Hey all: No kei truck yet. With baby #2 coming in August, I'm wondering how practical a 'coupe' truck will be in my situation. I've been peeking in here occasionally, but I'm actually leaning toward a kei mini van instead of the truck. Anyone have one of those (or both kei truck and van)? Thanks for listening Jman
Just test-drive a lot of models. Each is different, literally (even trucks of the same brand can drive/run better/worse than another like it). I am not sure how the vans/deck-vans are. I would think that they would come off a little sluggish compared to the trucks due to the added weight, but I could be wrong. If you need a people hauler that is efficient, have you considered a mini-cooper clubman? Might make more sense and be safer for hauling children in. ~Josh
I saw a mini van down in Texas. It had front, rear heat and air. I thought it was pretty cool. Jason from North Texas Mini Trucks had it. I think it would do fine.
Ok - I'm speaking from the perspective of an early 90's truck owner. I'm not an expert, I'm not even very experienced, btu I do have a family and I've struggled with some of these issues. Some of the later model vans and trucks might be exempt from what I say, but for Kei vehicles produced in this time period, I think the following: if you drive mainly on secondary roads, at speeds less than 40-45mph, and not for very long distances; and if you get a kick out of being slightly out of the norm (which obviously is the case or you wouldn't be here); and if you like decent gas mileage while retaining very practical utility; then I think you and your family would likely be quite happy with a kei van or deck van. I think a kei truck will be way too restrictive and not very practical, unless you go and buy a second vehicle to get your family around in (which is what I've done - and my wife and I argue about who gets to drive the 1992 carry instead of the 2006 toyota sienna!). If you travel on major freeways regularly, or spend more than 40 minutes or so at a time in your vehicle; or are looking for something that can tow a beasty trailer or load up with a pile of toys for a summer vacation; then you're looking at the wrong vehicle. These trucks and vans are fun as heck, tough as nails, quite reliable, capable of going crazy places (with basic mods); and are the essence of practicality. They are NOT silky smooth rides, NOT ergonomically in tune with this century, and are NOT going to keep your baby asleep while negotiating even a small rut in a city street. Sorry, but it's true. I like that in them. I like the connection to the outside world - I like feeling the bumps in the road and swerving like a drunken ape to avoid them - it's fun. I drive my truck (every day as a daily driver in a small city and suburbs) like a motorcycle - you have to be aware of all around you and especially whats on the road in front of you. keep me smiling, keeps me in tune with the outside world. But every time I put the booster seat in the truck for my kids to ride with me, I have to consciously swallow my fears about what would happen in an accident. There isn't much between them and the outside world in this case. The crumple zone includes the areas occupied by many parts of your body in these trucks and vans. It wouldn't be very pretty. I console myself by saying it's still way more safe than a motorcycle - and that it is. Then I remember how I grew up - floating around the back of the pinto, with not even a seatbelt in sight, let alone a booster seat or airbag or crumple zone. We made out just fine. the groceries held us in place... So - I hope that's helpful in your decision making. best regards, bg
cheers to all Thanks to Boatman and the others for their input. We've had at least 3 vehicles on the road for the last 9 years. We've got a little family hauler in our '98 Subaru Outback wagon, and the towing and heavy work is done by our '92 F350. My '88 Ranger is the run-around driver and if I had a job, my commuter vehicle. It isn't long for this world though, which is why I've been struggling with what type of vehicle to invest in. Our future home is a 30 minute drive from town, with some secondary highways that have 80 or 90kph limits (50/55mph). Boatman couldn't have said it better. I don't think I know what is meant by the term 'deck van'. I'll have to find out what that means. I'll be in touch Jman
I have a van that I tote my wife and 3 month old baby around in, and it works great. But like most here have said, I wouldn't do it at high speeds or long distances. I go as far as 6 miles (out in the rural country, mind you), but anywhere outside that radius we take a car. For what I use it for, it's perfect, but anyone who says kei's are perfect vehicles for every situation is blowing smoke. If you have any questions feel free to pm me. -Andy
No Disrespect - just my opinion-but I would not use my van as a main vehicle, as a second fun vehicle yes it's fine, to pass uk regs it had to have a rear fog light and also full seat belts fitted in the rear. Look at the pics of mine in my gallery. You do get looked at and to be honest need to keep your wits on the driving -other motorists slowing down and looking-not your 2 offspring in the rear. The Outback seems your best option for the family.
