Newbie here. A local university has three Mitsubishi Kei,2 wheel drive,3 spd. trans.,dump beds. I talked to the guy that runs that section and he said they all run real good but the bodies are rough as they were used as maintenance rigs.The photos don't look too bad just dinged fenders.They are asking $1800 each.I have a 4 acre place and don't really need 4 wd but of course would rather have it.My main question I guess is just how helpless are these 2 wd units and is this a reasonable price.I'm going to look at them Monday and would like any ideas on what to look for. Thanks Jim
What year? Are they 3spd autos or manuals? Mileage?? From what I've seen, the 4x4s don't usually cost much more than 2wds, so usually I'd just recommend getting the 4x4s, but your situation is different seeing how extremely low those are priced. Just depends on how much money you want to spend. Perfect condition trucks are way more than that, but it may be worth it to some. Yet you may prefer a good deal and work with one of those trucks there. (from past experience on other vehicles, 2wd isn't too great unless you at least have an anti-slip (posi-trac) rear differential.) However, these won't get stuck too easy due to their light weight of less than 2000lbs.
sound pretty good to me. The back of these trucks weigh about 200+ lbs empty so you will need some wider tires on the back and then add about 200 lbs to be area where the spare tire goes. That should give you traction arround the farm. Also look into a pair of Carlisle True Powers 23x8.5x12 with wheels. great in the mud and we use these on our farm.
Thanks Thanks for the responses.I don't know about mileage.They are 3 spd. manual . They were bought new and just used for maint. work around the campus.The guy I talked to said they have a real good maint. program so I'm thinking I'll probably buy one of them.I'll let you know how it works out. Jim
a good deal do you know what years these trucks are? where are they located at? thanks, dan woodysminitrucks.com
Welcome Jim, Do it. It sounds like a great deal. Obviously you can't tell for sure by photos. Go look at them and give them a good looking over (as you would any used vehicle) and ask to see their maintenance records. Here's prob what you're looking at. The trucks are prob Mitsubishi Mighty Mits U14D models, with the 3G81 (550cc) engines. These were made for the U.S. domestic market. They are prob governed to 25mph and came with a 4 spd tranny that has been restricted to 3 spd. As for the 4WD vs 2WD, the 2WD actually rides smoother than the 4WD versions. The 2WD has a greater load capacity (@1675lbs) than the 4WD (@1555lbs) and is dependent on tire type/size. The 2WD (with a couple of hundred lbs in the bed) is not bad at all in moderate off-road conditions. As for the dump bed, I use mine regularly around my digs, great for hauling fire wood, mulch, dirt etc. The dump bed also allows much greater access to the mechanicals of the vehicle (vs small access panel). There are a few of us on the forum that have the Lefty's and there is plenty of help here if needed. To put it in perspective your cost for the truck is only 3-400 dollars more than you would pay to buy a dump bed alone. When/if you check them out, raise the dumps on them a check the cylinders/hoses for leaks (this is also a better way to look at the frame for rust and general peek at the backside of the engine). Good luck, and I think you will be happy with one of these trucks (it's a Good price if it just runs and dumps - IMO).....Let us know...............later, slim
Woodhe1 I don't know the year but think they are made for America with lhd and the raised roof.The guy I talked to said he was told they have a 5 spd. trans. that is blocked to 3 spd.They are governed to 25 mph. They are in San Diego.Ca.I'll know more tomorrow morning after I look at them. Jim
good deal thanks for the response. check the tag on the seat belt ... it should have a year stamped on it. dan woodysminitrucks.com
Well I went to San Diego today and looked at these little trucks and bought one.It has 1994 seat belt tag and 27,000 mi.The body is rough but it really runs nice.All three of the trucks were about the same shape,the other 2 were a couple of years older and had about 10,000 more miles on them.I need to clean this one up to really see what It is but I feel pretty good about the way it starts and runs.The fun begins. Jim
