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To buy or not to buy...

Discussion in 'Mini Lounge' started by Gstine65, Feb 21, 2020.

  1. Gstine65

    Gstine65 New Member

    Hello all,
    I’ve been wanting to get into a Kei for the last few years and I’m about to pull the trigger but can’t make up my mind as to what direction I should go. I figured this would be a good place to get some feedback and make sure I don’t make the wrong purchase.

    Whatever I buy will be used purely for fun and will see mainly in-town driving with the occasional freeway run.

    I already have way too many expensive hobbies/other cars so price is a determining factory and I trying to stay around 4K . I’m also looking at some vans but on average they seems to be out of my price range unless they are high miles or beat down.

    truck#1
    2000’s Wuling crewcab, 2wd with 20k miles
    Pro’s-
    *It’s a crew cab, which makes it more useful for a 6’ persons with 6’+ friends
    *8?? Cc 4 cyl motor

    Con’s -
    *It’s Chinese and I can’t seem to find a source for parts or any other support which makes me SUPER nervous.
    I’m told it has a GM based engine and apparently you can cross reference this parts.
    * it’s been well used and needs a couple exterior lights replaced (see above LOL)

    Truck #2
    90’s Mitsubishi Minicab, 2wd
    Pro’s-
    *clean with low miles
    *parts are much easier to find

    Con’s
    *its a standard cab obviously so it’s lacking the extra “cool factor”
    *slower than the Wuling (I’m guessing)

    Thanks for the info and I appreciate the feedback!
     
  2. From all I have read (not experienced) the Subura Sambar is the choice for pavement and Suzuki/Mitsu are good choice for off-road. I have also read that the Honda is not the best for off-road or pavement but very capable in both domains. I would not be excited about buying something that you couldn't find parts. If you have those concerns then others will have those concerns if you decide to sell it.
     
    Limestone likes this.
  3. matt167

    matt167 Active Member

    Wuling is junk. the engine I think does use Delco sensors. But total junk

    Mitsubishi Minicab. Not as much junk but you'll get a better one as cheap..

    Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty or Subaru Sambar are the ones I would recommend. importing can save you potentially thousands
     
    Jamison Lure & Fly likes this.
  4. NCZ1

    NCZ1 New Member

    No Chinese one.
    Is mini cab 5 speeds? If so, you are good to go at 60-65 mph.
     
    Jamison Lure & Fly likes this.
  5. Gstine65

    Gstine65 New Member

    That’s exactly what I was thinking, thanks for the input.
     
  6. Gstine65

    Gstine65 New Member

    Thanks for the info, the extra cylinder and CC’s are appealing but if they don’t last then it’s a dead point.

    I have not sat in all of them yet but the Mitsubishi cab seemed to be decent sized. I was reading another post on here about cab size and I can’t remember the “winner” but I definitely wouldn’t want any smaller that the Minicab.
     
  7. Gstine65

    Gstine65 New Member

    I’m not 100% it’s a 5 speed, I will have to confirm. We have 70mph speed limits on the closest freeway so I really need to be able to do at least 60mph so I don’t get flipped off constantly as the local grandmas pass me. LOL
     
    NCZ1 likes this.
  8. matt167

    matt167 Active Member

    All of the actual KEI trucks are basically the same size. There are "JUMBO" cabs in a couple of the brands where the cab is larger and the bed is shorter. The Sambar has the most room due to a bump out in the rear cab wall..

    If your just looking for a fun vehicle. The Suzuki Jimny JA11V is a popular import now. It has the same F6A 660cc as the Suzuki Carry but is turbocharged/ intercooled and has EFI, and they always have air conditioning. The Jimny is a very close cousin to the Suzuki Samurai but it is built to the KEI size constraints
     
    Gstine65 likes this.
  9. Terry H

    Terry H Member

    I'm new to all this by I went for the suzuki carry because of the 4x4 axle lock and diff lock- mine is for jump around town, go to lowes, yard work, and mostly to take on some trails and play in mud! I had no practical reason for buying it, but did because it is different and im a little different myself- it is a blast to drive
     

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