5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My Mini Truck

I've owned my 1991 Japanese Imported mini truck for just over a year and have learned quite a lot about why people love these trucks so much. While there's a lot of good things about them, that's also a few things that I wish I knew before I bought it. So here are my top 5 things I desperately wish I knew before I purchased my mini truck!

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[poppyneese]

My son taught English in Japan, he said every Lil old man in Japan had one of these mini trucks, said they were everywhere, said they were the F150 of Japan.

[randallalton]

My boss at a beer garden in Texas had a 4x4 Mitsubishi imported from Japan.
Our parking lot was an unpaved horse pasture, and on rainy days people would get stuck, and it was my job to pull them out.
It was sooo much fun dealing with macho Texans in their big trucks being completely humbled- being rescued by the tiny mini truck!

[nemoskull]

0:55 attention
2:10 speed
4:30 rust
5:33 parts
6:15 tires

[KonwTheTrut]

Drove one of these types around al a sad airbase in Iraq back in 2004. Lasted through our abuse. Thanks for the memories.

[isaachophan]

I can only imagine seeing a Japanese mini truck speeding down a country road at 70 MPH

[theconstantevolution]

You can make the tire selection a easier by changing rims. You currently have the 12x4 rims with 145r12 tires. Bolt pattern is a fairly universal 4x114.3. Find some 13 or 14inch rims with the same pattern, bolt them on. The carry came with a 13" option and 155/70r13. With a 13 or 14 off a Honda, Nissan, or Toyota, they'll be a little wider at 5 or 6 wide, you could run something like 175/65r13,
185/65R13 or 185/55R14

[layzorbeeemz]

Go down your your local auto parts store and pick up some DEI heat tape, either silver or gold. It's a metal tape for reflecting heat. Stick it on the bottom of your seat of you want to insulate it a bit better.

[davidthelander]

They’re great trucks - have always liked them - so practical. Sides fold down - can load from the side with a forklift. Such great visibility inside the cab.

[KingSengco]

That is an unbelievably reliable work vehicle here in the Philippines mate. From construction companies, drinking water delivery, hauling, public transport and shop truck. Great buy man

[truckerenoch]

Youtube: "Hey do you want to know 5 things before you buy a mini truck, even though you've never searched for any tags in this video?"
Me: I'm not buying a mini truck, but ...o.k.
Also me: ...not disappointed ...also considering a mini truck.

[darren]

These mini trucks are quite popular here in the UK, on the second hand market they can cost a lot more than much larger vans of the same age. With both Petrol and Diesel engines available, 6 seater minibus models and also compact camperevans. I had the pick up truck years ago as a dairyman/Milkman, and it would happily carry the weight. They are definately fun to drive, especially in town centres where you can fit them into such small parking spaces.

[kobayashiharuno]

i'm from the Philippines, and the Suzuki Carry (better known here as the Multicab regardless of what body type it has) is the 3rd car i drove after i got my license last January 2021. i live in Manila, and these Multicabs are commonly used for telecommunications cable vans, water delivery service, and for some parts of Metro Manila (specifically in Pasay City), these are used as passenger jeepneys.

it was harsh, super loud (despited having a gasoline engine), uncomfortable, and actually capable. the one i drove is a dual cab with 2 sliding rear doors and a very small pickup bed. it was so ridiculous but i hauled a lot of stuff there (like luggages full of mostly clotches) and it did not dissapoint. fuel consumption is pretty good too.

[Ofageover]

I had a 1960 something Suziki minivan when I lived in Japan. The engine was in the back and was a 3 cylinder 2 cycle. If I went around a turn to fast it would go up on two wheels and one time I hit the brakes too hard and the back of the van lifted off the ground and swapped with the front. This was all doing 15 to 25 MPH.

[kittycatnet]

I think you gave a perfect overview of what to expect. Thank you! I have added over 6000 miles(not KM) to my '91 Suzuki Carry this year. It is my daily driver and love it. I will mention the frame is sheet metal and another place to watch for rust. Mine has AC and it takes more than a few HP away from the engine. Many of the electrical items have constant voltage and connects the ground for use. If adding LEDs, may need a wire swap. EVERYONE will ask you about the truck and I totally agree with you. People also ask is it hard to drive. I had no problems shifting on the left and came naturally oddly. The hard part in the first month was getting in the habit of using the turn signal on wrong side of wheel. The battery posts are much smaller on these trucks and expect to change the terminals out when battery dies. Interstate makes one that fits. For tires you are correct... Damn hard to find but if looking for a road tire, go one size up and buy "Classic" brand for cheap and they work really well. Some of the older VW cars use them. I have so much more info and wish I had the time for it. You nailed all of the highlights perfectly. For speed I say 45MPH normal driving and 50MPH max without damage just like you did. (Yes I know it can go more but that little timing belt and old parts... You get the idea) -Logan

[seanshea]

Seattle is a wonderful place to own a Japanese car because there are ex-factory workers from japanese factories who retire to Seattle and sometimes open Mechanic shops. They do great repair work because they sometimes built the same things.

[toyotapartsguy]

I have a 1990 Suzuki Carry 660... only has 16, 000km on it. Original tires were very cracked. Ordered Custom wheels and tires made for a John Deere Gator. Same bolt pattern. Also did a 4" lift. Mine is a 5 speed so 70 is easy. 2 hands on the wheel is best. Never had an issue with cab getting hot. Also has EL mode for Four Wheel Drive. Will crawl on its own over anything and no stall.

[shane]

Great video! I have a 97 Honda Acty I imported to Canada. The attention it gets is hilarious! I stepped up to 13" wheels because like you said the 12's are hard to find. One of the reason I went with the Honda is because its mid engine so I don't have to deal with the extra heat and noise associated with driving. Like you though I only go about 80 km/h. Its the sweet spot.

[dm-doqz]

In Japan these are used by farmers and some others in the countryside. You can't go over 60 KPH on regular roads without getting a ticket. Highway = different. I got a ticket for going 65 but that was in a 50 zone, which I thought was a 60 zone. They are made to deal with narrow mountain roads, roads around farmland, and were very popular post-1960s. They are cheap (you can but for under 10, 000USD new), taxed at lower level, durable, handle lots of farm crates carrying produce (such as mikan) to JA market, can be reformed into things like mini-shops which serve rural areas with no set shops anymore or into yaki-imo (sweet potato) sellers even in Tokyo. They are a bit better for the environment and now makers are producing electric versions. People who use them don't really drive long distances. They are great and serve the natural environment where they are designed for perfectly. No F150 is going to fit on a country road (sometimes only one mini can fit at a time) in inaka Japan! More Americans should buy them. Perfect for city small business, shops, or farmers markets. I have seen them made into campers for traveling around! Now that electric versions are coming = even better for environment..

[fooman]

Having had BOTH an ancient Kia and Subie I have found a couple of local tire guys who will take stamped (CHEAP) steel wheels from the junk-yard and drill them with the required bolt pattern for whatever size car you have.

[BKER]

I love as you are testing the top speed you blow by the 55mph sign.