| Carolina Mini Trucks, LLC Mini Truck Info |
| THE BEST ALTERNATIVE TO OTHER OFF-ROAD UTILITY VEHICLES |
| SUZUKI CARRY DAIHATSU HIJET HONDA ACTY MITSUBISHI MINICAB MAZDA SCRUM SUBARU SAMBAR |
Small Used Transport Vehicles For Many Off Road Uses
The Japanese have been making right-hand drive, light duty trucks for decades that Carolina Mini Trucks now imports and sells.
These used mini trucks can be utilized off-road here in the US like farm utility vehicles, ranch trucks, off-road trail vehicles for hunters
and rescue teams, wholesale nursery stock transporters, compact maintenance vehicles for golf courses, schools and universities,
municipalities, parks, and zoos. The mini trucks can be used at automobile wrecking yards, airports, docks and harbors, lumber yards,
manufacturers, mines, parking garages, stadiums, warehouses, dairies, orchards, stables, cemeteries, hotels, marinas,
campgrounds, orchards, resorts, theme parks, corporate campuses, factories, oil refineries, movie sets, fish farms, chicken
processors, and transporters of endless types of equipment within large storage yards. Some mini trucks have been used in certified
off-road racing events. By far, the largest number of these used mini trucks end up being used as versatile farm trucks and go
anywhere hunting trucks.
Used mini trucks can do a lot of the same hauling jobs that off-road utility vehicles can do, but with a more solid cab and longer truck
bed while achieving high miles per gallon of gas. They are also less expensive than typical utility vehicles. Like utility vehicles, 4X4
mini trucks can do their work in the dirt. The number of off-road functions these mini trucks can perform is almost endless. Hunters
who have gotten cold and wet riding their utility vehicles, ATVs and lifted golf carts find that they are much more comfortable sitting
in heated Japanese mini truck cabs. Some units also come with air conditioning for comfort on hot, humid, summer days.
Mini Truck Manufacturing Background In Japan
Starting in the 1960's, the Japanese manufactured what they termed “Kei class” vehicles (now generally called “K-class”). Kei means
“light weight”. These were built as a less expensive, fuel efficient, shorter, narrower, and lighter alternative to the standard size and
weight vehicles termed “joyousha”. The K-class vehicles included passenger cars, vans, and mini trucks. Carolina Mini Trucks sells
used K-class mini trucks, but not vans or passenger cars. The Japanese have used these small off-road trucks to perform a myriad of
burden carrier tasks. They have often equipped the rear truck beds wiith specialized industry specific equipment. When many
consider special purpose vehicles options, they often find used mini trucks from Japan to be their best choice. Some US buyers have
done the same with their small all-terrain trucks. See examples below of a mini truck equipped for hunters and their dogs and
another one used as a special events mini ambulance.
The 1980’s models had mostly 40 horsepower 550cc engines, and the 90’s models had mostly 45 horsepower 660cc engines. The
average number of miles driven per year in Japan is only about 6,000, so these vehicles usually have a lot of remaining usability. K
trucks have changed in size over the years, but for comparison purposes units from the 80’s and 90’s are typically about two thirds
the length and three quarters of the width of a Dodge Dakota. K-class vehicle regulations have upgraded repeatedly over the years,
mainly to meet ever-tightening emissions standards and crashworthiness requirements. That means over the decades of production
the Japanese manufacturers have really perfected these great little trucks. Due to US regulations, Americans are unable to import a
Japanese mini truck manufactured in 1998 or later.
Japanese Laws Insure Availability Of Low Cost High Quality Used Vehicles
In Japan there are punitive costs involved in keeping older vehicles on the road. There is the “shaken” or registration fee, the
“zeiken” or taxes, the “shakoshomei” or parking fees, and the “hokken” or insurance. The new vehicle “shaken” lasts for three
years. The expensive “shaken” registration must be renewed every two years coupled with mandatory periodic maintenance
checks. Although these mandatory checks keep Japanese vehicles in good running condition, those same laws force heavy
depreciation of perfectly fine, used mini trucks. This means good prices on great quality, used mini trucks for buyers outside of
Japan.
Major Japanese Vehicle Manufacturers Make These Terrific Small Trucks
The major Japanese mini truck manufacturers listed in order of recent Japanese sales volumes are: Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet
(Subsidiary of Toyota), Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar (Fuji Heavy Industries), Mitsubishi Minicab and the Mazda Scrum (Made by
Suzuki). Since most of these manufacturers market other models in the US, importers have often acquired many parts for these off-
road utility vehicles within the US. Our US-based associate stocks a lot of parts for these versatile mini trucks. Some parts support is
also available through contacts in Japan. The specifications on the mini trucks vary from make to make and from year to year, but you
may find the size averages below useful. The mini trucks are typically 10'10" in total length, about 4'6" in total width, and
approximately 5'8" high. The typical wheelbase on the mini trucks is 6'3", and the inside dimensions of the bed are 4'1" by 6'6". The
trucks weigh about 1,400 lbs. They have manual transmissions with 4 or 5 forward gears - occasionally 6 forward gears. Some also
have high and low ranges. These mini utility trucks start out with 5.80-12 tires, but some buyers switch to 6.00-12 mud and snow
tires, ATV tires,or tractor tires. The mini trucks usually come with radios. Occasionally, they have air conditioning and/or dump beds.
Used Japanese Mini Trucks Available Through Carolina Mini Trucks
Carolina Mini Trucks sells mini trucks by containers or as individual units to the end user. There are no import regulations on the use
of Japanese mini trucks over 25 years old (these can be used on public roads). Our focus, however, is on units from the late 80’s and
90’s since model features improved over the years. The newer units are in better condition, a little easier to fit inside, and parts are
easier to acquire. Even though the newer units may or may not be used on US interstates and highways, it is possible to title these
vehicles for state and county highways and roads. There are innumerable possible uses for the trucks off public roadways. 2WD and
4WD units are both available, but we normally sell only 4WD mini trucks. Occasionally, used mini dump trucks are also available. We
can convert the standard truck into a dump bed.
For more Information, please contact Carolina Mini Trucks!
The Japanese have been making right-hand drive, light duty trucks for decades that Carolina Mini Trucks now imports and sells.
These used mini trucks can be utilized off-road here in the US like farm utility vehicles, ranch trucks, off-road trail vehicles for hunters
and rescue teams, wholesale nursery stock transporters, compact maintenance vehicles for golf courses, schools and universities,
municipalities, parks, and zoos. The mini trucks can be used at automobile wrecking yards, airports, docks and harbors, lumber yards,
manufacturers, mines, parking garages, stadiums, warehouses, dairies, orchards, stables, cemeteries, hotels, marinas,
campgrounds, orchards, resorts, theme parks, corporate campuses, factories, oil refineries, movie sets, fish farms, chicken
processors, and transporters of endless types of equipment within large storage yards. Some mini trucks have been used in certified
off-road racing events. By far, the largest number of these used mini trucks end up being used as versatile farm trucks and go
anywhere hunting trucks.
Used mini trucks can do a lot of the same hauling jobs that off-road utility vehicles can do, but with a more solid cab and longer truck
bed while achieving high miles per gallon of gas. They are also less expensive than typical utility vehicles. Like utility vehicles, 4X4
mini trucks can do their work in the dirt. The number of off-road functions these mini trucks can perform is almost endless. Hunters
who have gotten cold and wet riding their utility vehicles, ATVs and lifted golf carts find that they are much more comfortable sitting
in heated Japanese mini truck cabs. Some units also come with air conditioning for comfort on hot, humid, summer days.
Mini Truck Manufacturing Background In Japan
Starting in the 1960's, the Japanese manufactured what they termed “Kei class” vehicles (now generally called “K-class”). Kei means
“light weight”. These were built as a less expensive, fuel efficient, shorter, narrower, and lighter alternative to the standard size and
weight vehicles termed “joyousha”. The K-class vehicles included passenger cars, vans, and mini trucks. Carolina Mini Trucks sells
used K-class mini trucks, but not vans or passenger cars. The Japanese have used these small off-road trucks to perform a myriad of
burden carrier tasks. They have often equipped the rear truck beds wiith specialized industry specific equipment. When many
consider special purpose vehicles options, they often find used mini trucks from Japan to be their best choice. Some US buyers have
done the same with their small all-terrain trucks. See examples below of a mini truck equipped for hunters and their dogs and
another one used as a special events mini ambulance.
The 1980’s models had mostly 40 horsepower 550cc engines, and the 90’s models had mostly 45 horsepower 660cc engines. The
average number of miles driven per year in Japan is only about 6,000, so these vehicles usually have a lot of remaining usability. K
trucks have changed in size over the years, but for comparison purposes units from the 80’s and 90’s are typically about two thirds
the length and three quarters of the width of a Dodge Dakota. K-class vehicle regulations have upgraded repeatedly over the years,
mainly to meet ever-tightening emissions standards and crashworthiness requirements. That means over the decades of production
the Japanese manufacturers have really perfected these great little trucks. Due to US regulations, Americans are unable to import a
Japanese mini truck manufactured in 1998 or later.
Japanese Laws Insure Availability Of Low Cost High Quality Used Vehicles
In Japan there are punitive costs involved in keeping older vehicles on the road. There is the “shaken” or registration fee, the
“zeiken” or taxes, the “shakoshomei” or parking fees, and the “hokken” or insurance. The new vehicle “shaken” lasts for three
years. The expensive “shaken” registration must be renewed every two years coupled with mandatory periodic maintenance
checks. Although these mandatory checks keep Japanese vehicles in good running condition, those same laws force heavy
depreciation of perfectly fine, used mini trucks. This means good prices on great quality, used mini trucks for buyers outside of
Japan.
Major Japanese Vehicle Manufacturers Make These Terrific Small Trucks
The major Japanese mini truck manufacturers listed in order of recent Japanese sales volumes are: Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet
(Subsidiary of Toyota), Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar (Fuji Heavy Industries), Mitsubishi Minicab and the Mazda Scrum (Made by
Suzuki). Since most of these manufacturers market other models in the US, importers have often acquired many parts for these off-
road utility vehicles within the US. Our US-based associate stocks a lot of parts for these versatile mini trucks. Some parts support is
also available through contacts in Japan. The specifications on the mini trucks vary from make to make and from year to year, but you
may find the size averages below useful. The mini trucks are typically 10'10" in total length, about 4'6" in total width, and
approximately 5'8" high. The typical wheelbase on the mini trucks is 6'3", and the inside dimensions of the bed are 4'1" by 6'6". The
trucks weigh about 1,400 lbs. They have manual transmissions with 4 or 5 forward gears - occasionally 6 forward gears. Some also
have high and low ranges. These mini utility trucks start out with 5.80-12 tires, but some buyers switch to 6.00-12 mud and snow
tires, ATV tires,or tractor tires. The mini trucks usually come with radios. Occasionally, they have air conditioning and/or dump beds.
Used Japanese Mini Trucks Available Through Carolina Mini Trucks
Carolina Mini Trucks sells mini trucks by containers or as individual units to the end user. There are no import regulations on the use
of Japanese mini trucks over 25 years old (these can be used on public roads). Our focus, however, is on units from the late 80’s and
90’s since model features improved over the years. The newer units are in better condition, a little easier to fit inside, and parts are
easier to acquire. Even though the newer units may or may not be used on US interstates and highways, it is possible to title these
vehicles for state and county highways and roads. There are innumerable possible uses for the trucks off public roadways. 2WD and
4WD units are both available, but we normally sell only 4WD mini trucks. Occasionally, used mini dump trucks are also available. We
can convert the standard truck into a dump bed.
For more Information, please contact Carolina Mini Trucks!
| Carolina Mini Trucks, LLC Winston Salem, NC Phone: 336-215-8608 Phone: 336-688-3355 E-mail: sales@carolinaminitrucks.com |
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