I want to get one eventually to use as my primary as well. I do have a question, were u able to register your car? ik thats a necesity to be able to drive on the roads and ive been seeing and hearing a lot about how a lot of states are either not allowing them or eventually removing them.
When I got my Acty, it was already registered, but Oregon is known for not being friendly to KEI vehicles. My advice would be to ask owners in the state you live in. It will vary greatly.
Do you know any importers to buy from? Or dealerships that sell theses vehicles in the states?
Check the Facebook group “I got screwed by a shady jdm imported”. Under the announcement tab, they have a list of reputable importers.
Great video
Thanks!
Where do you get your tires from? Jw
It depends. Some people use ATV tires. Others get 13 or 14 inch rims to get tires that are readily available. If you go up in rim size, you have to be careful to make sure you do not have rubbing. Rim offset and tire size is critical.
Does your van havw rear seat belts?
None of them do
Where could I get one of these ?
The easiest way is to go through a importer.
AND the speedometer is in KLH not MPH. So, to calculate, 1.6 k equals 1 mile. I'll let you do the math.
I hate the car because of you 😂
Mechanics dont buy these, this worries me