Tag: Japanese Mini Trucks

Japanese Mini Trucks For Sale

Used Japanese Mini Trucks – Things To Consider Before Importing Them To The USA

The decision to import a used mini truck or any other car from Japanese exporters is a good one. This is because it gives you the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of vehicles and purchase it at a much lower price compared to your local car dealer. However, like when you are dealing with any other import, things can go wrong and the whole process can turn into a nightmare. This is what usually happens if you happen to fall into scammers who pose as genuine used Japanese car exporters. Even if you happen to get the right exporter other challenges may arise like being delivered with a truck that you did not purchase or getting the right one but in a bad condition.

If you imagine yourself in any of these situations, things can get really bad and you will end up regretting your decision. On the other hand, this should never happen to you if you will be careful enough to take the following precautions:

  • Know Who You Are Dealing With

The fact that you are importing your mini truck from Japan means that you are either using a Japanese exporter or dealer. This also means that your conversations and transactions are purely done online. The problem with this is that there are numerous online scammers who pose as genuine Japanese car dealers or exporters just to steal from unsuspecting importers.

The result is usually being sold a mini truck or any other car that does not exist or being sent a completely different vehicle from what you ordered. The only way to avoid cons and scammers is to take extra caution. Do your research well and only deal with known used Japanese car exporters.

  • Avoid Faulty Mini Trucks

Used Japanese mini trucks and other vehicles come in all kinds and conditions including those with ‘minor’ issues. This group of vehicles can be really tempting because they come way cheaper than the others. While there are many people who have gotten the best cars out of them, it can also be a complete recipe for disaster. This is because some of these vehicles have real issues that will end up costing you highly in the name of replacements or maintenance.

For instance, you may decide to order a dumping mini truck with ‘minor problems’ in its hydraulic system. This is taking a big risk knowing the unexpected can happen and in this case, you might end up replacing the entire hydraulic system. Faults can be anywhere and you should be careful to know which ones you can handle or just avoid such vehicles completely.

Even when the mini truck you intend to import is described as being in a good condition, you still need to look at its maintenance record just to be sure that it has no technical issues.

  • Ensure That The Mini Truck Is CPB Compliant

When you are importing your used Japanese mini trucks, you need to ensure that they conform to relevant USA standards of safety, bumper and emissions. Without this, things can get really complicated because your vehicle will be impounded and the clearing process will come to a standstill. Without CPB compliance, you vehicle will not be registered in the USA and for your truck to be compliant, you will need proof that it conforms to EPA and DOT standards through a certificate/letter from the manufacturer among other things.

If your vehicle meets all the quality standards including cleanliness, the clearance process can be quite easy. This process is necessary to ensure that only good vehicles get to enter into the country otherwise, they are subject to destruction. Sometimes, a non conforming vehicle can be brought into compliance but that can be a costly process.

  • Avoid Vehicles With No Clear Records

It is obvious that a vehicle without the necessary documentation cannot enter into the US because it will simply be impossible to clear it. These documents include the log books, ownership and the registration certificates among others. It is a common phenomenon to find vehicles with inadequate or no certification as well as particulars. Others simply have fake certification or wrong particulars that cannot meet the requirements of the CPB. This is usually the result of dealing with scammers and cons instead of genuine exporters and dealers.

  • Ensure That The Mini Truck Uses The Original Body Kit

This may be a rare occurrence but does not mean that it cannot happen to you. This is because such vehicles exist in the market and probably with very low prices. The problem with such mini trucks is that there could be other hidden problems that can bring you a lot of problems later. The best advice is to avoid them completely.

  • Ensure That You Are Given Full Access To What You Need

dump bed mini truckThe secret of having a successful mini truck import or any other vehicle from Japan is dealing with a genuine exporter or agent. One of the characteristics of such a dealer is the ability to give you full access to the information that you need. So, upon settling on the mini truck of your choice, you deserve to be given full details about it as well as any other information that you need to know.

Conclusion

The reliability of used Japanese mini trucks in hauling loads from one place to another has received much recognition in the USA. While importing it directly from Japanese exporters enables you to get a good mini truck at unbelievably low prices, you need to be extra careful to ensure that you get everything right. Fraudsters have infiltrated into the process and they make use of every opportunity they get to turn the otherwise simple and genuine process into a complete nightmare.

This article has dealt with all the things that you need to look out for a smooth importation process which is very helpful especially if you are a first time importer. If you are looking for a Japanese mini truck or any other vehicle to buy, you can have a look at our listing which we regularly update and contain quality and reliable used Japanese mini trucks for you to choose from.

Japanese mini trucks

Used Mini Trucks For Sale- A Complete Guide To Finding A Perfect One

Mini trucks are practically light trucks that you can use to easily transport light loads within your area of operation. These multipurpose vehicles are being efficiently used in a wide range of areas including constructions, manufacturing yards, malls, warehouses, garages, farms, hotels and sports centers among many others. Apart from being efficient, mini trucks are less expensive especially when it comes to buying a used mini truck. So, are you looking for a used mini truck to run your day to day errands? This is a good move although you will need to take some factors into consideration in order to get an efficient and performing mini truck.

When shopping for a used mini truck, things can be a little different from when you are buying any other vehicle. This is because mini trucks have specific purposes that are designed for in terms of specifications and capabilities. Things may sound a little confusing especially if you are a first time buyer but you should not worry because this article will give you a good guide into getting a good mini truck for sale.

Choosing The Best Used Mini Truck For Sale

There are two ways that you can buy your used mini truck which are to buy it locally or import it from abroad usually Japan. While importation is considered the better option, the following are things that you should consider before settling on any mini truck.

  • The Purpose Of The Mini Truck

The purpose of your mini truck is defined by what it is intended to carry or haul. Mini trucks come in different models that are designed to suit different jobs. If you want to get a mini truck that will conveniently carry your loads, you need to ensure that you choose one with the correct horsepower. Horsepower is a unit used to measure the power of engines and the performance of your mini truck depends on it in terms of its towing capacity.

Apart from the weights of your loads, you will also need to consider a mini truck that will protect and at the same time fit in larger volumes of loads. In other instances, the design of the mini truck should inform you its purpose as there are those that are specifically fitted with a complete hydraulic system, dumps and even rear beds with folding sides.

  • The Nature Of The Area Of Operation

Mini trucks are not only different in terms of their purpose but also the environmental and geographical locations that they are best suited for. For instance, a mini truck that is used around a warehouse in town will not work well for a farmer living in a remote location with muddy roads.

The performance of mini trucks under different roads depends on whether they are a 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. These two vary in their performance depending on the nature of roads and the amount of loads that they carry. A 2WD mini truck is great in areas that are not remote and off-road and with a moderate climate. It is also great if you intend to haul loads around the city and other areas with tarmacked lanes. Choose a 4WD if your area of operation is experiencing common snow or heavy rains that cause muddy roads that are hard to maneuver. However, you should expect to pay more for the 4WD in terms of price and fuel.

For a good off-road 4WD mini truck that can handle heavy duties on bad roads, consider the likes of Suzuki Carry, Subaru Sambar, Mitsubishi minicab and Daihatsu Hijet.

  • The Efficiency Of The Mini Truck

In order to know the efficiency of a mini truck, you will have to look at the engine and the axle ratio. Higher figures in terms of engine specification should specify a good mini truck but that is not always the case as it also comes with its own disadvantages. Although more powerful, large engines have features that demand more fuel and other resources and you should only go for them if the environmental and geographical conditions demand that you use them.

As for the axle ratio, you should always remember that a higher ratio increases the towing capacity of your mini truck while at the same time bringing down its fuel economy. This may seem confusing but it all comes down to linking the nature of errands that you will be running to the correct mini truck that will efficiently perform the work. If you still find these specifications to be complicated, you can go ahead and contact us to help you figure out the right specifications.

  • Fees And Regulations Of The State

blankWhen it comes to licensing and the way motor vehicles should operate, every state has its own regulations that should be duly followed. For instance, there may be differences in the amount of insurance charges that each type of mini truck attracts. Such regulations are what you should be aware of before deciding on a particular mini truck in order to know what to expect. There are also regulations on the type of roads that the mini trucks should operate on as well as the speed limits.

Used mini trucks are famous all over the world for being smaller, lighter, cheaper and highly fuel-efficient. This is despite the fact that they are reliable and efficient in hauling and carrying loads from one point to another. They are therefore ideal vehicles to move your stuff on a regular basis. It is for this reason that you need to ensure that you choose the right one for sale to fully enjoy its full benefits.

In order to help you make the right decision on the mini truck that you should buy, we have provided you with a mini trucks listings page of mini trucks that have been tested to ensure that they meet your expectations. Furthermore, you can always request us to help you in deciding on the mini truck that is right for you. We have dozens of mini truck models that you can choose from that come from manufactures such as Suzuki, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu and Honda among others.

dump bed mini truck

Why You Should Opt For A Dump Bed Mini Truck

Dump bed mini trucks, pickup trucks, ATVs are good friends of everyone who does handy jobs and carries around loads from one place to the other. However, there are many reasons and advantages that come with dump bed mini trucks which no other body type has.

In this guide we will go through some of the reasons why you should choose to get a dump bed mini truck over other type of vehicles if you are going to be moving around loads most of the time.

Affordability

Don’t we all just love spending less and getting good value for our money? With the crazily high price tags of pickup trucks that denies many people the chance to own one, it is high time for one to consider the perfect alternative. Dump bed mini trucks are manufactured in Japan and have a long history of being used effectively over the years. Their costs have been affordable and within reach for many people making it the perfect choice for those who are looking for affordable yet high quality vehicles that they can depend on to carry out some of their Day to day loading tasks.

We all need vehicles that seep little amount of fuel and goes far when it comes to using fuel and other spares and regular maintenance. When it comes to fuel consumption, you will love every bit of the dump bed mini trucks and that is something that many of us would love. If affordability and good value is what you have ever wanted in a vehicle, then there is no reason why you would not want to get one of these mini trucks.

Highly Reliable

We all love vehicles that give us good service and demands less and the Japanese mini trucks have been nothing short of that. With the manufacturers being top automakers you can expect nothing short of perfect vehicles. With the extensive use of Japanese mini trucks that have been in use for many decades, one can count on these dump bed mini trucks to give them good services.

The fact that these are made by renowned automakers and undergo professional engineering, you can count on it to give you the best service.

Easy To Maintain And Get Spare Parts

One of the most important things when it comes to running your daily routines with the vehicle is to have one that one can count on when it comes to maintenance and keeping it running. Japanese mini trucks have earned themselves a good name over the years and also expanded making them popular and easy to run.

The increase in popularity if the Japanese mini trucks has made these vehicle’s spare parts readily available. Also with the fact that they are produced by some of the auto industry leaders like Daihatsu, Subaru and Suzuki, the spares and maintaining the vehicles is as painless as you would expect with other vehicles in the industry. Wherever you are across the globe, you can easily get your dump bed mini truck or whatever mini truck type fixed. With the easy to follow manual that comes with these trucks, you can also easily learn how to do basic fixes and regular maintenance.

Buying Dump Bed Mini Trucks From Substar

Used Japanese Car DealerBuying a dump bed mini truck is now easy peasy and you don’t have to deal with the overly-priced ones that your local car sales dealer sells to you. You can seamlessly import your mini truck within just a couple of weeks. This gives you a chance to save while also getting the freedom to choose the best dump bed mini truck from a variety of available options.

Japanese car auctions are also a good place to get a good vehicle without breaking the bank. These are among the biggest car auctions across the globe and you can easily acquire a vehicle of your choice without having to go through a lot. All you need is a trustworthy agent to help you in the Japanese bidding process. This will give you a chance to get the best bargain. Choosing a good quality vehicle isn’t easy and you need

We have been helping tons of customers across the globe to get vehicles from auctions and we can also help you to get one. Get in touch with us and let us know the vehicle that you are looking for and we can guarantee you to get the perfect one that you can count on for quality and substantial services.

Final Word:

Dump bed mini trucks are among the best vehicles when you are looking for a vehicle that you can use to transport loads from one different location to the other. Compared to the other vehicles such as ATVs and pickup trucks, dump beds have an upper hand and one would get more benefits with them. Also with the fact that you can easily import yours easily and save costs, there is no excuse not to get one.

We here at substar are here to help you get a clean mini truck from Japan that is on good condition. We have been exporting mini trucks across the world for many years and we know what to look for when looking for a mini truck. We strive to give our customers the best quality vehicles. We specialize in all kind of mini trucks ranging from dump bed mini trucks, flat bed mini trucks, skylift mini trucks among others. We also have a huge number of minivans which you can check out from our inventory. We have vetted all these vehicles and ensures that they are of good quality. Hop in to our inventory page and check out some of the latest vehicles in our inventory. You may also like the other Japanese mini trucks in our inventory. Upon choosing a vehicle that you like, we will give you all the details that you would like to know and if needed, we will also provide you with a video of the vehicle details. We will guide you through the shipping process and every other thing to make the process painless.

japanese mini trucks

Pick Up Trucks Vs. Mini Trucks – Which One Should You Buy?

If you have always needed to haul some cargo then you must have compared different solutions which includes either getting a pickup truck, a mini truck or something else that can help carry the load. The pickup and Japanese mini trucks, better known to many as the Kei trucks are the most reliable and ideal vehicles for running day to day activities that involves carrying small to medium sized loads.

Although these two are good, in many cases, you will have to choose one to go with and in this guide, we will go though some of the difference highlighting the good and the bad of each so that you can make an informed decision on which one to go with. However, before we mull into the difference, let us first go through each of these trucks in detail.

The Pick Up Truck

We all know about pickup trucks. They have been used from the early ages and their performance and dependability has always been evident in the services they provide us. Their evolution over the years has made them better in terms of performance, eco-friendliness and reliability. There are many carmakers who come up with pickup trucks although they vary in models and design.

Carrying loads using pickup trucks is easy, thanks to their hard built body and capabilities that enable this to happen. The 4 wheel drive capabilities which engages all the four wheels also makes it easy to maneuver through harsh terrain conditions and those that normal 2 wheel drive vehicles cannot. Overall, pickup trucks are good vehicles that have helped shape the motor world giving people a good alternative way of carrying around cargo.

The Mini Trucks (Kei Trucks)

Mini trucks (Kei trucks) are natives of the Japanese auto industry and they have been in use for many decades. Made by some of the leading carmakers like the Daihatsu, Subaru, Suzuki and Honda, these vehicles have shown phenomenal performance and have been of great service. Like the pickup trucks, their evolution has made them better over the years and the current models are at par with the auto demands while also addressing the ever rising environmental demands.

Also like the pickups, they possess advanced capabilities such as the 4 wheel drive which enables them to move smoothly and effectively through all-weather roads. The mini trucks have become popular and today it is not a surprise to spot one of these vehicles in any street in any country across the globe.

Difference Between Pickup Trucks And Japanese Mini Trucks

Here’s the skinny on how the two vehicle types compare.

Performance:

Pickup trucks will vary from the make and model but most of them have always shown exceptional services all along. Most of the pickup trucks made by top automakers can be counted on to deliver in almost every field as long as the cargo being carried is within its carrying capacity.

On the other side, the Japanese mini tucks have proven to be invaluable vehicles that offer real value. Characterized by high performing engine capacity, superior drivetrains, the mini trucks have what it takes to take care of any cargo at whatever place it is. Be it carrying produce from the ranch or construction materials to the site, you can always count on them.

Flexibility Of Use

We all love vehicles that does what we wanted them to do. While pickup trucks are flexible and can almost do everything that we would love them to do, there are some areas in which they lack and that is when it comes to carrying some abnormally sized cargos. What the mini trucks does differently is based on how these mini trucks are designed. Mini trucks come in different models based on what you would like to carry. For instance if you would like to carry around abnormally sized cargo, you can use flatbed mini truck which does this easily.

Bed and Box Size

While the pickups have a sufficient bed size, the Japanese mini trucks have proven to be better on this. Mini trucks have a bigger bed size as compared to many pickup trucks. In fact, you will hardly come across a pickup truck that has a bigger or the same size with a mini truck, unless it is custom designed. This makes the mini trucks more reliable when it comes to carrying around bulkier and high volume goods.

Cost

We all love to spend less, but also get the best quality and high performing vehicles. There is no debate on the cost as it clear that the mini trucks are priced lower than the pickup trucks. If you are looking for an affordable alternative, then the Japanese mini truck is your best bet.

To put this simply, there is hardly nothing that a pickup truck can do and expect a mini truck to fail. And the fact that you get this at a lower price tag makes it even better. Let’s go through the comparison of the two in detail below:

Final Word:

In many cases, we find ourselves comparing two things that closely compares to each other and in this case, it is the pickup truck and the Japanese mini trucks.

While the pickup trucks are good vehicles, putting them head to head with the Japanese Kei trucks clearly shows that the mini trucks have an upper hand, especially for anyone who is looking for a vehicle that is both affordable and offers good value for the money. You can take some time to go through some for the mini trucks that we have in our inventory and we will give you more details on any that you are interested in. In our listing page, you will comes across mini trucks such as the Subaru Samabar, Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet and Honda Acty. There are also other vehicle types which you may be interested in.

To save you the shipping hassles, we will help you ship the vehicle from Japan to your destination port. This is excellent for you especially if you are still new to the shipping protocols and such things that could get you mixed up.

used Kei Mini Trucks, kei mini truck

5 Ways To Boost The Performance Of Your Kei Mini Truck

Own a Japanese mini truck? These vehicles have roamed the street, howled cargo and shown impressive performance in what they are meant to do. If you own any of these then you already know that its performance is second to none and as compared to many other UTVs and ATVs, their advantages outdo those of the others. However, to get the best out of your vehicle, there are a number of things that you need to make sure are in place.

In this guide, we will go through some of these things. But before delving on to that, here are some of the reasons why they are loved across the globe and why you should consider getting one for yourself if you don’t have it already.

Top Performance

We all love vehicles that give us good value for our money and the Kei mini trucks have gone above and beyond when it comes to this. For many years, the Kei mini trucks which are produced by some of the best automakers in the globe have been used locally in Japan. These vehicles have undergone changes through time but have only improved the performance of the vehicles. Despite these Kei mini trucks being between 500cc -600cc, in many instances, they have outperformed many other vehicles in their class such as the pickup trucks and many others.

Low Cost Of maintaining The Mini Trucks

If you have owned different vehicles over the past years then you must have experienced some that are dregs when it comes to maintenance. With the high engineering and professionalism that has gone into the manufacturing of these vehicles, a lot has been achieved in terms of making a vehicle that is more cost efficient.

Besides that, it is always good to have a vehicle that is fuel efficient and doesn’t use up lots of fuel. The Kei mini trucks are loved for their low cost of maintenance as well as being easy to repair and run. With an impressive fuel consumption that many would swear by, there is every reason to love the Kei mini trucks.

Affordable

Affordability is yet another thing that we all would love to see in a vehicle. We all love to spend less when it comes to things like vehicles. However, we shouldn’t only be looking for an affordable vehicle buy one that offers good value for the investment. Among some of the reasons why the Japanese mini trucks and other used vehicles are affordable and below the industry class costs is because in Japan there seems to be an overproduction that forces people to ditch their old vehicles for new ones.

Another thing that makes people sell their pre-owned vehicles is that the Japanese authorities have imposed higher taxes on older vehicles. As such, vehicle owners will do as much as possible to get rid of their vehicles at a throwaway cost. This gives most people across the globe a chance to acquire these Kei mini trucks at an affordable cost.

How To Get The Best Out Of Your Kei mini Truck

Here are some of the best ways to maintain and get the best out of your Kei mini truck.

Replace the tires after 6 months – Tires play an important role blankin the performance of your vehicle as it determines how it will work or perform under different toads and conditions. The better the threads on the tires, the better the stability of the vehicle which in turn translates to better performance. It is always recommended that one change the tires after 6 months o when the threads are getting worn out. This is the estimated time to change the tires on a vehicle that is used on normal occasions.

Regularly keep check on the oil gauge – Oiling and lubrication is an essential part of maintenance in every vehicle as it ensures that the vehicle’s moving parts will always be lubricated and functioning as they should be. It is important to keep in mind that as time goes, oil efficiency and their ability to keep off friction becomes low with time. As such, you should make sure to change the oil after a few months.

Keep the paintwork and aesthetic in good shape – The appearance of the vehicle is important not only for the eye but as a requirement. You cannot expect to take your rusty vehicle to the city and expect to get away with it. Some states have strict measures on this and it isn’t something that you want to gamble on. After all, doing paintwork is something easy.

Regular inspection keeps your mini truck going – Inspection is something that you wouldn’t like to miss on. Even if your vehicle is still running and going well, there are some things that can’t be seen beyond the visuals and taking your vehicle for inspection regularly is soothing that you should consider.

Wiring and lighting system shouldn’t be forgotten – Among the most ignored vehicle issues are the lighting and the general wiring system. The vehicle’s wiring system should be spot on and should be taken care of and regularly inspected just like you would do with any other mechanical issues. And just like the case with the mechanical ones, you should get an expert to take care of it.

Final Word:

The Kei mini trucks are phenomenon vehicles that are loved across the globe and there is no debate about that. They are graced for their performance, affordability and cost effectiveness. This is all what we look for in a vehicle. With the above tips on how to maintain it, your mini trucks should be in good shape and should serve you for a long time.

Here at Substar, we have a huge inventory of mini trucks which you can always check out through our listing page. We have models ranging from dump bed mini trucks, caravan mini trucks, flat bed mini trucks, scissor lift, skylift mini trucks among many others. Get in touch with us and we will take you through one of the vehicles that you would like to learn more about. We will also do the hard trolls of shipping the vehicle to the desired destination port.

buy mini trucks from Japan import second hand vehicles from Japan

Why Getting A Mini Truck From Japan is A Good Idea

Ever heard of Japanese mini trucks? If you have been in the industry long enough then this isn’t anything that is new to your ears. These mini trucks are originally made in Japan by some of the leading industry automakers and their popularity has exploded across the globe. The dump bed mini truck is one of the most common design with mini trucks. Dump bed mini trucks are meant to carry loads which aren’t fragile and can be dumped.

The Japanese mini trucks are better known as Kei trucks in Japan, which means a small truck. These mini trucks aren’t to be under-looked because of their size or drivetrain. They have stood the test of time and evolved through the years to emerge as one for the best and most loved type of vehicle. To help you understand these Kei mini trucks, we have prepared this article to discuss all you need about mini trucks before deciding on buying one.

Advantages Of Dump Bed Mini Trucks

Here are some of the reasons why dump bed mini trucks are ideal and why you will love every little bit of it.

High Performing And Reliable

Are you looking for a medium sized vehicle that consumes less fuel and demands less but still exhibits great performance? A pickup would be an ideal option for many of us, but if you look keenly, you may end up loving the Japanese mini truck more. While these mini trucks usually come with about 600cc, which is lower than pickup trucks, they are excellent in carrying loads of up to 150okg without any issues.

The fact that most of these mini trucks also come in 4X4 makes it even better and reliable especially when it comes to handling harsh weather roads. The 4 wheel drive capability enables vehicles to engage both axles and wheels making it more stable and stronger in handling bad roads where other vehicles might find difficult to pass through.

Affordable

Sometimes the size of the pocket is what determines what we get in terms of vehicles. Japanese mini trucks not only come in cheaply but they are vehicles that are best valued.

Compared to pickup trucks and other vehicles in its class, the dump bed mini trucks and the Japanese mini trucks in general are more affordable and offer good value for your money. If you are someone who is on a budget and are just freaked by the hiked costs of pickup trucks, UTVs and ATVs, then going for a mini truck is something you should strongly consider.

If you also consider getting a used Japanese mini truck from the auctions, you could get it at a very good bargain.

Easy To Maintain and Cost Efficient

Maintenance of a vehicle is yet another thing that every car buyer should be looking out for. There are cars that are known to be good when it comes to maintaining and running them, and the good news is that the Japanese mini trucks are among these vehicles.

Fuel consumption is also another thing and we all hate fuel guzzlers. Getting a Japanese mini truck is one of the best investments where you will see excellent fuel consumption as compared to many other vehicles.

You will always find mechanics and specialists who will repair these vehicles easily, thanks to the fact that they are made by some of the leading automakers which are popular globally. The vehicles also come with easy to follow manuals which you can easily use to master the basics of repairing and maintaining it. Some of the basic maintenances that you should consider to get the best out of your vehicle include;

-Doing regular oil change will improve the vehicle’s efficiency as lubrication is crucial for every moving part.

-Make sure to change your wheels after every six months or when the threads have started wearing out. This will ensure that you have a firm grip especially when carrying loads under bad roads where traction is mostly needed.

-The wiring system and lights of your vehicle should be good at all times to ensure that you are not only safe but also enjoying the best out of the vehicle.

Buying And Importing Mini Trucks From Japan

mini truckJapanese mini trucks are nowadays all over the globe and you can buy them from your local dealer. However, sometimes you may want to consider the option to buy and import directly from Japan. In such a case, there are several steps that you will have to follow to get your mini truck delivered to your destination country.

The obvious steps always include filing for an Entry which is the permit that allows you to import a vehicle from another country. Next, it is usually clearing with the local authorities to verify vehicle legalities and requirements.

After that, the other part is purchasing and having the vehicle shipped to you. The process is simpler than how most of us consider it to be. In fact, here at Substar Inc, we help our customers by shipping them the vehicle and sparing them the hassles that they would have had while dealing with shipping agencies.

Final Word:

Japanese mini trucks are becoming well known across the globe and it is for all the good reasons. With all the advantages that come with it, you will most likely love the Japanese mini trucks. The good news is that it is affordable to get one and importing one has never been easier. Get in touch with us so that we can help you get the mini truck of your choice.

Some of the most common Japanese mini trucks that you will come across include the Subaru Sambar, Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet and Honda Acty. We have all these vehicles in our inventory and you can see them in our listings page. If you would also like to get a used mini truck or a minivan from the auctions then you should get in touch with us and we will help you find that vehicle that you are looking for.

japanese mini trucks

Japanese Mini Trucks Vs UTV – Making An Informed Decision

Ever found yourself comparing two closely matched products or things to decide which one to go with? Most of us have at least found themselves in such situations. This could be the case for many people who are trying to figure out if they should get a UTV or go with a Japanese mini truck. While UTVs have been very popular across the globe for their limitless advantages, the same has been for the Japanese mini trucks which are quickly becoming a favorite to many people.

In this guide, we will go though both of these vehicle types outlining the ups and downs in each and by the end of it we hopefully will help you decide on which one to go with depending on your preferences.

The Japanese Mini Trucks

Japanese mini trucks, otherwise known as the Kei trucks are medium sized vehicles that resemble the pickups and is a lesser version of a truck. They are designed in Japan by some of the industry leading car makers like Subaru, Daihatsu, Mazda and Suzuki. They have been in production for many years and have undergone different transformations.

Their performance and reliability has led these mini trucks to become popular across the globe and you can find them roaming the streets in almost every country today. You can also buy them either directly from Japan or through local dealership in many countries.

Some of the most common mini trucks that you will come by includes Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu hijet, Subaru Sambar and Honda Acty. All these mini trucks come in different types each meant to do certain tasks. They can either be Dump bed mini trucks, caravan mini trucks, skylift mini trucks, scissor lift mini truck among other custom body shapes.

The UTVs

Utility Task Vehicles are vehicles designed to be used for a number of things including both recreational and multipurpose tasks. There are lots of companies manufacturing these kind of vehicles across the globe and they come in different designs and capabilities.

Although these vehicles aren’t closed and most of them are small, they have been perfectly engineered to handle most road conditions while also maintaining top safety.

Comparing Mini Trucks And UTVs

Here is an in-depth comparison of both Japanese mini trucks and UTVs.

Both are meant to be used on harsh terrains – Adaptability and reliability under all-weather roads is something that you will have to keenly look for in a vehicle if you live in such areas with bad weathers. The good thing with both of these kind of vehicles is that they can easily maneuver and carry loads though bad roads. However, due to the nature and size of mini trucks, they will be able to carry more loads as compared to UTVs.

Fuel Efficiency – We all want to use vehicles that are fuel efficient and make us feel lees burden when it comes to fuel consumption. UTVs have shown different fuel consumption rate based on the manufacturer and sometimes based on their usability under certain roads. The good news with mini trucks is that they can seep little amount of fuel and could take you a long way. In fact, fuel consumption is one of the best things these Japanese mini trucks have been praised for.

Reliability And Performance – Who would go with a vehicle that breaks down every now and then? Of course nobody would like such a vehicle. We all have different needs when choosing a vehicle but they will always revolve around performance and how that vehicle is dependable.

If you want something that carries a lot of loads while still able to go through bad roads, then the Japanese mini truck will be your best bet.

Road Legality— UTVs are produced for use in almost every road, both on-roads and off-roads, but mini trucks may have restrictions. In the United States for example, there are some starts that have some restrictions on mini trucks. To see a list of those that have restrictions, please check out this post where we have listed them.

Vehicle Speed— Perhaps one of the few things that the UTVs seem to have overtaken the Japanese mini trucks on is the fact that they are meant to conquer when it comes to speed.  Mini trucks might vary depending on the model and the year of manufacture though. Newer models have better speeds.

While UTVs may be a bit reliable in terms of speed, the mini trucks have an upper hand when it comes to handling all-weatherblank roads as well as other things like fuel efficiency and maintenance costs. Mini trucks tend to be more affordable as well, especially if you are considering going with a pre-owned one which you can find readily from many used Japanese car dealers. You can check out our listings page to see some of the used mini trucks that we are selling. You can also take advantage of the Japanese auction houses and you can get a mini truck of your choice for a price that you are willing to spare.

Final Word:

Both Japanese vehicles and UTVs have earned praises for a number of things. Performance, reliability and efficiency of these vehicles are top notch. However sometimes you just have to choose one of these. Hopefully, the guide has been helpful in helping you make an informed decision on a vehicle to choose among the two.

If you are in for a Japanese mini truck and would like to get yourself one of these vehicles, you can check out our listings page and find one that is perfect for your work. In our inventory, you will come across almost every kind of Japanese mini truck, minivans as well as other types of vehicles. Once you find a vehicle that suits your needs, you can always ask for more details and we will be ready to offer you with what you need to know. As if that wasn’t enough, you will love the fact that we will help you ship the vehicle to your destination port. This will save you any issues if you are still new to the shipping world.

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Mini Trucks For Sale UK (United Kingdom)

Japanese mini trucks have become very popular these days and they are spreading across the globe fast. Not only are they loved for their incredible dependability but they also serve as the perfect alternative for pickup trucks as well as trucks. If you are in the UK and considering getting a mini truck, then there are a few options that you have to get your vehicle. The first one is to buy from your local dealer and the other one is to consider importing from Japan. Both are good options to get your mini truck but importing it has more advantages than buying from the local dealer.

Buying and importing a vehicle from Japan to the United Kingdom, shouldn’t be a hard nut to crack. In this write-up, we will go through a number of things why you should consider importing a mini truck from Japan to the UK. Here we go;

Affordability

Whenever the local car dealer imports a vehicle, it is obvious that they are up to make profits. The sad thing about it is that many of them hike the cost of these vehicles making it super-expensive for one to acquire them.

It even becomes less costly when you consider a used mini truck. Used mini trucks are ideal for people who would like to save on buying a vehicle, but still need to enjoy the high performance of these small beasts. Since the Japanese government imposes higher taxes on older vehicles, people would do anything to get rid of them and acquire newer ones which are cheaper to run. If you are ready to dive in and pick a pre-owned vehicle, then you will get it at a bargain. We have plenty of these used mini trucks in our listings page, so be sure to have a look at some of them and we will help you import it to any port in the UK.

Beyond all this, you can as well consider to get your mini truck from the auctions. Japan auction houses are among the busiest in the world where there are over 20,000 daily auction deals going down. And the good thing is that you don’t have to be physically present to participate in the auctions.

Importing From Japan Is Easier Than You Think

Ever gone to your local dealer and they start giving you excuses why they are selling their Japanese mini trucks for a high price tag? In many instances, the excuse of import expenses pops up, but that isn’t the reality. In fact shipping a vehicle from Japan to the UK doesn’t need to be a big hassle as many of us think. There is little paperwork involved that you will need to file with the authorities and from there, the rest is super easy. Here at Substar, we help our customers across the globe by offering an added shipping service which is perfect for anyone that doesn’t have any experience with shipping. Once your vehicle reaches the destined port, you can easily take care of the clearances and registering it. You can as well opt to hire a clearing broker to take care of that.

This is something that many dealers won’t like you to know because you will not buy from them. Importing your own Japanese mini truck could take a few weeks to arrive, but it is worth the wait if you are someone who would like to save and also get a high quality vehicle.

Variety To Choose From

When you are looking around for a vehicle, the best way to do it is to always shop around and compare with others. But what happens when you don’t have much to compare with? You will definitely get something of a lower quality, or probably something that you didn’t expect. On the other side of the scale, you can opt to go with the import option which gives you the chance to choose from a variety of many used Japanese mini trucks.

With dozens of Japanese car dealer websites including this one, where there are thousands of mini trucks and other vehicles, you can easily get your preferred vehicle and choose from a variety. This not only helps you to filter out some of the faulty ones, but it also guarantees you that you are getting the best value since you can compare the prices. If getting your vehicle through auctions, you can also get it at a price tag that you decide on. If you would like to get a vehicle through the Japanese auctions, you can always get in touch with us and we will help you get that vehicle at the cost you needm, or even for less.

Final Word:

Japanese mini trucks are becoming everyone’s favorite and they are loved for a vast number of advantages. Apparently, not most people get the best of these mini trucks and others have had to pay hefty prices while they can get them for a fraction of that cost. Hopefully, the guide above has been great and will help you know how to get your mini truck.

Although the shipping process could take a few weeks before you get your mini truck imported from Japan to the UK, it could be a well worthy wait as compared to when you could have picked a mini truck from your dealer which limits you in many things. The advantages of getting a cheaper alternative smooth import and a variety to choose from is something that you just can’t ignore.

Please take some time to check out some of the used mini trucks for sale in our listings page. You will come across dozens of them including mini vans. We have mini trucks from the leading brand makers including the Suzuki “Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, Subaru Sambar, Mitsubishi Mini Cab mini truck among others. Reach out to us if you need more details on a particular vehicle that you are interested in. We will ship the vehicle for you and you can forget about every shipping hassle such as insurance and others.

mini truck

Pickup Truck With Dump Bed – How To Choose Wisely

We all love pickup trucks. Not only do we admire the gorgeous look, but they also come in handy when you are hauling goods from one place to the other. But have you ever thought of a pickup truck with dump bed capabilities? They are the rave these days and you will find many pickup truck owners out there getting the dump bed fitted onto their mini trucks. Dump beds, unlike the common trucks gives you the added capability of easily dumping loads without going through the hassles of manually offloading. With the push of a button, your truck is offloading.

Also while pickup trucks are super cool and does the job, there is another alternative that you may like for some reasons: the Japanese kei mini trucks. If you have been following the pickup and truck world trends for a while, then you must at some point come across the Japanese mini trucks. They are small trucks that are made in Japan and today they are used globally for a number of uses. Below are some of the reasons why the kei mini trucks are lovable, and could be your ideal vehicle worth going for;

Why Consider Japanese Mini Trucks?

Why are these Japanese mini trucks so good and could they really be the perfect alternative to the pickup trucks? Here are some of the reasons why you will fall in love with the Kei trucks as they are commonly known in Japan.

Affordability

Don’t we all love affordable vehicles? Apparently, this is not the case as pickup trucks are getting more expensive each day. If you are looking for an affordable pickup truck, then you may want to consider a Japanese mini truck.  Perhaps the first thing that will catch your attention is the fact that these mini trucks are affordable and come at a fraction of the pickup truck costs. Although most pickup trucks will always have a higher horse power and powertrain as compared to the Japanese mini trucks, these kei trucks are ideal for carrying medium weight loads from an all-terrain environment. Even better, getting a used mini truck sways the cost lower.

Among the things that make the kei trucks affordable is the fact that the Japanese government imposes higher tax on older vehicles. This has forced people to get rid of them and get newer ones that are cheaper to run. You can take advantage of these used kei mini trucks and get yourself a super cool pickup truck alternative.

Low Maintenance Cost

blankDon’t we all get sick and tired of cars that break down everytime, demanding a mechanic and repairs all the time? Such a vehicle could end up robbing you off your budget. Having a vehicle that is also low in efficiency and isn’t dependable also derails your projects and plans, making it a worthless vehicle. You can come across many such vehicles, but rest assured the kei mini trucks have been ingeniously designed and they have a track record that precedes them when it comes to maintenance and efficiency.

Although these mini trucks are less than 1000cc, the high technology and engineering that has been used is great and you can always count on it to deliver quality service without demanding much. Their spare parts are also readily available from major dealers, thanks to the fact that they are made by some of the leading automakers.

High Performance

A vehicle without good reliability and performance is nothing, and you probably would have been better off without it. For decades, the kei mini trucks have been used to run daily errands in Japan, and anyone who has ever used these vehicles know that they are high performing.

With the added 4X4 capabilities that makes these kei mini trucks reliable when it comes to handling murky and all weather roads, you can be rest assured to go almost anywhere. Be it the snowy hunting season, or muddy seasons and still have to carry loads, these kei mini trucks will do the job.

They are also easily customizable to meet the requirements and specs that needed. If you want to add a snow plow, you can do it easily and can get the mini trucks do everything for you.

Eco Friendly

Carbon emission has taken a U-turn and that is something that has affected many things including the auto industry. Apart from being a requirement that vehicles meet the set environmental standards, it is also good to know that you are driving a vehicle that does good to the environment. Kei trucks are made   by some of the leading automakers including Suzuki, Daihatsu, Mazda and Subaru. Along with the fact that Japan has strict laws on carbon emission, the mini trucks are vehicles that you can count on for this one.

There are many mini truck models depending on the automaker, although they are almost similar when compared in their manufacturing year. Some of the best dump bed mini truck models that you will find include the Subaru Sambar, Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet and Mitsubishi Minicab mini truck.

Final Word:

Pickup trucks fitted with a dump bed mini truck are ideal vehicles for people who carry loads and would like to easily offload them. However, it could get tricky finding one that is good performing at an affordable cost. As such, you may consider the Japanese mini trucks which have already got love from many people across the globe. You can do almost anything with these mini trucks as you would with pickup trucks.

If you are looking for an ideal Japanese mini truck, that will serve you perfectly, then why not check out some of the dump bed mini trucks that we have in our listing page? We have thoroughly vetted these mini trucks and you can always request for more information before ordering any of them. We also take care of the shipping process, which helps you avoid the shipping hassles. Get in touch with us if you need any vehicle but can’t seem to find it in our listing page— we could help you get one from the auctions.

japanese mini trucks

7 Types Of Used Japanese Mini Trucks You Can Buy Online

Do you live in a hunting zone and don’t have the right vehicle to get your mission done? Or maybe you are planning on hauling some hay downhill to take care of your dairy farm. Whichever way, you need a reliable vehicle that has the horsepower and capability to handle the tasks smoothly. For many people, mini trucks have become the ultimate solution for running such tasks. They are affordable, high performing and dependable regardless of the road or condition.

Based on body and molding, these mini trucks will vary and this also defines the nature of wok that each of them can be used for. Below we have highlighted 7 of the most common mini trucks that you can import from Japanese used car dealers to use for different tasks.

Flat Bed Mini Trucks

Flatbed mini trucks are designed with a flat surface unlike many others which are either partially or wholly enclosed or those fitted with special equipment. These trucks are designed to have a flat surface to increase flexibility, especially for people who are carrying loads with varied shapes and sizes. When hauling loads like plywood of different shapes and anomalous sizes, the flat bed mini trucks could come in handy.

Although they are not very common, they can be easily customized with a little budget as they do not require a lot of materials to design the flat bed.

Skylift mini Trucks

Skylift mini trucks are mini trucks that are designed to help in more laborious instances to either lift loads or even elevate workers to handle tasks on a higher ground. A good example is when they are used by a worker to fix telephone poles and such.

If you are planning on lifting things to heights using a list, then this could be the ideal mini truck to go for. It simplifies lifting loads onto story buildings, poles or for various constructions. Some of the most common custom made mini trucks that have Skylift systems on them could range from Daihatsu Hijet, Suzuki and Honda Acty.

Caravan Mini Truck

Caravan mini trucks are the mini trucks that have their bed sealed to take a box-like shape. In other words, they are just like a caravan. These mini trucks are perfect for carrying more delicate goods and those that occupy a bigger space but a less weighty.

By customizing the mini truck with other features such as adding a cooler, one can easily use it to carry perishable products over long distances without any issues.

Among some of the caravan mini trucks that you will find in our inventory includes those made by Honda Acty, Dihatsu Hijet, Subaru Sambar among many others.

Scissor Lift Mini Trucks

Sometimes it could be a big pain when you need to raise loads to a particular height and you don’t have the equipment to do that. With a scissor lift mini truck, this is easy as the load can be raised through its hydraulic powered system. It takes the shape of a scissor since the system is designed to lift the truck from two sides ensuring that the lifting is balanced. Although there aren’t many tasks that require this kind of lifting, you should get this mini truck when need arises.

Dump Bed Mini Truck

blankDump bed mini truck are among the most common mini trucks that you can find in the market today. These mini trucks do as its name suggests— helping dump loads. They have a hydraulic system fitted on its chassis which lists the dump bed to unload the loads. They are also the easiest to customize, just in case you were thinking of turning it into something more than a truck. Be it concrete for a construction task, organic manure that needs to be carried, this is the kind of mini truck you should be going for.

You can’t however use it to carry and dump delicate goods. Should you use it to carry such, then you shouldn’t think of using the dump system as it may damage the goods.

Scissor Lift Dump Bed Mini Trucks

This is a combo of the normal dump bed mini truck which has been customized with a scissor lift system. The main reason for this combination is for the vehicle to offer the user with services of both worlds- the dump bed system and the lift system all in one. This is good for people who handle different tasks which they sometimes aren’t expecting.

If for instance you are hauling produce from the farm and the next day you would like to carry construction equipment to the construction site, the use of a scissor lift dump bed mini truck could come in handy.

Jumbo Cab Mini Truck

Jumbo cab mini trucks are mini trucks that resemble the normal mini trucks only that they are a bit smaller and tend to carry a little less than the normal mini truck. The mini truck is most common under the Daihatsu Hijet model. They help in carrying less weighty loads with lots of ease. They are also loved for being economical, low maintenance and for being high efficient.

If you are looking for a simple mini truck that helps you to do simple tasks such as hunting within your nearby ranch then this is one to consider.

Conclusion

Mini truck is a general term to refer to the small (Kei) trucks. They can be further subdivided down into their body style and how they are meant to handle different tasks. Hopefully, the above comprehensive guide has shined some light on the various kinds of mini trucks and which one you can go with.

Should you need to import any of the mini trucks that are in the best shape then be sure to check out our listings page and get yourself a mini truck. There are also some used Japanese minivans which you may be interested in. You can then get in touch with us and we will give you more details and proceedings on how to acquire and ship it to your country.

used Japanese mini truck

7 Things To Look Into Before Importing Used Japanese Mini Trucks To The USA

As much as we all want to save and get the best mini trucks that we always want, it is important to keep in mind that sometimes it might not be as smooth as we want it to be. Sometimes people end up with vehicles that they didn’t purchase and sometimes people get cheated into buying mini truck that aren’t in the condition they expected it to be. Be it a mini truck, a micro van or any other car, there are things that you need to look out for.

To help you avoid getting hooked with import scams and other complications when importing your car from Japanese exporters, here are some of the things you should watch out for.

Avoid Mini Trucks That Are Faulty

There are vehicles of all kinds that are on sale and some could have issues that are considered minor. While it could be a good way to save and get a vehicle at a waived price, it could also be the beginning of problems for you. It is a gamble that isn’t worth taking especially if you don’t have prior understanding of that particular vehicle.

These mini trucks might come in cheaply and while you may be thinking that you can do an easy fix on it, it could end up being a series of issues under the hood. If for instance you decide to import a mini truck with a faulty hydraulic lift system, you might find yourself buying the whole system which you dint plan to.

On top of this, you need to ask for a maintenance record on the vehicle to see if has been having technical issues and such a case, you need to avoid a vehicle that has been experiencing such issues.

Avoid Importing Mini Trucks Re-fitted With A Different Body Kit

It is a rare thing to come across a vehicle that has been fitted with a body kit that is different from its original, but they do exist. If you come across one on sale and you find yourself contemplating on whether to import it or not, it would be better to just ditch it.

The refitted body could mean a lot. Probably more than just the kit and that is another risk you wouldn’t want to take.

Watch Out For Cons And Online Scams

Scams are all over and although we’ve had enough of the conmen and scammers, the only way to avoid them is by being extra cautious. It would be a tragic encounter to be cheated into buying a mini truck which doesn’t exist or one that is completely different from what you were expecting.

Every expert will tell you to do thorough research before making an online deal. Doing your due diligence and making inquiries will help you judge whether it is a path worth taking or not.

Another good way of handling this is by working with an experienced importer or an import agency. With a local agency that has been in the industry for long, you can get good advise on how to go about every import process.

Make Sure The Vehicle Is Fully Compliant With CBP

blankSomething else that you wouldn’t want to experience issues with is to have your shipped vehicle impounded for some non-compliance.

While filling the import details with the state agencies, make sure that the vehicle meets all the quality standards and you have provided all the relevant details as required. This will make the clearance process with the authorities and customs a breeze.

Ensure The Vehicle Has Been Thoroughly Screened And Cleaned
The US, like any other country has strict policies against vehicles and any shipment entering the country. It is a requirement that the vehicle is steam cleaned to ensure that there is no transfer of bacteria, viruses and such health hazards from other countries.

Although cleaning might not lead to matters that are serious such as with the vehicles that don’t comply with the roads and transport agencies, it could lead to delays and could even attract more penalties.

Avoid Vehicles That Have Partial Or No Certification And Particulars

Now you may come across some vehicles that have no clear records. Log books, registration certificates among other documents are among every vehicle’s most relevant assets and nobody should acquire a vehicle that doesn’t have these documents. Importing a vehicle without these credentials to the United States could become hectic clearing it if at all it will make it through.

Most of the offers that comes along without these credentials could also end being scams and probably the mini truck doesn’t even exist. You shouldn’t take any chances with a vehicle that has no proper certification and particulars and one needs to do their due diligence in verifying that.

Avoid Buying Mini Trucks From Dealers Who Give You Limited Access

One of the most crucial things that you need to do when you are importing your mini truck is to first work with an exporter who is credible and has been in the business long enough. the Japanese exporter should give you details and access to anything that you need on the mini truck that you are eying.

It could mean something is fishy with the car and that is the last thing that you’d want to experience.

Final Word:

Mini trucks have become popular machines that are highly dependable especially in hauling goods from one point to another. One of the best places to get one is to import directly from Japanese used car exporters. However, with many challenges especially to people who have no experience in importing, one needs to be extra keen to make sure they are getting the quality vehicle that will serve them.

If you are looking for a mini truck or a minivan, then why not take some time to go through our regularly updated listing? We have been in the industry for many years and you can count on us for quality and reliable used Japanese mini trucks. you will find models such as Subaru Sambar, Suzuki Kei mini trucks, Mazda Scrum, Daihatsu Hijet among many others.