I bought my mini truck (Honda Acty) about 3 weeks ago with the intentions of using it now and then for short errand type trips. However, I've not started my 2009 Silverado LTZ Crew Cab since I got this thing (other than one saturday to take it to the car wash). I find myself using this thing for everything and throroughly enjoying it. Honestly, I think the box is effectively capable of hauling more than my Chevy (size wise anyways, if not weight wise). And it's an absolute joy to load and unload stuff from it. What amazes me is that my Silverado is loaded to the nines with darn near every available option and goes like stink.....whereas this Acty is just as basic as it can get and has a 0-60 time of almost eternity.....BUT, I far prefer to drive the Honda on any local trip and would even give it some serious consideration for out of town trips of less than 150 miles (return). It just seems to make the big pick up feel downright boring. I am thankful that we are able to licence these rigs for highway use in Manitoba. I just don't understand that 15 model year rule........I'd luv to purchase a newer model mini that has a 5-speed with a high/low range, but I guess I'll have to wait until they get old enough.
Another really neat thing I discovered with my mini truck is that it's a breeze to find a parking spot. Our small town has angle parking on main street and it's a pretty busy little town, so finding a parking spot is always a pain in the butt with a normal vehicle. But invariably, there's almost always a spot on every block where two vehicles parked improperly leaving not quite sufficient space to park between them with a regular car or truck. I now own all those spots because I'm the only one in town that can fit in them (except for the motorcycles, I suppose). I think that's really kewl!
I use mine as a daily driver and think its fun to drive, But it would never replace my Starion. Im with you on parking. In the city centre it can be a pain finding a decent sized park in a regular sized car. With the hijet i can squeeze into smaller spots, navigate through traffic easier, do a U-turn in smaller streets without making it a 3-point turn. Once i couldnt find a park anywhere in the city centre so i found a big loading zone that was empty, parked the Hijet in there and left the Hazard lights on. Quickly did my errand and left again without a ticket..... Shhhhhh
Well, I guess the minis do have some shortcomings. I went out in the pasture today with my Honda and ended up hitting the odd cow patty......not a real big deal with most vehicles. I had to exit the vehicle to open a gate and sure enough, the front right tire had a pretty good coat of the brown stuff on it and the wheel was sorta turned a bit to the right when I got out. I ended up with the stuff all over my pant leg. I'll be more careful from now on.
