Hi folks! For the last few months I've been browsing the kei truck Reddit and various Facebook groups for more info on kei trucks in general, and specifically the hijet and the carry. Both 2014 models onwards (so the DA16W and the S500p /S510P). And I can't decide which to get. I was hoping some of you knowledgeable people might be able to help steer me in one direction or the other...? This little truck will ideally be 4WD and my plan is for it to replace a quad bike, for some off-roading / green laning here in the UK, and maybe even abroad. Quad bikes are great when the weather is nice, but I'm fed up of getting covered in mud and feeling like a drowned rat now my other option for replacing the quad is a JB23 Suzuki jimny, but I do think the little kei trucks have more character and look more "fun". What I can't work out is which would be the best little truck for me. Both have some pro's and con's from what I can tell? The hijet has the nicer interior quality and spec, but from what I've read the Suzuki has the more powerful engine (46bhp Vs 50bhp) and possibly better 4WD running gear? I'm looking at manuals hijets for what it's worth. I don't like CVT gearboxes, and that's what the hijet auto is, so that's a no from me. For the the carries (and Mazda scrum, nissan clipper truck ect ect) I'm looking at manual's and automatic's, as I think the auto in them is a bog standard 4 speed torque converter auto....? By all means someone correct me if I'm wrong, thanks. I'm also struggling to work out if one engine is better than the other when it comes to things like performance and reliability. Sure the Suzuki R06a makes 4more bhp, but it makes it at 6200rpm, so you've really got to rev the little thing to get some movement out of it by the sound of it. The kf-ve in the hijet makes 46bhp at 5700rpm, so it hasn't got to be worked as hard I guess? Not that 4bhp is a huge difference either way. And if you wanted more I'm guessing a different intake and exhaust would make a noticeable difference when driving on either model. I think the hijet can take bigger wheel sizes better than the carry can, but I assume there's still some decent knobbly tyres out there that will fit the carry ok? Does anyone know if aftermarket support is better for one brand over the others in Japan, or do both the hijet and the carry have a big aftermarket following? Thanks everyone
In my opinion, the Hi-Jet, because of the shorter turning radius, the engine is closer to mid-truck, so it will traverse off-road terrain better, the Daihatsu is a subsidiary of Toyota, parts are readily available, and lastly, there are a lot of after-market accessories out there to choose from.
I thought that both models had similar turning circles don't they? But if that's the case then that's another plus point for the Hi-Jet. Daihatsu being a subsidary of Toyota is another plus point, as it should also have the "legendary toyota reliability" that Toyota are famed for So things are currently leaning towards the Hi-jet for now Thanks
Everything I have seen or read indicates that the Hi-Jet's turning radius is slightly sharper (shorter) than all the rest. I own a Mini-Cab and love it, so the comment about the turning radius is only based on what I have seen and read. However, if you are going off-road, I would seriously consider a Hi-Jet primarily because of the location of the engine, which will make it more balanced. My Mini-Cab, which is set up just like the Carry with all the weight situated over the front axles, struggles a bit on steep gravel or unpaved inclines. Also, the rear ends of the front-engine trucks are extremely light and can easily get away from you (I know this from experience). Mine runs better when I have about 150-200 Lbs. up against the tailgate. Anyway, you go, they are a lot of fun to drive, and I am presuming you can get newer model years in the UK versus our 25-year rule in the US. The 2022-25 Hi-Jet Hard Cargo Jumbo is my absolute favorite, but we can't legally drive or plate them in most of the US states.
I’d vote HiJet for the reasons stated. I’ve a 99 Climber with the lock dif and it does quite well here on the farm. I’ve ran mine up to 110 kph with the A/C on and it still had more so it’s got all the power I’ll need, and the newer ones have a bit more power still. Also it had less interior heat from the power plant than the Suzuki I drove. Can’t really go wrong with either as they are THE mfgr of kei trucks today. As noted, they’re light in the backend. Mine does better with 2-300 lbs near the tailgate. Also, they’re light locking rear dif is nice and an option I’d highly recommend
Thank you both for your replies. One thing made me wonder though, isn't the engine under the seats on both models? So in the same place? Or is the hijets further towards the rear of the vehicle, even on the newer models? Speed wise I'll be happy with 90 - 100kmh, I don't need it to be a speed demon by any means. As long as I can keep up with the slower traffic on busy roads I'll be happy. I think both models should be able to do that ok? Hopefully at least Edit to add - yes we can have newer models of the hijet and carry here in the UK, you could even import a brand new one and use it legally over here if you wanted, but a new one is a bit expensive (for me at least) when you factor in the purchasing cost, the shipping costs, the import fees when it lands and then the cost of making it legal for road use in the UK (something brand new would need something similar to type approval, a bit like an MOT but different since the vehicle is brand new rather than a few years old). But it's certainly doable. Thanks again
