| The Kei class vehicles have long been a product of | | | | of the vehicle itself, but the fees that are attached to |
| Japan. Kei vehicles are lightweight vehicles and Kei | | | | keeping vehicles in Japan is quite high. The Japanese |
| trucks are small mini trucks that are used for a variety | | | | are required to pay a registration fee called 'shaken', |
| of purposes. | | | | the parking fees called 'shakoshomei' and 'zeiken' |
| These small versatile trucks have become a popular | | | | which means taxes. And then there is the insurance, |
| export to the United States. Mainly the reason for their | | | | which is called 'hokken'. All of these fees and taxes |
| popularity is the import rules are not as strict on these | | | | means that the older used vehicles are not worth the |
| vehicles as on others. The reason for the lax rules is | | | | costs. |
| because of their use for off road purposes and is | | | | All of these fees and safety inspections mean that the |
| typically used on ranches and farms. | | | | Japanese keep their vehicles in great shape. It also |
| This class of vehicle can be passenger cars as well | | | | means that they depreciate quite heavily in Japan. This |
| as the mini trucks that you often see on farms and | | | | is good news for those buying these used vehicles in |
| grounds. These tiny trucks are very versatile in their | | | | other countries. They are generally sold for very good |
| capacity. They are generally fitted with equipment on | | | | prices. |
| the rear of the truck so that they can perform their | | | | The mini truck models that are the most popular are |
| many tasks. | | | | the Daihatsu Hijet, the Suzuki Carry, the Honda Acty, |
| Their ability to move around in small areas makes | | | | the Mitsubishi Minicab and the Subaru Sambar. There |
| them an excellent choice for hunting and use as an | | | | are new models introduced very year, but usually they |
| ambulance in crowded places. | | | | are pretty much the same. |
| During the 1980's these trucks typically had engines | | | | Specifications For Japanese Mini Trucks |
| that were 550 cc and 40 horsepower, but today you | | | | The specifications on mini trucks in Japan have varied |
| can find them with 660cc and 45 horsepower engines. | | | | each year. And they also vary between models. |
| This is the standard size engine on mini trucks now. | | | | Generally they follow a specific guideline. They are |
| A vehicle is usually only driven six thousand miles a | | | | usually 10'10" in length, 5'8" tall and 4'6" in width. |
| year on average in Japan, but when you are | | | | The dimensions for the truck bed are generally 4'1' X |
| purchasing one of these used trucks from Japan be | | | | 6'6". The wheelbase is usually 6'3" and they weigh |
| sure to check the miles. | | | | around 1400 pounds. These mini trucks are equipped |
| The six thousand miles are often very hard driven | | | | with a manual transmission and generally have four or |
| miles. | | | | five gears. Some have six gears and ranges between |
| The Quality Of Mini Trucks And Their Value | | | | high and low. |
| You will find that these trucks have evolved over the | | | | The tires can be changed to accommodate their use |
| years from their original size and emission control | | | | from regular tires to snow and mud tires. If they are to |
| equipment. The regulations that govern the safety and | | | | be used on a farm they can also be equipped with |
| emissions of these trucks and vehicles are changing | | | | tractor tires or ATV tires. Sometimes these little work |
| constantly and today's trucks and cars are safer and | | | | trucks will have air conditioning or radios installed inside |
| cleaner than ever. | | | | the cab. |
| A vehicle is an expensive item in Japan. Not the cost | | | | |