I stumbled on this page doing Internet research. I want to get my first kei truck, specifically I want a Sambar, and am in the process of trying to figure out if western WA police are tolerant of them. I was stationed in the Tokyo area from 95-97 and all our squadrons had Sambar trucks to run errands around base. I spent a lot of time driving around in one and thought it would be fun to have one to occasionally commute with.
No issues with WA here. Which branch were you? Navy here, over on Whidbey Island... mine is my daily which I have driven all over the island and north of Seattle. Even have driven down using I5 or back roads to drive down to Oregon. No hassle by law enforcement for what it is, just things like once pulled over for driving 5 over. Other then that, most don't care from what I have seen. They observe the 25 year law here, so anything within that here is free play. Planning on a 13B rotary swap for mine, so you can see how much I have been hassled. Oh! And welcome to WA! Other then what I said above, there is a big following here and it is growing. If you facebook, there is also a group. https://m.facebook.com/groups/253077185152668?multi_permalinks=274754742984912&_rdr If you get there, there are plenty of importers who might already have a Sambar or two in their inventory.
I was USAF, stationed at Yokota AB from 95-97. I grew up in WA and moved back here when I got out, I just didn't find out until recently about the 25 year rule for some reason. I'm kicking myself for not knowing sooner lol. I'd have had my 87 Accord Aerodeck that I miss so much 5 years ago. That's awesome that law enforcement leaves us alone here, I was starting to talk myself out of getting one. Would have been a huge let down, been wanting a Sambar truck since 97 and took 20 years to find out I can have one, just to have it taken away when I read about people having problems. A 13b swap... lol damn.
I joined the Facebook group. I'll poke around the classifieds for fun, but I'm actually looking forward to the fun of importing myself so I'll probably go that way unless I find a screaming deal.
Ah nice! I'm only 27, so my only time in Japan was when I was a dependent under my Dad from 90-92 around Atsugi and Camp Zama. Wish I was stationed there, but WA is very nice that I might not want to leave. Older Accords are always nice. I have yet to be pulled over for it being a kei truck, but with mine properly plated and tagged, that is all they really look at. 25 year law gets you all of that so no issues. And if you live around Skagit and Island county, you are not having to worry about smog still. I look around classifieds and craigslist too, they pop up here and there. For deals in WA, Asael Arruda in the FB group has been one of the top importers in the WA area. Could always compare what you find to his stuff. A lot of the times when people post problems, it is about either them or dmv not knowing local laws. Mostly on the trucks in some areas being considered grey market. Then dmv ends up being stubborn.
Yeah, that's my biggest fear, that the DOL sends me the dreaded cease and desist letter like some people from other states have received.
Well, no worries on that if it is in WA... I haven't heard of anyone here having issues. Lots of goodies getting licensed here like Beats, S-Cargos, and other unique cars.
Welcome to the forum, I am an noob is WA as well. I received my Acty about a month ago and has been my daily since without any hiccups.
I just got my Acty Van this weekend ... first drive was from SoDo up I5 to Lake Forest Park and then drove all around north of the city and didn't have any issues with police. Can't wait to use it for camping all around Washington.
@Seattle Haha, nice! I still need to visit him when I get back home. How fast did you get on I5? Bet that drive was all sorts of fun! I have not had any issues for my truck specifically. Most are just curious than wondering if I am legal or not lol.
I got up to 60 for a little bit - but once we got out of the traffic I was pretty consistently at 55. It felt more stable than I kind of expected - I was just worried about all the other people not paying attention on the highway. It was definitely a fun way to get to know the new car. It's so fun to have a car I can work on again - next projects I have lined up for it are a radio swap and replacing the brake pads (assuming the ones I order work).
55-60 is a good speed! At least you were not going terribly slow. Yea, when I drove on I5, my only concern is speeding trucks in the right lane or ones going too slow. If I was able to, I would usually move out of the way from trucks coming up behind me. At least you don't have to worry about overheating after going on a drive. Good luck in your mods! You'll see lots of stuff here that should help you.
