Well I was dead set on a Sambar for the last 5 years but the more I talk to guys I am hearing that a Carry might be the way to go. This truck will be used for checking cows, fixing fence, driving from pasture to pasture which are 20 miles apart and maybe commuting to work if I can save money on fuel. I am 6'3" and all leg, that's why I was looking at a Sambar, I test drove one 5 years ago and fit just fine. Was planning on buying from Rene at Street Legal, really knows his stuff, but then I got reading on here about buying direct from Japan through Brave or Japan Car Direct and started thinking about saving 3-4 grand and going that route. Wondering for a tall guy if a Carry is going to have enough room? Is newer better? is AC worth it or is there more headache? Is it worth getting an Auto so I don't gotta clutch being this tall? I heard from some guys the newer cabs have more room and other guys say it is the exact same amount, whats the answer? Anything else to consider? I have read all the what to look for when buying and the other importing threads, but wanted to get some specific answers. Thanks guys, been looking at this forum for years now and have gotten a lot of ideas, now its time to take the plung!
Don't know about the other makes as I own a 2002 Suzuki CarryVan. This is also rebadged & sold as a Mazda Scrum and possibly other makes. I think the generational change came about in 2000. The earlier ones had the front wheels under the driver and my series have the front wheels at the very front ofthe vehicle. The earlier ones had a bit of choppy ride but more legroom, the laters have a slightly longer wheelbase along with a slightly better ride but at the cost of some legroom because the front suspension is also in the same area. Fred
Have you looked into the 90 models with the jumbo cabs? Mid-90s Daihatsu Hijets have had that option. Like Fred said, they have the wheels under the driver so with the cab another foot or so back in the jumbo cabs, you would have more room to move the seat back. I have a 94 Hijet regular cab and am 5.10, so I am fairly good. But I have had tall guys get in before and it is very full with their legs all the way into the dash.
6 1 and i fit fine in my hijet, before i moved the steering column ahead i had to get my leg into the truck under the wheel first
Mine came this way. Apparently there were a few imported for the Forest Service and the Navy. My understanding is that most of them were jumbo cabs. I found mine on eBay a couple years ago in the LA area. It had previously been used by the county sheriff on a prison farm.
Obviously, your results may vary but I'm right at 6' with a fairly typical inseam (34") and I really just barely fit comfortably in my 2001 HiJet. It's perfectly fine for what I use my truck for (chores around the property) but I think doing a 20 stretch on the road would not be particularly comfortable. I love, love, love my truck but after an hour of plowing I'm ready to get out. I definitely get into it in a different manner than a normal vehicle and often start it with the door open with my leg out...which I realize is a bad habit. As mentioned, I think a Jumbo would be worth the extra cost. FWIW, I have not sat in any other minitruck. I have never thought about moving the steering wheel so maybe that is something to look into!
i may have a thread on it in the hijet section https://minitrucktalk.com/threads/relocated-steering-wheel.16638/
Im thinking about doing the Left hand drive to mine and maybe use a Geo Metro dash and steering wheel?
