Not necessarily the end of the world. 1993, I was rear-ended in Geo Storm at a stop light by a 1972 Ford apache doing 50. I was in bed for 3 weeks but survived.
I have a 97 Honda Acty 5speed. Perfect truck for living in the rural south. It’s not my primary vehicle but I’m starting to drive it more than my primary vehicle cause it’s just so fun to drive.
I'm a meter reader in Tampa Florida that owns a 98 sambar, use it for work, reading meters up and down the main and rural streets. It's super fun, accessible as a work truck, great on gas, and just useful. The only down side? It's slow... Real slow. If it would only go a little faster, I'd use it confidently as my primary. That being said, if you get hit, you're done for. You have to be extra vigilant and alert. If you live in a super busy city or area I would think twice about having it as your primary. If you have an alternate vehicle, I would be more inclined. Definitely consider safety and speed!
I have a 4 speed manual, 4x4 1992 Suzuki Carry 660, no a/c. Drop side flat bed off a Mazda Scrum. I use it on the farm. Has a couple toolboxes, a chemical tank with a 12v pump and a wand for spot spraying, a few jerry cans of field diesel and gasoline, and a gasoline powered air compressor on it. I bought three of them for $7500 total in 2011, I think. Gave my dad one, sold one. Had about 60k kilometers on it. The shifter had a metal token welded to it so it wouldn’t go into fourth gear for some importation reason. Took me using a grinder for about five minutes to cut that off after I got it home. I just use it as a little service truck that can run around anywhere on the farm. I didn’t tag it, but it has a slow moving vehicle sign on it, and the local cops pretty much treat it like a farm implement. I stay on 45mph roads or slower, run with the headlights and flashers on.
I agree that they are terrible primary vehicles, but if you get something like a Suzuki Cappuccino/Alto work (RSR or RSX) Daihatsu Mira TRXX, or Subaru Vivio RXR (or any of the other sporty keis) you won’t have any issue driving on the highway. I can cruse at 80mph all day. And it’s the same size as a old MG or Triumph from the 1970s
I put 23 inch tires on mine and that changes things drasticly . I had planned on doing mostly yard work with it so I bought A 4 spd . all the hwy driving i do now makes me wish I had A 5 spd . still cruises at 60 mph without pushing too hard though
I’m seeing more and more Subie Sandbars and Honda Actys here in South FL. They are extremely practical little minivans/trucks. The Japanese know exactly what they’re doing. Btw, Mr. Subaru channel has a few videos on the maintenance/service of the Sambars.
Been considering getting a 4x4 kei truck to use around the property for yard work and hauling random junk around since they’re so much cheaper than a side by side with the benefit that I could drive it into town without a slow moving vehicle sign. What stops me is not knowing where I’d get parts to maintain it or if they’re affordable parts
many places domesticly . but somewhat pricey for some things . check out ryt enterprises out of the phillipines ..... parts are dirt cheap and shipping is very reasonable and fast now . domestic companyu wantyed $60 for an exhaust gasket before shipping . RYT charged $35 pre shipped for a gasket kit for the entire truck
Yahoo auctions japan has everything on the planet for them, and many US sellers stock the essentials like belts, gaskets, etc. Jesse Streeter/Streetercorp will ship almost anything bought in Japan (easy to navigate Japanese sites with browser auto-translate, and you just send Streetercorp the link) and you'd probably get it faster coming from Japan than someone wanting parts for their brand new Tesla or any other new car with limited parts supply.
If you get a Honda or Subaru kei truck, a lot of the common parts like oil filters have US equivalents such as the Civic. Just look it up in one of the kei community websites.
Rapidly improving. Smaller maintenance parts are easily available from US sellers on eBay, etc. and even some auto parts stores are adding them to their computers for parts that cross-reference with USDM cars. Note this is mostly for kei trucks/vans, the other keis aren't quite as prolific yet except maybe the Jimny. For bigger stuff like glass, doors, etc. there's a higher chance you'll have to import, but I know at least one place has started to bulk import windshields (can't remember the name, saw it on FB months ago), so that will get better in time, too.
II live in a small town and would LOVE to have one as a commuter car but I can't see these poor things doing very well in the Canadian winters of Northern Ontario
The northern parts of Japan have winters just as brutal as Canada. Many of these kei cars have 4WD, as long as you put anti-rust treatment they should be fine in Northern Ontario.
If I had a ranch a Kei would be my truck. Put some mudders on it go anywhere. Driving on the road/highway? Probably not. But people who love the idea of 'city' cars, this would be the way.
larger 23 inch tires , a cheap 2 inch lift kit and i would reccomend A 5 spd vs A 4 spd . I cruise at 55-60 easily even with my 4 spd . I just dont push it and try to drive 75
These cars are bigger than the smart cars we sell in the USA so why do some states not allow these when smart cars are even smaller. I've got no problem with these because they get the job done. Kei trucks are good
Its almost like the non inflation rate. They are in their own world with respect and thoughtfullness. America is the violent opposite. “Doing the speed limit get the fuck outta my way” then add the monster trucks, 80k$$ mall lot queen.
Good for farms, not for nonfarming counties... A guy in ohio gets the good ones UsMiniTrucks... its basically like a offroad 2 track, legal in some town laws for smaller roads...
The laws in the US promote bigger dumber more expensive cars and trucks. Trucks that are as big as they are should have another license same with EV. Too much too fast.
@@dertythegrowerit's to dodge EPA requirements. But sure, you people also probably need lane assist, and emergency braking wile you Facebook and drive.
@@dertythegrowerLet’s discuss safety then. Trucks and SUVs have become so bloated that manufacturers are installing front pedestrian sensors. So, you know, you don’t run over people which has been a problem lately. Never had that issue with my 1999 Sierra or 1990 Ranger.
You can 100% drive them on the interstate, I drove both of mine 4 hours from the port to home at 68 mph (truck) and basically 80 mph (turbo car) [yes, mph, so 110 kmh and 130kmh respectively]. Note I had mine sent to a mechanic in Japan to ensure they were looked over and maintenance was up to date, don't attempt this with a crusty auction car that's been parked up for 5 years. The key is to get fuel injected, preferably turbo if possible, and in some cases upsize the tires a little to reduce highway revs. I wouldn't do a 2 hour daily commute at 70 in one purely for comfort reasons, but if you need to get on the highway for 30 minutes here and there or have a 10-20 minute highway section on your commute, you can swing it with the right kei. Just don't expect to do it in an automatic, those turds are all 3 speeds or horrendous CVTs and you'll be screaming at 50 mph.
@@grafja It's always people who've never driven a turbo model that comment like this. My Alto Works RSR was surprisingly quick up to 50mph and would do 90mph. It was just a blast to drive.
Thanks for having me on, James! It was a very o kei time 😉
They’re great up until you get hit by a ford f250
Then you toss the kei into the bed of the F250 and kindly ask for a ride home.
An f250 is great till you get hit by a 80k simi truck going 75mph
@@ethanking4954a semi truck is great until you get hit by a freight train
Better than a motorcycle
Not necessarily the end of the world. 1993, I was rear-ended in Geo Storm at a stop light by a 1972 Ford apache doing 50.
I was in bed for 3 weeks but survived.
I have a 97 Honda Acty 5speed. Perfect truck for living in the rural south. It’s not my primary vehicle but I’m starting to drive it more than my primary vehicle cause it’s just so fun to drive.
I'm a meter reader in Tampa Florida that owns a 98 sambar, use it for work, reading meters up and down the main and rural streets. It's super fun, accessible as a work truck, great on gas, and just useful.
The only down side? It's slow... Real slow. If it would only go a little faster, I'd use it confidently as my primary. That being said, if you get hit, you're done for. You have to be extra vigilant and alert.
If you live in a super busy city or area I would think twice about having it as your primary. If you have an alternate vehicle, I would be more inclined. Definitely consider safety and speed!
Solid advice
Lovin the channel dude!! Kei trucks kick ass!
I have a 4 speed manual, 4x4 1992 Suzuki Carry 660, no a/c. Drop side flat bed off a Mazda Scrum. I use it on the farm. Has a couple toolboxes, a chemical tank with a 12v pump and a wand for spot spraying, a few jerry cans of field diesel and gasoline, and a gasoline powered air compressor on it.
I bought three of them for $7500 total in 2011, I think. Gave my dad one, sold one. Had about 60k kilometers on it. The shifter had a metal token welded to it so it wouldn’t go into fourth gear for some importation reason. Took me using a grinder for about five minutes to cut that off after I got it home.
I just use it as a little service truck that can run around anywhere on the farm. I didn’t tag it, but it has a slow moving vehicle sign on it, and the local cops pretty much treat it like a farm implement. I stay on 45mph roads or slower, run with the headlights and flashers on.
I agree that they are terrible primary vehicles, but if you get something like a Suzuki Cappuccino/Alto work (RSR or RSX) Daihatsu Mira TRXX, or Subaru Vivio RXR (or any of the other sporty keis) you won’t have any issue driving on the highway.
I can cruse at 80mph all day. And it’s the same size as a old MG or Triumph from the 1970s
I put 23 inch tires on mine and that changes things drasticly . I had planned on doing mostly yard work with it so I bought A 4 spd . all the hwy driving i do now makes me wish I had A 5 spd . still cruises at 60 mph without pushing too hard though
I’m seeing more and more Subie Sandbars and Honda Actys here in South FL. They are extremely practical little minivans/trucks. The Japanese know exactly what they’re doing. Btw, Mr. Subaru channel has a few videos on the maintenance/service of the Sambars.
How much pain is involved to get it serviced for regular maintenance and find parts in the US?
Been considering getting a 4x4 kei truck to use around the property for yard work and hauling random junk around since they’re so much cheaper than a side by side with the benefit that I could drive it into town without a slow moving vehicle sign.
What stops me is not knowing where I’d get parts to maintain it or if they’re affordable parts
many places domesticly . but somewhat pricey for some things . check out ryt enterprises out of the phillipines ..... parts are dirt cheap and shipping is very reasonable and fast now . domestic companyu wantyed $60 for an exhaust gasket before shipping . RYT charged $35 pre shipped for a gasket kit for the entire truck
Yahoo auctions japan has everything on the planet for them, and many US sellers stock the essentials like belts, gaskets, etc. Jesse Streeter/Streetercorp will ship almost anything bought in Japan (easy to navigate Japanese sites with browser auto-translate, and you just send Streetercorp the link) and you'd probably get it faster coming from Japan than someone wanting parts for their brand new Tesla or any other new car with limited parts supply.
If you get a Honda or Subaru kei truck, a lot of the common parts like oil filters have US equivalents such as the Civic. Just look it up in one of the kei community websites.
For most parts, Amayama trading is an excellent source.
Kei cars are awesome. Man I'd love to get one. Its just not really "practical" here in the states..
How is parts availability in the US?
Rapidly improving. Smaller maintenance parts are easily available from US sellers on eBay, etc. and even some auto parts stores are adding them to their computers for parts that cross-reference with USDM cars. Note this is mostly for kei trucks/vans, the other keis aren't quite as prolific yet except maybe the Jimny. For bigger stuff like glass, doors, etc. there's a higher chance you'll have to import, but I know at least one place has started to bulk import windshields (can't remember the name, saw it on FB months ago), so that will get better in time, too.
II live in a small town and would LOVE to have one as a commuter car but I can't see these poor things doing very well in the Canadian winters of Northern Ontario
The northern parts of Japan have winters just as brutal as Canada. Many of these kei cars have 4WD, as long as you put anti-rust treatment they should be fine in Northern Ontario.
@@noseboop4354 Good to know!
I love Jimports, does jimports love me?
What about spare parts?
subaru... there is a few smaller independent parts and resellers in the states
Anything in the northeast US, I need a Sambar alternator.
If I had a ranch a Kei would be my truck. Put some mudders on it go anywhere. Driving on the road/highway? Probably not. But people who love the idea of 'city' cars, this would be the way.
larger 23 inch tires , a cheap 2 inch lift kit and i would reccomend A 5 spd vs A 4 spd . I cruise at 55-60 easily even with my 4 spd . I just dont push it and try to drive 75
Awesome show and advice
Let American consumers decide.
theres a couple kei trucks in my city, the guy who trims our trees drives one cause hes just in town, very cool lil trucks!
Yes they suck and we love them for it. Sambar life.
These cars are bigger than the smart cars we sell in the USA so why do some states not allow these when smart cars are even smaller. I've got no problem with these because they get the job done. Kei trucks are good
The speeds and sizes in the states would lead Kei Kars to be Private estate cars.
Has James found himself a new totally hetero lifemate or is he just sneaking around behind Ryan's back?
It's a great city car.
Its almost like the non inflation rate. They are in their own world with respect and thoughtfullness. America is the violent opposite. “Doing the speed limit get the fuck outta my way” then add the monster trucks, 80k$$ mall lot queen.
these little trucks are 20-25k new here.... a midsize normal truck is not even 50k, dude.
Instructions unclear, bought a 1990 ford ranger
Good for farms, not for nonfarming counties... A guy in ohio gets the good ones UsMiniTrucks... its basically like a offroad 2 track, legal in some town laws for smaller roads...
Looks like he relocated to the Mitten.. used for 15-20k, new imported going for 22-26K for the minitrucks from subaru etc
Street legal go-carts.
=They're great option for some people, but the stupid laws our country has prevents you from owning what you want
The bad idea in the US is all the emotional support trucks and SUVs you're trying to invest the rest of the world with.
Jimports 😂
Also mass is outlawing kei cars? Cause they see the risks
Everything is illegal in MA, except man on man anal sex and weed.
Many countries have 800cc versions of the same cars. They are better
The laws in the US promote bigger dumber more expensive cars and trucks. Trucks that are as big as they are should have another license same with EV. Too much too fast.
Safety, over regulation.. but that has good overall outcomes, lets be real
@@dertythegrowerthen ban motorcycles too
@@dertythegrower not really.
@@dertythegrowerit's to dodge EPA requirements. But sure, you people also probably need lane assist, and emergency braking wile you Facebook and drive.
@@dertythegrowerLet’s discuss safety then. Trucks and SUVs have become so bloated that manufacturers are installing front pedestrian sensors. So, you know, you don’t run over people which has been a problem lately. Never had that issue with my 1999 Sierra or 1990 Ranger.
You can 100% drive them on the interstate, I drove both of mine 4 hours from the port to home at 68 mph (truck) and basically 80 mph (turbo car) [yes, mph, so 110 kmh and 130kmh respectively]. Note I had mine sent to a mechanic in Japan to ensure they were looked over and maintenance was up to date, don't attempt this with a crusty auction car that's been parked up for 5 years.
The key is to get fuel injected, preferably turbo if possible, and in some cases upsize the tires a little to reduce highway revs. I wouldn't do a 2 hour daily commute at 70 in one purely for comfort reasons, but if you need to get on the highway for 30 minutes here and there or have a 10-20 minute highway section on your commute, you can swing it with the right kei. Just don't expect to do it in an automatic, those turds are all 3 speeds or horrendous CVTs and you'll be screaming at 50 mph.
You Rick James for representing jdm so kindly.
Too pathetically weak for roads.
It moves like a moped.
There are turbo models that do 80 mph just fine. Curb your ignorance.
@@grafja It's always people who've never driven a turbo model that comment like this. My Alto Works RSR was surprisingly quick up to 50mph and would do 90mph. It was just a blast to drive.
Only the old turd carbureted non-turbo models.
horrible cars