Possible 1st time Hijet buyer

I've always been a fan of the versatility of a mini-truck and have always secretly wanted to pick one up to tool around in locally and also use it on the farm.
I honestly know very little about the ins and outs of these. A possible opportunity has fallen into my lap to get one relatively cheaply, but because i'm ignorant of these, i've been doing research and stumbled upon this forum.

I have 1st shot in buying a 1996 Daihatsu Hi Jet, 4x4, manual, 10K miles, runs and drives with new tires/fuel tank-lines/carb. They are asking $3,000 for it. i assume this is the 660cc that'll do 50+mph
My question is how comfortable would someone be that's 6'3" 230lbs ? i could see myself driving it to and from town regularly, which is around 30 miles total?

looking for input from those with experience as to whether its worth the investment

thanks,
Zach

 

Zach, I’m 5-11 and not cramped. My buddy is 6-3ish and he’s cramped in it. But, I had a college room mate who was 6-8, and drove a bug eye Sprite all the time we were in college. Graduated, got a good job and had money to buy pretty much anything he wanted. We all expected to see him with a pick up, or at least something large. Came home with some tiny little Chevy. His dad was shaking his head.

You might be cramped in one, or not. Just depends on what you consider cramped.

After a few learning pains with mine, I’ve figured out most of the idiosyncrasies, and if it died, would probably buy another.

The dump or scissors/dump versions are easier to work on. Just because you have less restricted access to the engine.

 

Zach,
I too am 5'11, and not really cramped. My oldest son is 6'3", and his leg's are extremely longer than his torso, worked well as a college pitcher, not so much for driving a standard shift mini, but he manages, and loves it! I agree with what Jig's is saying, you adjust and get used to it! A lot has to depend on what you want out of it! They are handy, and very versatile!
Limestone

 

i'm hoping to be able to get in it in a few weeks once our schedules align and I can tool around in it and decide if i'm comfy enough to purchase it or not.
in a perfect world i'd probably drive it more than I plan on to keep miles off my truck, and maybe move a little snow around the house in the winter time

 

They are great for plowing. particularly if you have ever plowed in an ATV or UTV. A sealed cab with heat and windshield wiper does a lot to keep it enjoyable. Particularly, if you’re pushing the fluffy powder that fall at subzero temps, and flys everywhere. This took a bit to get done.

 

I moved my steering column forward to make it easier to get in and more comfortable.

 

Zach, I'm 6' 215 and drove every brand of kei truck I could before settling on Hijet. I was comfortable in the Hijet, the Honda Acty, and Subaru Sambar (but wanted the HIJET for the combo of features, too). I was unable to get comfortable in the Suzuki or MITSUBISHI. FYI my build is long body, shorter legs.

$3k for that truck sounds like a steal (but caveat emptor). If it's a '96, then yes, this is the 660cc motor, not the earlier 550. (My 91 S83p tops out at around 60 mph).

If you don't fit in this truck, keep in mind they also built a "Jumbo" which has a couple extra inches of legroom (anybody know how much?). Harder to find--less hard if you want to go through one of the auction importers and wait for it to be shipped.

 

I find the seat height is the main problem when it comes to comfort. I sit on a 1 inch or so thick foam. So my legs are not bent so awkwardly. Makes pressing the peddles more comfortable

 

I have a 95 hijet Van. High roof and adjustable front seat. Super comfy and is my daily driver.