Which Is The Best JDM Kei Truck? Sambar? Acty? HiJet? Carry? Minicab? [Collector Car Guru's RANKED!]

Summary

In this video, Sam Bear, an expert in JDM K trucks, ranks popular models from manufacturers like Daihatsu, Suzuki, Subaru, Honda, and Mitsubishi. He discusses key factors such as ergonomics, engine power, drivability, transmission types, and serviceability. The Subaru Sandbar emerges as the top-ranked vehicle for its comfort, performance, and ease of maintenance, particularly with the optional supercharger. While the Honda Acti offers great handling, it’s cramped for taller individuals. The Daihatsu Hijet, Suzuki Carry, and Mitsubishi Mini Cab are more functional but fall short in various areas, especially in terms of handling and service access.

Takeaways

• 😀 K trucks are small, 660cc engine vehicles popular in Japan, designed for urban use and available in two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
• 😀 The ranking focuses on the 1990-1997/1998 generation of JDM K trucks, which includes models like the Daihatsu Hijet, Suzuki Carry, Subaru Sandbar, Honda Acti, and Mitsubishi Mini Cab.
• 😀 Ergonomics play a significant role in K truck selection, with the Subaru Sandbar being the most comfortable due to its extra legroom, while the Honda Acti ranks lowest for interior space.
• 😀 Power and engine performance vary across models, with the Honda Acti being the least powerful, and the Subaru Sandbar, especially with a supercharged option, offering superior power and highway capabilities.
• 😀 Transmissions come in both manual and automatic options, with the Subaru Sandbar's CVT automatic being problematic, while manuals across all models are generally well-regarded.
• 😀 Engine placement affects handling and drivability, with Subaru and Honda trucks having a rear-mid engine configuration offering better traction, while Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Mitsubishi have a front-mounted engine design that can cause handling quirks.
• 😀 Serviceability is an important factor, with the Subaru Sandbar being the easiest to service due to its rear-engine layout and multiple access points, compared to other models like the Daihatsu Hijet, which poses challenges when using a lift.
• 😀 The Suzuki Carry, Mitsubishi Mini Cab, and Daihatsu Hijet have a cab-over design that can lead to poor rear tire traction, especially in two-wheel drive configurations.
• 😀 K trucks are generally not suited for long highway trips due to their high-revving engines and limited top speed, with the Honda Acti and Subaru Sandbar being better equipped for highway use than others.
• 😀 The Subaru Sandbar ranks first in the overall K truck ranking, thanks to its power, handling, serviceability, and unique supercharged version, making it the most versatile and capable option.

Q & A

What is the focus of the video script?

The video focuses on ranking the most popular Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Kei trucks from the 1990 to 1997/1998 generation, based on various factors such as ergonomics, engine power, transmission, and serviceability.

What criteria were used to rank the JDM Kei trucks?

The trucks were ranked based on ergonomics, engine performance, transmission type, drivability, handling, serviceability, and availability of parts.

Which JDM Kei truck ranked the lowest for ergonomics?

The Honda Acti ranked the lowest for ergonomics due to its cramped interior, which offers limited leg, knee, and shin space, making it uncomfortable for taller individuals.

Why did the Subaru Sandbar rank the highest for ergonomics?

The Subaru Sandbar ranked the highest for ergonomics because it offers more legroom than the other vehicles, providing a more comfortable driving experience, particularly for taller drivers.

Which Kei truck is considered the best in terms of engine power?

The Subaru Sandbar is considered the best in terms of engine power due to its four-cylinder engine, which delivers more horsepower and torque compared to the others, including the optional supercharged variant.

What makes the Subaru Sandbar stand out in terms of top speed and highway performance?

The Subaru Sandbar stands out for its ability to sustain high speeds, especially with its supercharged variant, which can reach 85 mph, even uphill, making it the most capable truck for highway travel among the Kei trucks.

What issues are associated with the Subaru Sandbar's automatic transmission?

The Subaru Sandbar's electronic CVT automatic transmission is prone to multiple issues, which are common in other Subaru models as well, and can lead to breakdowns, making it recommended to avoid the automatic version in favor of the manual.

How do the Mitsubishi mini cab, Daihatsu Hijet, and Suzuki Carry differ in engine placement?

The Mitsubishi mini cab, Daihatsu Hijet, and Suzuki Carry are all cab-over designs with the engine positioned underneath the driver and passenger seats. However, the engine in the Suzuki Carry is furthest forward, while in the Mitsubishi and Daihatsu, the engine is positioned slightly further back.

Which Kei truck is considered the easiest to service?

The Subaru Sandbar is considered the easiest to service due to its rear-engine layout, which offers multiple access points for maintenance, including an engine cover, rear wheel access, and the ability to drop the rear bumper for spark plug access.

What makes the Honda Acti a standout despite its ergonomic drawbacks?

Despite its cramped interior, the Honda Acti stands out for its excellent handling, balanced weight distribution, and high build quality. It is also easier to service, making it a popular choice for city driving.