Greetings! I will soon be living in Panama, Central America part time. While there I would like to buy the cheapest transportation possible that will give me the most bang for the buck$. I do not know if I'll be going with a mini truck or mini van just yet. I have not been able to find a Consumer Reports type forum that rates these, so I would like to ask how best to go about finding an organization that rates them either on the web or elsewhere. Your own personnel preferences and why would be most welcome as well. Whatever I settle on will be used for both on and off road and I only care to purchase a Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Suzuki or Daihatsu. Thanks!
welcome to our little slice of heaven... http://www.minitrucktalk.com/showthread.php?t=103 this is a good starting point and after that start typing anything you can think of in the seach box at the top... there's a lot more where this came from
First off,figure ou how much you can spend.I have found certain models sell cheaper than others.A middle of the line truck might only buy you a clunker in another line. Get a truck that has not been shined up,more often than not there will be something covered up-poor camo wrap,or boxes painted black etc.......
i have a mitsu truck and that works for me but if there is more then two people in your family or will have more then two people in it then get a van, a lot more room. i got mine right off the boat but a lot of these trucks kind of hang around some of the places that sell them, so ask how long they have had the truck, if its been more then two weeks maybe look at a different truck. these trucks sell fast so find a dealer you like (the people) and you will end up with a good truck or van good luck wyatt
Just an FYI on the Vans.... The older ones do not come with rear seatbelts. (93 and down anyway.) So, that may pose a problem to the "people hauler" idea.
I can not give you any info. on the trucks, because I'm still waiting for mine to come from Japan. The first thing I suggest is to check the local import and licencing regulations. I once had to deal with a women that bought a new car in Spain, while she lived there for a year. She had it shipped home when she returned to Canada and had customs send it back. It was an expensive mistake for her.
Whoa! Thanks for that tip Jeremy. I might have got burned by that one. Good thing the '94s are just about all importable in Canada.
Well, I dont know when or if they ever put rear seatbelts in. This is where the Americans should be able to help us out. Anyone know what year they started adding rear seatbelts to the Vans?
The local importer in Parksville BC is installing lap belts for the rear seats. Mounting to the floor, with flat bar under the floor. A fairly easy fix.
As a 2 passenger vehicle. Rear seats are not for use while vehicle is in motion. Many motorhomes are similar. They have many seats, but not all are for use while driving.
In BC that does not apply to light passenger vehicles, you must either install seat belts or remove the seats. That is why the dealer is using certified belts and major overkill on the mounting points. The seats are there, and somewhere down the line they will be used and someone will be hurt.