Throw your Hiace in the bin and make way for something more unique – a kei truck.
No car screams Modern Aussie Tradie like a Japanese kei truck, and despite being hard to get your hands on are really making waves in Australia.
Kei trucks are simply cool, quirky, and surprisingly useful.
I know we don’t care too much about the environment like our western counterparts, but kei trucks are also super economical and much better for the environment than regular Aussie utes.
If you’re looking to buy a kei truck in Australia, this guide is an essential read.
What is a kei truck?
I’m sure you know already, but a kei truck is a cross between a real truck and a Tonka toy. Powered with a 660cc engine, compact dimensions, and impressive practicality, these small and lightweight trucks are both practical and economical.
Unfortunately for us Australians kei trucks are built to fit Japan’s kei car regulations, and these match up with Australian Design Rules as disastrously as most couples on MAFS.
The most common models include the Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, Honda Acty, and Subaru Sambar, and all are cool.
Why are kei trucks popular in Australia?
If you’ve driven a Kei truck you’ll know they turn heads wherever they go.
The unique, boxy Kei truck design and small footprint make them surprisingly ideal for Aussie city driving and tight spaces.
Some owners love them for their fuel efficiency, but I know you’re drawn to them because of their retro charm.
Can you drive a kei truck on Australian roads?
Yes, but with some caveats.
Kei trucks must be imported under special schemes, such as the 25-year-old classic car rule. Newer models are harder to register due to Australian safety and emissions standards.
How do kei trucks perform on Australian roads?
In the city, kei trucks are nimble and practical. You can park them where other people can’t.
On the freeway though… they struggle like a koala on a treadmill.
With 660cc engines, you can creep up to 80-100 km/h, but you might need to leave the aircon off and hope you don’t need to tackle any inclines.
Are kei trucks safe?
Yes, I know you’re a great driver, but it’s not always about you is it? It’s about the other crazy drivers on the road.
Safety is a major drawback for kei trucks.
Most lack airbags, crumple zones, and the safety features which come as standard on most road cars in Australia.
In an accident you could be the crumple zone.
However, some newer models, like the 2014 Suzuki Carry, do include luxuries like ABS and airbags.
What’s the downside of owning a kei truck in Australia?
Like all niche grey imports, they’re great until you need to source parts.
Having owned many imports myself over the decades I have to say you will find parts when you need them, but you may need to wait a few weeks, and you may pay more for the privilege.
Other downsides of kei trucks are lack of refinement. Suspension tends to be stiff with a bouncy ride, and interior space isn’t much better than an MX-5 (ok, well it’s definitely better than an MX-5).
If you’re over six feet tall, prepare to smell your knees.
Should you buy a kei truck?
Yes, of course you should.
Who cares about practicality and safety when you can trade all that for a kei truck?
If you want something practical, fun, and different, a kei truck is always a great choice in my book, if you can get your hands on one.
Kei trucks are ideal for farms, Coles runs, daily drives to the office, or just hooning around Melbourne. Just don’t expect highway performance or luxury comfort.
Where to buy a kei truck in Australia?
Imports are popping up across the country, especially in Southeast Queensland for some unknown reason (do you know?)
Specialist importers bring in models from Japan, but availability is limited. If you can’t find one to buy already in Australia, utilise the help of a specialist JDM importer who will guide you through the Japanese auction system, explain grading, and more importantly handling all the finicky stuff to get a kei truck into Australia and making it roadworthy.
If you find a kei truck for sale locally, act fast. If the price is right they sell faster than iced coffee in the outback.
