Hello All, I've just stumbled across this site within the last couple of days, so I thought I would introduce myself. I live in rural Georgia, and I'm fairly sure that once I buy a mini-truck I won't have to worry about being hassled by any local authorities, as long as I stay off the main roads with it (law enforcement here have better things to do than harass the locals about their farm equipment). I would mainly be using the truck around the farm, but I might do some light trail riding with it. I was planning on buying a Kawasaki Mule (or something similar), but my two son-in-law's are convincing me that I should buy a Kei truck instead. I've been trying to read-up on them as much as I can. I know that it's annoying for newbies to sign-up to forums and ask the same questions 900 times, but I was hoping that you guys would tolerate a couple of newbie questions from me: 1. From reading some of the threads here, it looks like the new EPA regs have effectively shut down importation of these trucks? Does this mean that the only trucks out there are the ones brought-in before the regulation change? 2. How long have they been requiring the speed governors on the transmission? 3. I understand from reading the threads here that all the Kei trucks have similar reliability. Do some of the trucks have better parts availability than others? Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. Peace, -Doraville
Welcome to the forum & Merry Christmas. I'll let one of the American members answer Q #'s 1 & 2 as I might get it wrong. As for # 3 there should be parts availabliity for all the makes. The sponsors along the top of the page ^^^^^ is a good starting point any time you need a part. Most of your common parts like brakes, oil filters, air filters, etc are on the shelf at the sponsors. Some like G&R Imports [and others] stock larger items like used engines, transmissions, etc. Some have complete parts trucks that are parted out as needed. In case you haven't read it this is a good thread to read to compare the different makes here
Welcome aboard.. I can't answer question #1 since I'm not in the Kei Truck business and haven't seen anything definate posted by the KTA as of yet. Not sure about question #2 but I can tell you that I just purchased my Kei Truck less than 6 months ago and it did not have a speed governor on it. Question#3, like the other poster stated, there are many dealers that carry a good supply of parts. I've only had dealings so far with G&R Imports because they were the first one that I tried contacting that I didn't have to leave a voice mail or submit a parts inquiry through an e-mail and wait days to get a response back. I'm sure there are other vendors here that also answer their phone though. Also, some of the parts can be cross referenced and picked up at local Auto Parts stores. So far I've bought plugs, oil filter, hoses, and a steering bushing from a local NAPA store. Good Luck on your purchase....
