I've imported two Kei vehicles to the U.S. I purchased from carused japan, that isn't a plug for them, just who I bought from. The process is actually pretty easy, and if you go to the customs and border website, they have not only a step by step guide, but an email address where you can ask questions. I imported both without a broker and only paid around $3k to $4k for each, I have a 1992 Suzuki Jimny and a 1996 Suzuki Carry. The reason for the 25% truck tax, if it was a car it would only be 2.5% tax, but trucks are 25% because of a trade dispute between the U.S. and basically the rest of the world due to chicken sales abroad...look it up, pretty interesting story about how we put a tarrif on light utility trucks because foreign countries didn't like how we took over the international poultry market and put a 25% tarrif on our chicken.
axeman3d: it's not so much how their marketed, they build em that way because of the demand. i don't know what it is with America, but Americans like big cars here. it's why trucks are enormous, SUV's are the size of a small garage. some people say it's just an excuse to make trucks big, but technically American trucks have been big since 2000. Japanese vehicles have to be smaller, because the roads aren't as wide, and are much more narrow. but that also explains why Japanese built vehicles have the best handling, it's because if you don't get the suspension right, the vehicle could possibly lose balance or tip over. most vehicles in America are built to have a softer ride, but they can get away with that to some degree, because American roads are wide, and most are straight, but that's not the case in Japan. however because trucks are so big, you get what is called body roll, and the reason is because of how wide they have to make certain vehicles. but see the culture there doesn't care about the size, or fuss over if it's too small. you get that in America, because let's be honest, half the population is overweight and unhealthy. it's the reason diabetes is the number 1 health problem in America, but see a vehicle in Japan is treated the way it should be treated, a utility vehicle. but in America, people think trucks should look like a fancy living room on the inside, but in Japan that's considered as a luxury requirement, that they only use for luxury vehicles.
Great video. I’m not even interested in getting one of these but you made it so watchable. Sitting atop the engine has to make it pretty warm in summer, good thing you got AC.
Love the kei trucks , I had a new one here in South Africa that cost about 7k . I now have the Suzuki mini van just as fun to drive . Ours are rated for 750kg payload but have a 1,2litre engine
Glad I came across your video! Was going to do ISF, 7501, epa and ect documents myself but why fear messing up something when you can pay a lil more (like insurance) and have a broker do it. Went through mitsui to snag a 92 subie sambar dumpy. Talked to Sharon from dixon smith, ball is rolling! Thank you for breaking it all down and doing the research to make it easier for others who suddenly have an impulsive decision to buy a kei car
Im malaysian, i use this truck for 8 years carrying my one ton palm oil to a factory every week, yeahh, u hear me rite, one ton hahaha.. For 8 years Never have major engine problem, the only upgrade i make is back suspension with double tyre, now i want buy one more 😊..
Hey tim update from me, other than a lil haitus for mitsui to ship (ship carrier backlog) and month wait, my kei truck is somewhere in the ocean and set to be stateside next Wednesday! Total of 12 days. Honesty really fast. Everything that you have said about the process is true and sharon is amazing. Both mitsui and sharon answered all my questions promtply every time. Arrival notice is like one of many port fees. Theres a second company thats shipping related who also wants to be fed 75$. I will be using dreamer auto transport just like you and they were prompt and answered all my questions as well.
Also the duty tax for the truck is 25-30% due a dispute about chickens decades ago and japan threw a tarrif on trucks. Every other vehicle is like 7%. Sucks to pay but it's honestly comical when you read into it
In india it was called Omini van, also popular for being kidnapping by gangster's and also used by people for school bus, vegetable venders, food truck, and others, all from 80-90's have sweet memories of this van
I can't believe there is a tariff on light utility trucks because of chicken. I'm looking into getting one of these eventually. I guess 25% on a used 90's isn't as much as a brand new one. But I wouldn't even be able to license or title a brand new one? Why is this tariff stuff so stupid? And I guess we voted for more of them.
Thank you for this, I’m looking to import one but was having issues with finding a broker. I’ll look into your recommendations. But quick question, did the broker have their own fee?
@@tim_sessions That is really nice to know! I didn't know that was an option. Do you have any resources that helped you figure out how to register it as a street legal ATV?
In the process right now, doing it myself just to do get the experience, eezimport luckily helping step by step , but next time definitely going through a customs broker the stress do make sure I have all my documents, one and done
At 10:25 I say it took from Jan. 27 - Feb. 22 start to finish, but I meant Mar. 22.
having owned one for 3 years these things are phenomenal and the smile when you drive.
Agree.Been an owner in the UK, for forty years.
I've imported two Kei vehicles to the U.S. I purchased from carused japan, that isn't a plug for them, just who I bought from. The process is actually pretty easy, and if you go to the customs and border website, they have not only a step by step guide, but an email address where you can ask questions. I imported both without a broker and only paid around $3k to $4k for each, I have a 1992 Suzuki Jimny and a 1996 Suzuki Carry. The reason for the 25% truck tax, if it was a car it would only be 2.5% tax, but trucks are 25% because of a trade dispute between the U.S. and basically the rest of the world due to chicken sales abroad...look it up, pretty interesting story about how we put a tarrif on light utility trucks because foreign countries didn't like how we took over the international poultry market and put a 25% tarrif on our chicken.
Very cool! I visited Japan recently and saw these all over. Would love to do something similar someday.
That looks like a great adventure truck in the making! Looking forward to see what becomes of it and the adventures to come.
Thank you sir! I’ll keep you updated.
I think the fact that these have a bed as big as the current pack of monster trucks says a lot about how things are marketed in the US.
axeman3d: it's not so much how their marketed, they build em that way
because of the demand. i don't know what it is with America,
but Americans like big cars here. it's why trucks are enormous,
SUV's are the size of a small garage. some people say it's just an excuse
to make trucks big, but technically American trucks have been big since 2000.
Japanese vehicles have to be smaller, because the roads aren't
as wide, and are much more narrow. but that also explains why Japanese
built vehicles have the best handling, it's because if you don't get the
suspension right, the vehicle could possibly lose balance or tip over.
most vehicles in America are built to have a softer ride, but they can get
away with that to some degree, because American roads are wide,
and most are straight, but that's not the case in Japan.
however because trucks are so big, you get what is called body roll,
and the reason is because of how wide they have to make certain vehicles.
but see the culture there doesn't care about the size, or fuss over if it's
too small. you get that in America, because let's be honest, half the population
is overweight and unhealthy. it's the reason diabetes is the number 1
health problem in America, but see a vehicle in Japan is treated the way
it should be treated, a utility vehicle. but in America, people think trucks
should look like a fancy living room on the inside,
but in Japan that's considered as a luxury requirement, that they only use
for luxury vehicles.
My son wants one. Now I know I should import instead of over paying. Thanks
Glad I could help! The links to the people I used are in the description.
So stoked it's finally here! Let the mini truck adventures begin 🤘
Yeah man! Let’s party
This looks so cool! I'm excited to see what you do with it!
Open to suggestions!
Good morning my new friend, I just subbed to you. My Subaru Sambar 1998 truck arrived from Japan on Thursday. I love it. We live in Huntsville, Texas.
Thanks for the sub! I was hoping you’d say Huntsville, Utah. Then we’d be neighbors.
Great video. I’m not even interested in getting one of these but you made it so watchable. Sitting atop the engine has to make it pretty warm in summer, good thing you got AC.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the kei trucks , I had a new one here in South Africa that cost about 7k . I now have the Suzuki mini van just as fun to drive . Ours are rated for 750kg payload but have a 1,2litre engine
Where can you buy a mini truck with 1.2 engine? Where are such truck manufacture?
great video, thanks for sharing the details..... I'm excited to give this a try !
Looks great man! Love the video!
Thanks for checking it out!
Glad I came across your video! Was going to do ISF, 7501, epa and ect documents myself but why fear messing up something when you can pay a lil more (like insurance) and have a broker do it.
Went through mitsui to snag a 92 subie sambar dumpy. Talked to Sharon from dixon smith, ball is rolling!
Thank you for breaking it all down and doing the research to make it easier for others who suddenly have an impulsive decision to buy a kei car
Dude, awesome. Great to hear and enjoy!
Awesome video! Super informative. Thank you! I'm also in Utah so there's a little added bonus for me.
I saw one of these today at a red light in Providence , RI
Im malaysian, i use this truck for 8 years carrying my one ton palm oil to a factory every week, yeahh, u hear me rite, one ton hahaha.. For 8 years Never have major engine problem, the only upgrade i make is back suspension with double tyre, now i want buy one more 😊..
Man I hope I see that driving around otown. I kind of want one of their vans listed or some of the Toyota cars are pretty unique.
It's my daily driver, so you probably will. The nice thing about the vans or cars is you don't have to pay that 25% tax.
@@tim_sessions You're in O-Town? Same here.
Hey tim update from me, other than a lil haitus for mitsui to ship (ship carrier backlog) and month wait, my kei truck is somewhere in the ocean and set to be stateside next Wednesday! Total of 12 days. Honesty really fast. Everything that you have said about the process is true and sharon is amazing. Both mitsui and sharon answered all my questions promtply every time. Arrival notice is like one of many port fees. Theres a second company thats shipping related who also wants to be fed 75$.
I will be using dreamer auto transport just like you and they were prompt and answered all my questions as well.
Also the duty tax for the truck is 25-30% due a dispute about chickens decades ago and japan threw a tarrif on trucks. Every other vehicle is like 7%. Sucks to pay but it's honestly comical when you read into it
Sweet! Thanks for the update. Glad it's working out for you!
Hello nice video brother.. i have a question.
You provided the logistic company only the release order paper to pick up the truck from the port?
Sweet ride.
It’s no camper van, but it will do.
now that they legal in Texas to drive i am looking for one again. and from what it cost you compared to what they asking you did good.
excellent video, thank you for sharing.
Hi I bought a 1998 Subaru Samber truck from Japan which arrives in less than two weeks time. I subbed to your channel to stay connecetd.
Curious if the Samber arrived yet? Thinking about going down a similar route and importing one myself to the East Coast.
You're making me want to buy one. Ha ha. How much was it total you'd say? Including the paperwork with Dixon Smith & Assoc.
Just shy of $6000 was my cost.
In india it was called Omini van, also popular for being kidnapping by gangster's and also used by people for school bus, vegetable venders, food truck, and others, all from 80-90's have sweet memories of this van
Was anyone able to inspect the vehicle for you before purchase or give you a grade sheet? Or did you just wing it?
Do they come in tall
Only the American versions. We need to make a short of you driving it.
Like driving a moped. Never safe
I can't believe there is a tariff on light utility trucks because of chicken. I'm looking into getting one of these eventually. I guess 25% on a used 90's isn't as much as a brand new one. But I wouldn't even be able to license or title a brand new one? Why is this tariff stuff so stupid? And I guess we voted for more of them.
Thank you for this, I’m looking to import one but was having issues with finding a broker. I’ll look into your recommendations. But quick question, did the broker have their own fee?
They do. Thats the $250
If you reach out, they should tell you up front. They know they’re not the only broker out there.
I am looking to import a kei truck to Utah and I was wondering if you had to do an emissions test to get yours registered and how that went?
Not here. I have it registered as a street legal ATV, so all I had to do was a safety
@@tim_sessions That is really nice to know! I didn't know that was an option. Do you have any resources that helped you figure out how to register it as a street legal ATV?
6'2" tall... I take it that this is not a 800 mile road trip truck ? How is the comfort level ?
Definitely not, but it’d be fun to try.
Comfort is a 3/10
Been driving Kei vans and trucks all.over the UK,for forty years.I am 6ft 3in. Long trips possible,but not the most comfortable.
What is the average mpg on these?
between 26-30
How fast can it go?
Top speed is 75 mph. No luggage.
Must get a bit toasty in the cabin with the motor under your cheeks 😂
Maybe the benefit of a Subaru with the engine at the back.
Hasn't been bad at all. It has A/C.
I’ve used sharon 2x, she was great!
Same here. Using her as we speak for my current import.
In the process right now, doing it myself just to do get the experience, eezimport luckily helping step by step , but next time definitely going through a customs broker the stress do make sure I have all my documents, one and done