Mini trucks, also known as “Kei trucks,” are small cargo trucks from Japan and China. They are small but useful light trucks that can be purchased in RWD or 4WD versions.
Mini trucks were initially created to meet the needs of the Japanese class of light vehicles. They often belong to a below-1000cc engine category. These vehicles are used for light loads over short distances, such as low tonnage Intra city cargo transportation – like mail and courier services, or house delivery of appliances from a dealer to the client. The trucks are a lot cheaper in contrast to pickup trucks, which, with growing online businesses, is part of why they have gained a great amount of popularity recently.
Daihatsu Hijet
Daihatsu Hijet mini truck isa phenomenal option when it comes to long-lasting mini trucks. The exterior of the Hijet is compact and highly resilient. It has two doors that swing open on either side. Its front has a flush bumper, grill for air intake, headlamps, and outback with a low bumper and horizontal taillights. Overall, the Daihatsu Hijet’s exterior is quite underrated.
A 1.3-liter gasoline engine powers the lightweight, compact Daihatsu Hijet. The engine of this car produces roughly 65 horsepower and has a top speed of 81mph.
Talking about longevity, the Hijet has an average lifespan of 150,000 miles, making it a real keeper.
Honda Acty
Honda Acty is another exceptional choice when it comes to longevity, with a small flatbed housed in the back. Every part of the styling on every Honda Acty variation is the same. It also has a decent amount of interior room for a Kei vehicle with its small outward proportions.
One of the companies with the longest-lasting car performance is Honda. Up to 38 horsepower and 54 NM of torque may be generated by the carbureted version of the Acty engine at 5300 RPM and 4500 RPM, respectively.
The top speed of the 4WD Honda Acty is 65 mph, while the top speed of the street version is 71 mph. Similar to the Hijet, Honda Acty has an average lifespan of 150,000 miles. All in all, this minitruck is definitely worth the money.
Suzuki Carry
Another mini truck with an exceptional lifespan is the Suzuki Carry. The exterior of the Suzuki Carry is unusually tall, square, and rather has more of a van-like structure. Considering the respectable outer proportions, it has a significant amount of inside room.
The engine is sturdy as they come for such a little package, with a cargo capacity of 1880 kg and a 3197 kg GVW, a top speed of 75 mph, and an average lifespan of 160,000 miles, making it extremely durable and worth the money.
Subaru Sambar 4WD
Subaru Sambar 4WD is yet another durable option for mini trucks. The Subaru Sambar includes additional options in addition to the ones that come standard to accommodate clients’ distinct personalization needs. Thankfully, these components are available at reasonable prices.
A maximum of 48 horsepower, 5.9 torques, 25% fewer emissions, and fuel consumption as low as 5.8 liters per 100 kilometers are all produced by the Sambar’s engine, making it a great choice.
The Subaru Sambar has demonstrated its engine durability and longevity with an average mileage of 150,000 miles and versatile personal-professional usage, making it an extremely compatible option as a mini truck.
Mazda 4WD
Mazda is another great minitruck option, providing a long lifespan with the combination of being a modern minitruck. The minitruck is equipped with all the required technology to be labeled as a modern truck. The truck-like external body is not particularly inventive but remains tough. Its front was made to be big and low so that the road could be easily visible to the driver
The 4.8-liter diesel engine in the truck satisfies all requirements to be classified as an environmentally friendly vehicle. It is designed primarily as a commercial truck for the transportation of heavy loads and uses relatively little fuel with an average lifespan of 150,000 kilometers.
All the features stated above make this minitruck an absolute beast and easily one of the best minitrucks available on the market.
Mitsubishi Minicab 4WD
Another excellent minitruck alternative with a long lifespan is Mitsubishi Minicab 4WD. Minicab’s exterior is compliant with new Japanese mini-car Crash Safety Standards. The minitruck provides the owner with amazing bed space while also simplifying loading and unloading with its cargo box floor.
It comes in four trim levels, out of which, the base TD, the premium TL, and the Mighty are three. All have a single drop-side body style, with cab and tailgate protectors to make it easier to navigate on unpaved roads. All of the features listed above meet the criteria for a tough car exterior, making the mini truck long-lasting.
It is powered by a three-cylinder, 12-valve SOHC engine optimized for low and mid-range torque. The Minicab generates strong power with exceptional mileage and an average lifespan of around 160,000 miles.
The Minicab is a vehicle that provides both safety and longevity simultaneously, making it another great choice.
Mahindra Supro
With one of the highest average lifespans, Mahindra Supra is an absolute beast with a 19.2 kW926HP Direct Injection (DI) engine that can attain a fuel efficiency of 23.17 km/l powering this mini truck, consequently leading to its high demand.
You can always travel quite farther because of its cool 43 mph speed and 55 Nm torque, making it a unique option in itself.
With an average lifespan of 170,000 miles and two fuel options, this vehicle can’t get any better!
Tata Ace Mega
Another great option for a long-lasting minitruck is the Ace Mega. The Ace Mega is constructed on a robust chassis frame and axle that can support heavy loads. With sporty body graphics, it appears urban. The tiny truck is capable of carrying a large payload. Its tubeless tires further ensure the reduction of long-term damages.
The Mega engine is a BS-IV compliant 0.8-liter DICOR two-inline cylinder. At 3,750 RPM, it willfully produces a maximum of 40 horsepower.
You can travel quite far, thanks to the 100 Nm torque, which ranges between 1,700 and 2,000 RPM. The durability is far above average, with a lifespan of 160,000 miles on average. If you are looking for a mini truck that can carry heavy loads and has a long-lasting lifespan, you should definitely go for the Tata Ace Mega.
In a Nutshell
The mini trucks mentioned above are among the strongest and longest-lasting ones available, giving their owners the ideal experience. Despite being some of the Kei trucks with the longest lifespans, the upkeep and usage of these little vehicles have a significant impact on their durability. If you look forward to owning one of these mini trucks at affordable prices, there are a number of showrooms and garages offering used Kei trucks for sale.
