I am selling my SxS and am going to buy a mini truck because to me it makes much more sense for what I need. I am going to buy a mini truck soon and am doing research on the different types. Please give me your two cents! I am going to import one and put in a lift kit, do the work to make sure the driveline angles and steering are proper, put on high ply rating SxS mud tires, buy tracks for winter, and outfit they unit predominately for hunting and fishing. I do need the vehicle to be street legal though. NEEDS: What I need to know is dimensions of each vehicle LXWXH? As well as box dimensions? I want to go as narrow as possible? Which ones have the best HP and torque as well as reliability? Which one has better AWD/4WD options? Lockers, gearing, and what not? Each model which ones can accomodate the lift and big wheels/tracks? Mechanically and power steering wise? Which ones have independent suspension? Which models are more robust than others and are better for offroads? Which ones have the best payload? What are my options for aftermarket tracks, high ply mud tires, lift kits, and anything offroad? Thanks for the help guys!
Since 2007 I have been messing with these trucks. I have always stated the best two trucks out there are the Daihatsu(Toyota parent company) #1 and Suzuki #2(Mazda same as Suz. just a different badge). Thats just my own personal thoughts. I have guys out there that have tore these trucks up in 6 months and have guys out there that have been driving them since 2007 without a hitch other than general maint. Keep in mind we aren't street legal in Texas. Industrial complex, farm/ranch is our selling market. I think these two trucks fit that bill better than other manufactures. However with the few Honda's / Subaru's that Ive had go through my hands I would have to say the Subaru would be the ticket if driving on the street most of the time(difficult to lift). They all have a bed cap. around 800lbs. as per manufacture. Some guys selling them will tell you you 1500lbs but I believe 800lbs for the standard truck. Some dump truck models may be higher. Power steering doesnt come into play until you jump into the EFI models that started in 1999. For me the power steering doesnt make that much of a difference. The trucks wt. is around 1500lbs so turning the steering wheel is pretty easy. Some trucks come with just a 2high 4 high trans. some come with 2High 4 high 4 low trans. Some have rear diff. lock, some dont. Basic trucks are 4 1/2' wide, 5 1/2 ' tall, and 10 1/2 ' long up to 98 models. 1999 they started with EFI and a little bit bigger cabs. 6x4 ft beds. The Daihatsu/Suzuki/Mazda are the easiest to add a standard lift and then add a 23 or 24" tire which replaces the standard 21 " street tire. HP there all about the same, you wont tell any difference. Jumping into the EFI modles(1999 +) you may see a little bit more response but not anything that would make much difference. If you are hunting for torque you will want one with Low range. If working the truck you will most likely want a rear diff. lock. I didnt mention Mitsubishi for the simple reason that every one I have run across either with high miles or low miles has had blue smoke on start up. However I do know a few guys that have them, love them and work them hard but for me I stay away from them. I own part of a Yamaha dealership which sales the new Yamaha Viking and I could be driving one but I chose to drive (currently) a 1990 Suz. mini truck with a rear locker.. Bigger bed, enclosed cab, bang for the buck plus Im getting older and like the heater. Thats my two cents. On a another note I'll put these trucks up against any else out on the market. If you want to go fast buy a Polaris or the new CF Moto 800.
My 2 cents. I imported a suzuki Carry 1997 to BC Canada last sept 2014. I live in the mountains I like the Low 4x4 for climbing and ploughing thru snow. Cold starts are tough so figure on heating your block for any of the makes. My buddy has the Subaru Sambar. it's also a nice vehicle. but like the other response a lift is a little harder. I added 250lb coils front and 2" lift. the truck sports 23" quad tires in winter. and I will swap back to 175/70-R13 back in the summer. Parts for the suzuki are everywhere. and there cheap thats a plus for me. Scott Bower who owns japancardirect.com lives near Yokohama and can help you buy one for around $1200 plus shipping and his fee. all in about $3000 for a sweet truck with less than 25,000 KM Good luck
I personally have a mazda same as a suzuki carry. If u are going to use it much off road I know suzuki has stock diff lock for the rear Daihatsu I believe also has one just make sure the one you buy has it not all do
Thanks guys for the info. I have decided to pursue importing a 1999 or a 2000 Suzuki Carry. Some of the reasons for this is it is the easiest to put an oversize 4" body lift on to get 25" tires underneath. They have electric power steering and EFI as well. I just need to make sure I know the machine has the proper high/low, differential locks on it before I bid. Thanks again
Good choice. There's plenty of those in the Japan market so it shouldn't be hard to find one. I would suggest staying at 90000kms(50k miles) or less on the clock.
The more research will help you in all dimensions, if you are seriously interested in buying mini trucks. I shall suggest you to do survey and then sell and buy.
