You can get them with AC. The engine shouldn't heat up the cab. I drive mine daily in NC and never have that issue. There's plenty of storage options. If you place a tool box right in the middle of the bed of course you can't fit a bike in it correctly. The tailgate also can lay flat. Parts are super cheap and easy to source in the US. It's incredibly easy to work due to its incredible simplicity. Any mechanic can work on it. Sounds like yours had an exhaust leak, the exhaust smell isn't normal. YES if you get in an accident you'll be smooshed like a pancake 🥞
What websites or suppliers do you use to source your parts? I'm having trouble finding reputable websites that aren't charging an arm and a leg for simple maintenance parts, replacement parts, aftermarket, etc.
TBH it sounded like he was making excuses for not knowing anything about cars and when he found out he can't just take it to a normal everyday mechanic and get parts down the road he freaked and bailed. Very common with JDMs. It's honestly not that much harder to get parts IMO if you're like me and order them online anyway and usually there's at least one mechanic in a given metro area that specializes or at least is willing to work on JDM cars, especially a kei truck which is one of the easiest vehicles to work on. He also seemed to not do his research and buy the right truck. He bought the "cute one" with the round headlights instead of one with a 5 speed that could easily do 60 mph, a mid or rear mounted engine (Acty/Sambar), put a fixed toolbox that blocked his ability to load bikes properly, didn't pay attention to the lack of A/C (plenty of them have it), and also once again didn't realize they take a little more effort and care than a USDM vehicle to get them serviced. And then also made the mistake of trying to daily it as his only car, which is not smart for a JDM import. I disagree with both of you on the safety, though. Safety isn't just how well it smacks head on into a wall, and even then these fare better than most people think (there is a japanese crash test video on youtube, don't mistake it for the garbage Chinese mini truck one that does horribly). Forward visibility, low center of gravity, light weight, etc. allow you to offset crash injury with the ability to avoid an accident in the first place. I will always choose a car that allows me to steer around over an accident vs. a big one that makes an accident inevitable. Things like big vans and SUVs are also likely to roll over whereas kei trucks are built like EVs in terms of weight distribution and take a lot of effort to flip because the engine is basically on the ground as is the frame and nothing else weighs much. People even drive these on race tracks and drift them in Japan!
I remember driving a truck like this when I lived in Japan. It makes sense there where roads aren’t very wide. However, it makes you miss the extra storage space and comfort of Cars and trucks in the states real quick.
I wouldn't want one as an only vehicle, but as a second vehicle to use for hardware store runs? they are phenomenal but they definitely aren't for anyone. Its the kind of vehicle you have to be passionate about and willing to put the extra effort in, like most obscure JDM imports.
That's the situation I'll be in. Hope to get a Suburu Sambar in a year or so. Will retire about the same time, along with my wife. We'll have her nearly new SUV as a primary car, with the Sambar being my around town, utility vehicle. No need for going on the highway with it, or long road trips.
I have a Daihatsu Hijet, and most of these issues are non-issues. Yes, the engine is partially under the seats, but there is essentially no heat or smell in the cab. You can get mini trucks with A/C for increased summer comfort. You can't fit your bikes in the bed because your bed has a huge box in it. The mini truck has a bed that's longer than 6' and wider than 4', and that's larger than a standard sized US pickup truck bed even though it looks smaller... and the mini truck has a flat bed without the big wheel wells that stick up in a US pickup truck. Mini trucks are much better for hauling loads than US pickup trucks, even including very large pickup trucks with crew cabs and small beds. It's true that mini trucks are under powered for highway use but mine has no trouble reaching 70 MPH highway speeds although it does take a bit of time to get there. I don't drive mine on the highway but I routinely drive it 60+ MPH around town and on major secondary roads that were how we traveled before the interstate highway system. Routine maintenance parts can be sourced in the US (filters, clutch kit, windshield wipers, etc.) but less common repair parts do need to ship from Japan, usually a week or so for FedEx standard delivery. The shipping drives up the price but the parts are still fairly cheap and these little trucks are easy to repair. #1 reason you sold your mini truck - your wife told you to. LOL. Granted, you don't want to be in an interstate head-on collision in a mini truck, but these trucks aren't THAT unsafe. Have you noticed there are 40,000 to 45,000 auto fatalities in the US every year, and that number hasn't decreased much as a result of crumple zones, air bags, lane assist, automatic braking, etc.? The safer we make our vehicles, the dumber we make our drivers. Our society seems to tolerate 40,000+ traffic fatalities a year. Want to make your mini truck safe? Don't text and drive. Don't cut people off in traffic. Don't speed in unsafe road conditions. Maintain a decent braking distance.
The problem in US is all the other cars are getting bigger and bigger and if you drive a smaller car, you are at risk. You can be smart, and safe but others aren't. It is a shame that the average family car is like a mini hummer at this point. People either buy a huge SUV or a pick up truck. I would not rely on a small car if I was in US not because I like them, but because you can't be in a smaller car against them I wish they would put a limit on the size of these cars. As you said, the number of fatalities don't go down and that's because these cars are getting stupid big and the crashes are now two mini tanks hitting each other. They also provide far less visibility and they are a much bigger threat to pedestrians. Think about it: Best seller car in Europe is a ford focus sized hatchback. In US it is a Ford Truck. A gigantic one. Electric cars are not adding anything to solution since they are far much heavier as well. Wait until Tesla and others release their electric trucks: Which will be the same size as those trucks and will be alike a ton heavier thanks to the battery. In 15 years people will be driving Abrams tank in the shape of cars in US. I don't want to delve into the environmental implications as well since this is something really depressing
@@jackmoto2187 - I hope you love your mini truck as much as I do mine. A year after buying it, I finally pressure washed it yesterday, as a prelude to sanding some rust, Oxpho converting the last unreachable rust to iron phosphate, priming those spots and masking today. Tomorrow I'll scuff sand, solvent wipe and paint the mini truck with Monstaliner polyurethane bed liner. @Motocheez made me buy my Hijet. 🙂
I call BS on some of these points. Why? Because I got one and I’ve had none of the problems you had. Heck even my wife borrows it occasionally to do chores . Smelly inside? Umm nope never had that problem, mines well sealed between the engine and cabin. Hot inside? Dude that’s what wind down windows are for, much nicer than a/c. Parts hard to find? Mate I live further from Japan than you and I’ve just gone online and got stuff, not eBay but Megazip in Japan. Not enough research I think. Tyres? Meh I found some decent ones and a set of AT tyres. Hard to work on? Nope, dead easy, with google or TH-cam to help. Not fast? What’s your rush? Not bike practical? You are joking aren’t you? Mines set so I can carry 2 with the front wheels off , or I just chuck my bike in if I’m riding alone. Definitely being a diva on that, how hard is it to lift it up on something so low. And me and a friend easily went to our local trail together with some stuff in the cabin. Storage is easy to solve by using ingenuity, side mounted boxes below the deck. Not safe? You might have a point there , but I’ve been in an accident in mine and of the 3 vehicles involved mine was the least damaged. Destroyed the front of a Mitsubishi SUV that drove into the back of me, and the Honda I was pushed into still isn’t fixed after 6 months. Sure they have their negative points but I think you must have bought a sh”tter of a truck. I’d much rather have a simple, fuel efficient vehicle than that horrible money pit that you now have (and already complaining about in previous video) . Buying a big stupid hybrid is probably gonna cost you more in the long run but hey it’s not my money. Since having mine I’ve realised I have to drive better coz it’s a manual and it’s small, thus I concentrate more behind the wheel, unlike my modern car with all its gadgets and distractions. It’s also perfect for a lot of trail building because of its size, I can go most places with tools and dirt. You gave up too soon
My Carry appears to be the same as he had- Cab doesn't get hot and don't have the smell he is talking about inside cab. I also daily drive it for 3 years now and go 60MPH on interstate. 4speed DB51T model with F6A engine. I do agree with safety issues
@@kittycatnet safety issues are certainly a good point, but you can’t live life wrapped in bubble wrap. I’m certainly more aware of my driving and of others when I’m in my Carry.
Everything you say about kei trucks is true. (Except for the exhaust fumes smell after driving, I use my A/C most of the time. However, with the onset of winter, I use my windows more often. I haven't noticed any exhaust smell at all.) And I knew about those factors before purchasing the truck. So, none of these things surprises me. My supercharged kei truck is for recreational use only. (My daily driver is a Tacoma pickup.) As a fun vehicle, I absolutely love my Subaru Sambar. Stick it into 4WD and lock in the differential and it does an excellent job offroad because of its miniscule footprint. With its even weight distribution and tight turning radius, it's extremely nimble on the road. And, of course, the supercharger is a blast! I look forward to daily tasks like the grocery store errand or trip to the post office because it's an opportunity to get out and drive my Sambar.
Dude... so many feels. I sold my Honda acty last year. Most of your points were mine except my engine was in the bed. Definitely miss it and it's enough novelty to buy a 2nd in the future. I imported mine.
So, it sounds like you got a bad one. I have had my minitruck for almost a year now and I have had none of the problems you seem to have. I have had it on the freeway at up to 56 mph (90 kph), but over that and it shakes because its aerodynamic profile is called "brick", but I live in CT, so I shouldn't be going that fast anyway. No problem getting parts/repairs, but I got mine in 2023, so maybe things have improved as far as access to them? No smell (the cabin is sealed properly), it isn't hot (I got one with 4x4 and AC and it definitely is NOT a motorcycle engine), and no problem storing/transporting people because I use it IN PLACE of another, larger vehicle when I don't need to spend 17 miles per gallon on my Tribecca (the minitruck gets 26 mpg for me). The fifth reason you got rid of it I totally understand, though. That isn't a problem for me, since I expect to die like a man if I eat another car's bumper. I am glad to see you tried it out, though. I feel everyone should at least test drive one of them, just to see what they are about, but I love my "Queen Beatrice", and everyone in my town knows her by sight now. I think it all comes down to what sort of things you want a vehicle to do for you, and for me, she is perfect in every way. I am even spending the money to install speakers in the doors and I got a new stereo for her. (No, I am not planning on putting in a sub. I'm not exactly a "tuner")
So I definitely understand your points. However, you are looking at this as a commuter vehicle with creature comforts and the expectation of having all the conveniences of a standard American vehicle. For someone that wants a gas sipper that does not plan on doing more than ~65mph, has their own auto mechanic skills with plans to diy, and wants the two seater with a box to carry things, this is a good option. HOWEVER, I've noticed a lot of grumbling about some states REVOKING titles on these. I honestly don't think this is right, and yes my state has been noted to do this as well so I'm very much on hold to purchase a kei vehicle. I guess at the end of the day, if you live in a restrictive state and need a yard vehicle, this may do it. If you live in a non restrictive state and know folks locally that have these on the road, you might be golden. If you are looking for a utility vehicle with a large comfortable ride and a cheap price, take a look at the older quad cab small pickups or perhaps a jeep.
I have a 92 Honda Acty. All of these things are super addressable except for the last point of safety. Being that close to the front of the vehicle is inherently not as safe as a modern car.
In the UK ,I have driven kei trucks,vans,and cars as a daily driver for forty years,and never had a smell problem,no,it's not unsafe,and in the UK we can drive on ,as you say,freeways.I think most of the things you say are problems,can be overcome.
“Say, Pastor, it smells like you drove the kei truck here this morning”. 😂 I had a similar experience with my 1988 Mazda 323 GTX. Rare car, hard to source parts, no airbags. The floorboards were so rusty I felt it would split in half if I ever got I. A collision. It was supposed to be my auto cross car like most “recreational” vehicles, it’s just a big money sucking liability. 🤷♂️
I should be out on my 1996 Klein, but... the answer is: Honda Acty VAN, 4wd, AC, 5 spd. Room for mtb, mxb, skiis, snowboards, and 6' kayak. All respect for Reason #5 👍
Man you seem like a cool dude. Thanks for you video. As a Blaine resident it's nice to see a local TH-camr. congrats on your excellent work and success.
Excellent reasoning for the sale, it helped me decide to not purchase the one I was negotiating on. I also have always had very dangerous sport entertainment. Off-road motorcycle riding/racing, that sort of thing. Why add one more even more dangerous activity. I have instead decided on a Nissan nv2500 tall roof van.
If I remember correctly, you bought it in Seattle? If it doesn't go over 35mph comfortably, I'd love to know the route you took to get it to B'Ham. As a Western grad, I made that 1-5 drive hundreds of times, so I'm curious. 🙂
Nice to hear you say you got a wife,Man...i was wondering... Was that yer toothless uncle at the end? WT... Your partner there had a good point...but these trucks spend their lives scooting lonely narrow paths between rice fields...not in traffic over 25 miles an hour, dude...i saw one on the highway once...me like : Get the heck outta here, old kook! Repairs? Yes. you own a Ferrari? You live in Italy...enough said. Smelling like...what? I seriously don't get it, but i suppose the Suzuki design is flawed...get a SUbaru Sandbar ( they didn't name it soapbar, you see?)...but like if you don't spend yer time in the dirt and stuff...well VTT riders sure do... i guess a guy could stink, but maybe cause the motor was under yer arse, ya ( VTT is velo tout terrain in French, or: all terrain bike). Also, storage? Japan is super removed from crime, so no one steals yer junk from the back of yer truck ( that's stupid!), so...crime in America, i guess...last point i would make is : just chuck yer bike into the back and drive...one bike chucked over the next if need be... that is all sorry man i just jokin' around
They were talking about this type of truck on the Joe Rogan podcast (Rich Benoit episode) the other day. It reminded me about your truck. They were talking how the government don’t like them because they are so unsafe.
This guy loves making videos hyping up products then makes videos about why he dislikes them or sells them. Ex, clipless pedals, Toyota Tacoma, trifox bike, "dream bike." The list goes on.
It is a vehicle that makes a lot of sense in Japan but not nearly as much sense in the USA. I used to see them all the time while living there - great vehicle for a lot of the tight alleys and narrow roads common in a lot of Japan's cities. Definitely a passion to keep going here in the USA.
Not the mini truck I was hoping you were going to make that into some sick bite mini truck or you can carry a couple of bikes and all the parts you know travel with it!!!!
I heard diva, Diva, DIVA first world excuses, excuses..... you just wanted some views, got them, and move on. And to really solve almost(key word) solves all those issues, just get kei van, with AC. Remember AC dosen't cool you off when it's hot, in cleans/controls the air, humidity, windshield/dows when it's cold, especially in the PNW in rain/wet, and then just throw a light bullbar, few other mods, and your set. The van for a bike/moto rig, is almost ideal, outside side of just a typical car. Okay, minivan. But definitely not very divA. I bet you'd get some 👍...
It's a good idea to listen to your wife. Single guys do not understand how hard it is to maitain good marital relations to keep our N+1 equation in balance. 😁🤘
Everything you say about kei trucks is true. (Except for the exhaust fumes smell after driving, I use my A/C most of the time. However, with the onset of winter, I use my windows more often. I haven't noticed any exhaust smell at all.) And I knew about those factors before purchasing the truck. So, none of these things surprises me. My supercharged kei truck is for recreational use only. (My daily driver is a Tacoma pickup.) As a fun vehicle, I absolutely love my Subaru Sambar. Stick it into 4WD and lock in the differential and it does an excellent job offroad because of its miniscule footprint. With its even weight distribution and tight turning radius, it's extremely nimble on the road. And, of course, the supercharger is a blast! I look forward to daily tasks like the grocery store errand or trip to the post office because it's an opportunity to get out and drive my Sambar.
Mini truck gone? Unsubscribe.
I completely understand.... time to go get another one to bring you back!
Oh nooo whatever will he do he doesnt have The Lost Co. as a subscriber anymoreeee
@@LibertyGunsBeerTrump the lost co has 120000 subs lol
@@DailyMTBRidershoulda got a Subaru
Did you actually unsubscribe? Or was it sarcasm?
You can get them with AC. The engine shouldn't heat up the cab. I drive mine daily in NC and never have that issue. There's plenty of storage options. If you place a tool box right in the middle of the bed of course you can't fit a bike in it correctly. The tailgate also can lay flat. Parts are super cheap and easy to source in the US. It's incredibly easy to work due to its incredible simplicity. Any mechanic can work on it. Sounds like yours had an exhaust leak, the exhaust smell isn't normal. YES if you get in an accident you'll be smooshed like a pancake 🥞
What websites or suppliers do you use to source your parts? I'm having trouble finding reputable websites that aren't charging an arm and a leg for simple maintenance parts, replacement parts, aftermarket, etc.
TBH it sounded like he was making excuses for not knowing anything about cars and when he found out he can't just take it to a normal everyday mechanic and get parts down the road he freaked and bailed. Very common with JDMs. It's honestly not that much harder to get parts IMO if you're like me and order them online anyway and usually there's at least one mechanic in a given metro area that specializes or at least is willing to work on JDM cars, especially a kei truck which is one of the easiest vehicles to work on.
He also seemed to not do his research and buy the right truck. He bought the "cute one" with the round headlights instead of one with a 5 speed that could easily do 60 mph, a mid or rear mounted engine (Acty/Sambar), put a fixed toolbox that blocked his ability to load bikes properly, didn't pay attention to the lack of A/C (plenty of them have it), and also once again didn't realize they take a little more effort and care than a USDM vehicle to get them serviced. And then also made the mistake of trying to daily it as his only car, which is not smart for a JDM import.
I disagree with both of you on the safety, though. Safety isn't just how well it smacks head on into a wall, and even then these fare better than most people think (there is a japanese crash test video on youtube, don't mistake it for the garbage Chinese mini truck one that does horribly). Forward visibility, low center of gravity, light weight, etc. allow you to offset crash injury with the ability to avoid an accident in the first place. I will always choose a car that allows me to steer around over an accident vs. a big one that makes an accident inevitable. Things like big vans and SUVs are also likely to roll over whereas kei trucks are built like EVs in terms of weight distribution and take a lot of effort to flip because the engine is basically on the ground as is the frame and nothing else weighs much. People even drive these on race tracks and drift them in Japan!
@@nunyabusiness896 took the words right out of my mind
very well-balanced, polite response...i went with humour...humor with a U ( I'm almost in the Pacific Northwest....little further North West
I'm looking forward to the "I sold my Ford Maverick" video in s couple years.
I just ordered a ford maverick. Going to trade in my Silverado 1500. Although I live in Alaska and do need AWD, thus cant get the hybrid.
I remember driving a truck like this when I lived in Japan. It makes sense there where roads aren’t very wide. However, it makes you miss the extra storage space and comfort of Cars and trucks in the states real quick.
He just full on forgot the Truck is just for transport their are other mini cars for families an camping
I wouldn't want one as an only vehicle, but as a second vehicle to use for hardware store runs? they are phenomenal but they definitely aren't for anyone. Its the kind of vehicle you have to be passionate about and willing to put the extra effort in, like most obscure JDM imports.
That's the situation I'll be in. Hope to get a Suburu Sambar in a year or so. Will retire about the same time, along with my wife. We'll have her nearly new SUV as a primary car, with the Sambar being my around town, utility vehicle. No need for going on the highway with it, or long road trips.
I have a Daihatsu Hijet, and most of these issues are non-issues. Yes, the engine is partially under the seats, but there is essentially no heat or smell in the cab. You can get mini trucks with A/C for increased summer comfort. You can't fit your bikes in the bed because your bed has a huge box in it. The mini truck has a bed that's longer than 6' and wider than 4', and that's larger than a standard sized US pickup truck bed even though it looks smaller... and the mini truck has a flat bed without the big wheel wells that stick up in a US pickup truck. Mini trucks are much better for hauling loads than US pickup trucks, even including very large pickup trucks with crew cabs and small beds. It's true that mini trucks are under powered for highway use but mine has no trouble reaching 70 MPH highway speeds although it does take a bit of time to get there. I don't drive mine on the highway but I routinely drive it 60+ MPH around town and on major secondary roads that were how we traveled before the interstate highway system. Routine maintenance parts can be sourced in the US (filters, clutch kit, windshield wipers, etc.) but less common repair parts do need to ship from Japan, usually a week or so for FedEx standard delivery. The shipping drives up the price but the parts are still fairly cheap and these little trucks are easy to repair.
#1 reason you sold your mini truck - your wife told you to. LOL. Granted, you don't want to be in an interstate head-on collision in a mini truck, but these trucks aren't THAT unsafe. Have you noticed there are 40,000 to 45,000 auto fatalities in the US every year, and that number hasn't decreased much as a result of crumple zones, air bags, lane assist, automatic braking, etc.? The safer we make our vehicles, the dumber we make our drivers. Our society seems to tolerate 40,000+ traffic fatalities a year. Want to make your mini truck safe? Don't text and drive. Don't cut people off in traffic. Don't speed in unsafe road conditions. Maintain a decent braking distance.
The problem in US is all the other cars are getting bigger and bigger and if you drive a smaller car, you are at risk. You can be smart, and safe but others aren't. It is a shame that the average family car is like a mini hummer at this point. People either buy a huge SUV or a pick up truck. I would not rely on a small car if I was in US not because I like them, but because you can't be in a smaller car against them
I wish they would put a limit on the size of these cars. As you said, the number of fatalities don't go down and that's because these cars are getting stupid big and the crashes are now two mini tanks hitting each other. They also provide far less visibility and they are a much bigger threat to pedestrians. Think about it: Best seller car in Europe is a ford focus sized hatchback. In US it is a Ford Truck. A gigantic one. Electric cars are not adding anything to solution since they are far much heavier as well. Wait until Tesla and others release their electric trucks: Which will be the same size as those trucks and will be alike a ton heavier thanks to the battery. In 15 years people will be driving Abrams tank in the shape of cars in US. I don't want to delve into the environmental implications as well since this is something really depressing
Thank you mate great comment just buying one at the moment you’ve sold me. Cheers
@@jackmoto2187 - I hope you love your mini truck as much as I do mine. A year after buying it, I finally pressure washed it yesterday, as a prelude to sanding some rust, Oxpho converting the last unreachable rust to iron phosphate, priming those spots and masking today. Tomorrow I'll scuff sand, solvent wipe and paint the mini truck with Monstaliner polyurethane bed liner.
@Motocheez made me buy my Hijet. 🙂
You should’ve gotten the Subaru Sambar: faster, rear engined, easy to source parts.
I agree, he probably didn’t choose the right KEI truck and one of the Japanese mini vans might have been more suitable to his needs or liking
Seems like a no brainer. Thanks for sharing this with us.
#1, never let a woman tell you what to do and if she does, don’t listen.
I call BS on some of these points. Why? Because I got one and I’ve had none of the problems you had. Heck even my wife borrows it occasionally to do chores .
Smelly inside? Umm nope never had that problem, mines well sealed between the engine and cabin.
Hot inside? Dude that’s what wind down windows are for, much nicer than a/c.
Parts hard to find? Mate I live further from Japan than you and I’ve just gone online and got stuff, not eBay but Megazip in Japan. Not enough research I think.
Tyres? Meh I found some decent ones and a set of AT tyres.
Hard to work on? Nope, dead easy, with google or TH-cam to help.
Not fast? What’s your rush?
Not bike practical? You are joking aren’t you? Mines set so I can carry 2 with the front wheels off , or I just chuck my bike in if I’m riding alone. Definitely being a diva on that, how hard is it to lift it up on something so low. And me and a friend easily went to our local trail together with some stuff in the cabin.
Storage is easy to solve by using ingenuity, side mounted boxes below the deck.
Not safe? You might have a point there , but I’ve been in an accident in mine and of the 3 vehicles involved mine was the least damaged. Destroyed the front of a Mitsubishi SUV that drove into the back of me, and the Honda I was pushed into still isn’t fixed after 6 months.
Sure they have their negative points but I think you must have bought a sh”tter of a truck. I’d much rather have a simple, fuel efficient vehicle than that horrible money pit that you now have (and already complaining about in previous video) . Buying a big stupid hybrid is probably gonna cost you more in the long run but hey it’s not my money.
Since having mine I’ve realised I have to drive better coz it’s a manual and it’s small, thus I concentrate more behind the wheel, unlike my modern car with all its gadgets and distractions.
It’s also perfect for a lot of trail building because of its size, I can go most places with tools and dirt.
You gave up too soon
Great points Jon! And I think you're correct that mine was not as nice of one!
My Carry appears to be the same as he had- Cab doesn't get hot and don't have the smell he is talking about inside cab. I also daily drive it for 3 years now and go 60MPH on interstate. 4speed DB51T model with F6A engine. I do agree with safety issues
@@kittycatnet safety issues are certainly a good point, but you can’t live life wrapped in bubble wrap. I’m certainly more aware of my driving and of others when I’m in my Carry.
Everything you say about kei trucks is true. (Except for the exhaust fumes smell after driving, I use my A/C most of the time. However, with the onset of winter, I use my windows more often. I haven't noticed any exhaust smell at all.) And I knew about those factors before purchasing the truck. So, none of these things surprises me.
My supercharged kei truck is for recreational use only. (My daily driver is a Tacoma pickup.) As a fun vehicle, I absolutely love my Subaru Sambar. Stick it into 4WD and lock in the differential and it does an excellent job offroad because of its miniscule footprint. With its even weight distribution and tight turning radius, it's extremely nimble on the road. And, of course, the supercharger is a blast! I look forward to daily tasks like the grocery store errand or trip to the post office because it's an opportunity to get out and drive my Sambar.
Dude... so many feels. I sold my Honda acty last year. Most of your points were mine except my engine was in the bed. Definitely miss it and it's enough novelty to buy a 2nd in the future. I imported mine.
So, it sounds like you got a bad one. I have had my minitruck for almost a year now and I have had none of the problems you seem to have. I have had it on the freeway at up to 56 mph (90 kph), but over that and it shakes because its aerodynamic profile is called "brick", but I live in CT, so I shouldn't be going that fast anyway. No problem getting parts/repairs, but I got mine in 2023, so maybe things have improved as far as access to them? No smell (the cabin is sealed properly), it isn't hot (I got one with 4x4 and AC and it definitely is NOT a motorcycle engine), and no problem storing/transporting people because I use it IN PLACE of another, larger vehicle when I don't need to spend 17 miles per gallon on my Tribecca (the minitruck gets 26 mpg for me). The fifth reason you got rid of it I totally understand, though. That isn't a problem for me, since I expect to die like a man if I eat another car's bumper. I am glad to see you tried it out, though. I feel everyone should at least test drive one of them, just to see what they are about, but I love my "Queen Beatrice", and everyone in my town knows her by sight now. I think it all comes down to what sort of things you want a vehicle to do for you, and for me, she is perfect in every way. I am even spending the money to install speakers in the doors and I got a new stereo for her. (No, I am not planning on putting in a sub. I'm not exactly a "tuner")
So I definitely understand your points. However, you are looking at this as a commuter vehicle with creature comforts and the expectation of having all the conveniences of a standard American vehicle. For someone that wants a gas sipper that does not plan on doing more than ~65mph, has their own auto mechanic skills with plans to diy, and wants the two seater with a box to carry things, this is a good option. HOWEVER, I've noticed a lot of grumbling about some states REVOKING titles on these. I honestly don't think this is right, and yes my state has been noted to do this as well so I'm very much on hold to purchase a kei vehicle.
I guess at the end of the day, if you live in a restrictive state and need a yard vehicle, this may do it. If you live in a non restrictive state and know folks locally that have these on the road, you might be golden. If you are looking for a utility vehicle with a large comfortable ride and a cheap price, take a look at the older quad cab small pickups or perhaps a jeep.
its like a guy saying how dare this small storage transport running Truck not have 6 seats an a Box Truck back
I have a 92 Honda Acty. All of these things are super addressable except for the last point of safety. Being that close to the front of the vehicle is inherently not as safe as a modern car.
In the UK ,I have driven kei trucks,vans,and cars as a daily driver for forty years,and never had a smell problem,no,it's not unsafe,and in the UK we can drive on ,as you say,freeways.I think most of the things you say are problems,can be overcome.
I can’t even imagine my wife telling me to sell one of my vehicles, and me saying ok….
Kei truck is not design for daily drive like a street type cars, it's specifically designed for towns, doing agriculture
“Say, Pastor, it smells like you drove the kei truck here this morning”.
😂
I had a similar experience with my 1988 Mazda 323 GTX. Rare car, hard to source parts, no airbags. The floorboards were so rusty I felt it would split in half if I ever got I. A collision. It was supposed to be my auto cross car like most “recreational” vehicles, it’s just a big money sucking liability. 🤷♂️
I should be out on my 1996 Klein, but... the answer is: Honda Acty VAN, 4wd, AC, 5 spd. Room for mtb, mxb, skiis, snowboards, and 6' kayak.
All respect for Reason #5 👍
What do u drive now?
He made a video about the Ford Maverick recently, so probably that?
You can get them with the engine in the rear,( subaro) stick with manual..or kei van and up grade wheels
Your wife is a very smart woman!
So how's the mini truck?
Man you seem like a cool dude.
Thanks for you video.
As a Blaine resident it's nice to see a local TH-camr.
congrats on your excellent work and success.
That thing was a novelty toy from the start. No brainer.
I have NO problem with mines and i Daily it everyday wooo!! 🤙🏾
Those trucks are sweet but all that makes sense. Glad to see you making more vids !
Excellent reasoning for the sale, it helped me decide to not purchase the one I was negotiating on. I also have always had very dangerous sport entertainment. Off-road motorcycle riding/racing, that sort of thing. Why add one more even more dangerous activity. I have instead decided on a Nissan nv2500 tall roof van.
Glad you’re back bud 👍
its like a list cons prior to the actual purchase. been there before...
which state did you register ?
Coincidentally enough I saw one of these today in Whangarei, New Zealand bit of a head turner, not very common here.
THIS IS TRAGIC
Wait but the truck has vents? Are those only for heating? Why do you need heating if the engine is under the seat?
My comment made video!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Only came to this Chanel for the mini truck… damn
@dailymtbrider found one of your stickers on our local trail.
If I remember correctly, you bought it in Seattle? If it doesn't go over 35mph comfortably, I'd love to know the route you took to get it to B'Ham. As a Western grad, I made that 1-5 drive hundreds of times, so I'm curious. 🙂
So what are you driving now?
Nice to hear you say you got a wife,Man...i was wondering...
Was that yer toothless uncle at the end? WT...
Your partner there had a good point...but these trucks spend their lives scooting lonely narrow paths between rice fields...not in traffic over 25 miles an hour, dude...i saw one on the highway once...me like : Get the heck outta here, old kook! Repairs? Yes. you own a Ferrari? You live in Italy...enough said. Smelling like...what? I seriously don't get it, but i suppose the Suzuki design is flawed...get a SUbaru Sandbar ( they didn't name it soapbar, you see?)...but like if you don't spend yer time in the dirt and stuff...well VTT riders sure do... i guess a guy could stink, but maybe cause the motor was under yer arse, ya ( VTT is velo tout terrain in French, or: all terrain bike). Also, storage? Japan is super removed from crime, so no one steals yer junk from the back of yer truck ( that's stupid!), so...crime in America, i guess...last point i would make is : just chuck yer bike into the back and drive...one bike chucked over the next if need be...
that is all
sorry man i just jokin' around
Did you send this video to the guy that bought it?
They were talking about this type of truck on the Joe Rogan podcast (Rich Benoit episode) the other day. It reminded me about your truck. They were talking how the government don’t like them because they are so unsafe.
This guy loves making videos hyping up products then makes videos about why he dislikes them or sells them. Ex, clipless pedals, Toyota Tacoma, trifox bike, "dream bike." The list goes on.
Many states are banning them now. I respect the safety issue but you can get killed doing anything these days. Do a garage tour!!
It is a vehicle that makes a lot of sense in Japan but not nearly as much sense in the USA. I used to see them all the time while living there - great vehicle for a lot of the tight alleys and narrow roads common in a lot of Japan's cities. Definitely a passion to keep going here in the USA.
They are meant to be rural trucks like on farms and in small towns. Small towns and city commutes are good to go really
You had me at no AC…….🥵
Buyers remorse. Sounds like more research was needed before buying.
Was wondering about this thing.
I want for cruising dirt roads
Not the mini truck I was hoping you were going to make that into some sick bite mini truck or you can carry a couple of bikes and all the parts you know travel with it!!!!
i saw on pink bike you sold your yt dirt love, what dj do you have now?
still have the scooter?
You bet I do! I actually sold the orange one and have a bigger 125cc one I love
But…but…but…it was just funny to look at. 🤷♂️🥲
Get the kei van
I heard diva, Diva, DIVA first world excuses, excuses..... you just wanted some views, got them, and move on. And to really solve almost(key word) solves all those issues, just get kei van, with AC. Remember AC dosen't cool you off when it's hot, in cleans/controls the air, humidity, windshield/dows when it's cold, especially in the PNW in rain/wet, and then just throw a light bullbar, few other mods, and your set. The van for a bike/moto rig, is almost ideal, outside side of just a typical car. Okay, minivan. But definitely not very divA. I bet you'd get some 👍...
A cargo net would of solved a lot of this
You need to buy a 350 Duramax.
Worry about safety . But people ride motorcycles 😂🤷♂️
Your son wouldn’t fit in the front seat? 🤦🏻♂️
takes a certain type of male to be able to own one.
What a cry baby
All good reasons why you sold it, why buy this junk in the first place?
Because he thought that if he put a picture of this truck in the thumbnail for his videos people would watch more but that didn't happen.
@@ass2mouthallday lol
Let's be honest, the real reason you sold it is that you have a ford maverick.
Dude you live a soft life !
😂
And for all you SMELLY mechanics out there
Unsubscribe immediately because Josh has nothing but content for you!!!
Your wife told you too. Grow some man.
haha you could have avoided all of this by doing some basic research before buying this thing.
It's a good idea to listen to your wife. Single guys do not understand how hard it is to maitain good marital relations to keep our N+1 equation in balance. 😁🤘
Hopefully you wont sell your wife and kids ...
Sometimes those pesky kids can work up a smell .after ball practice ..😳
Jeez guy
A lot of excuses
Hi, please reply my email, and we want to know how is the review video going. We are waiting for your reply. Thanks
Its a work truck!!!!!!!!!!! 🛻 not a daily driver!!!!!!!
Everything you say about kei trucks is true. (Except for the exhaust fumes smell after driving, I use my A/C most of the time. However, with the onset of winter, I use my windows more often. I haven't noticed any exhaust smell at all.) And I knew about those factors before purchasing the truck. So, none of these things surprises me.
My supercharged kei truck is for recreational use only. (My daily driver is a Tacoma pickup.) As a fun vehicle, I absolutely love my Subaru Sambar. Stick it into 4WD and lock in the differential and it does an excellent job offroad because of its miniscule footprint. With its even weight distribution and tight turning radius, it's extremely nimble on the road. And, of course, the supercharger is a blast! I look forward to daily tasks like the grocery store errand or trip to the post office because it's an opportunity to get out and drive my Sambar.