Japanese Mini-trucks - Page 4

frostbite · 08-24-2010, 06:20 PM

I don't think so. The rarity of the truck (and engine) in these parts has me a bit scared. I tried out another mini today, a daihatsu hijet with a regular cab and dump box. The truck only has 33000 Km's and is quite pristine. BTW, not me in the photo.

It had just enough more room than the Mitsu I tested to make it driveable. I wouldn't want to spend 2 hours behind the wheel mind you, but for to/from work and trips to the lumber yard it will do just fine.

The Daihatsu's are very common in the mini truck world so parts are just a web browser away. The dump is pure awesome. It even has the gate that automatically flips open when the dump is actuated. Topsoil spreading here I come!

Dump video:

Cal25 · 08-24-2010, 07:05 PM

So the dump is remote control? Pretty slick.

mizke · 08-24-2010, 07:06 PM

those look good if you have some land to do work on.. but i would not take it on the highway...

FastDoc · 08-24-2010, 07:35 PM

Boy that looks like something fun and useable. Kinda like half way between a Gator or a Mule and a small pickup like a Ranger.

mizke · 08-24-2010, 08:28 PM

would be awsomer if it had a "track" upgrade done to it.. so instead of wheels it had tracks.. then if i had some land and wanted something a big 4x4 utility atv couldnt hual id buy one

frostbite · 08-24-2010, 08:58 PM

I want a affordable, reliable 4x4 truck I can carry small loads of wood/dirt/etc... with and get 30MPG+. In North America they don't build a truck that meets those criteria. Why don't they make/sell these here? You'd think in an age of 'environmental awareness' they'd be cranking out small, fuel efficient trucks by the boatload. I had an F150 once upon a time. Nice truck but way overkill for 90% of my usage.

The dump is just a sweet, sweet bonus.

It's actuated by a button on the dash - right side of the steering column.

I don't intend to drive on the highway although this truck has a 5 speed trans so highway speeds are doable - top speed ~125kph. My route from the new house to work is a 80kph zone.

I test drove it tonight and was surprised by the performance. I believe this model is fuel injected. I liked it much better than the Mitsubishi available from the same dealer.

frostbite · 08-28-2011, 04:34 PM

I'm giving up on the mini. I've tried out several and to-date, as much as it pains me to say it, none are comfortable enought for someone of my height to drive for more than 10 minutes at a time. On top of that I'd be paying 6K minimun for a truck at least 15 years old. Average price around here is ~$7500.

I know once the novelty wore off I'd be finding excuses for not driving it which defeats the purpose.

Plan B. 2008+ Ranger 2WD 4 cylinder regular cab. They're only slightly more money than a mini and much easier to maintain (and waaay more comfortable to drive).

FastDoc · 08-28-2011, 05:01 PM

You'll like the Ranger. Good truck. Lord knows more than a few of us on the board own them.

MICRider · 08-28-2011, 05:05 PM

And an added bonus... The steering wheel will be on the right (I mean left) side!

Weldangrind · 08-30-2011, 02:23 PM

Thanks for confirming my theories about those trucks. If I choose a truck, I'll likely go for a Ranger as well.

Interesting that this topic has been on your mind for a year.

katoranger · 08-30-2011, 06:03 PM

Can't go wrong with a ranger.

humanbeing · 08-31-2011, 07:54 AM

There's chinese equivent in NA :o
Chang'an
http://www.tigertruck.com/4x4/index.html
DFM mini
http://www.americasminitruckcenter.com/new-mini-trucks/

frostbite · 08-31-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Interesting that this topic has been on your mind for a year.

Until last year I've owned a truck non-stop since I was 19 - 5 Rangers and 1 F-150. Being 'truckless' has been driving me CRAZY. Utility trailers are great, but it's a real pain not being able to just 'throw it in the back' when you want to pick up something. On top of that the kids are going to school this year and it's getting cold. The KLX is fun, but it's definitely a single-user 3 season vehicle.

frostbite · 09-28-2011, 01:06 PM

I pulled the trigger on a 2008 Ranger 2WD with AM _and_ FM. 5-Speed manual. No air. Vinyl seats. Truck's don't get any more basic than this.

Taken last night after a trip to the wood pile

FastDoc · 09-28-2011, 01:18 PM

Another Ranger joins the Chinarider's ranks!

Fine looking rig. 4 cylinder?

Ford is having a big sale on the remaining 2011 Rangers. This is the last of the line which started in 1983!

25% off!

I wonder about trading my 1992 in...

08-24-2010, 06:20 PM	#46
frostbite Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada Posts: 1,744	I don't think so. The rarity of the truck (and engine) in these parts has me a bit scared. I tried out another mini today, a daihatsu hijet with a regular cab and dump box. The truck only has 33000 Km's and is quite pristine. BTW, not me in the photo. It had just enough more room than the Mitsu I tested to make it driveable. I wouldn't want to spend 2 hours behind the wheel mind you, but for to/from work and trips to the lumber yard it will do just fine. The Daihatsu's are very common in the mini truck world so parts are just a web browser away. The dump is pure awesome. It even has the gate that automatically flips open when the dump is actuated. Topsoil spreading here I come! Dump video: __________________ Frostbite "The beatings will continue until moral improves"
	0

08-24-2010, 07:35 PM	#49
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Boy that looks like something fun and useable. Kinda like half way between a Gator or a Mule and a small pickup like a Ranger. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

08-24-2010, 08:58 PM	#51
frostbite Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada Posts: 1,744	I want a affordable, reliable 4x4 truck I can carry small loads of wood/dirt/etc... with and get 30MPG+. In North America they don't build a truck that meets those criteria. Why don't they make/sell these here? You'd think in an age of 'environmental awareness' they'd be cranking out small, fuel efficient trucks by the boatload. I had an F150 once upon a time. Nice truck but way overkill for 90% of my usage. The dump is just a sweet, sweet bonus. It's actuated by a button on the dash - right side of the steering column. I don't intend to drive on the highway although this truck has a 5 speed trans so highway speeds are doable - top speed ~125kph. My route from the new house to work is a 80kph zone. I test drove it tonight and was surprised by the performance. I believe this model is fuel injected. I liked it much better than the Mitsubishi available from the same dealer. __________________ Frostbite "The beatings will continue until moral improves"
	0

08-28-2011, 04:34 PM	#52
frostbite Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada Posts: 1,744	I'm giving up on the mini. I've tried out several and to-date, as much as it pains me to say it, none are comfortable enought for someone of my height to drive for more than 10 minutes at a time. On top of that I'd be paying 6K minimun for a truck at least 15 years old. Average price around here is ~$7500. I know once the novelty wore off I'd be finding excuses for not driving it which defeats the purpose. Plan B. 2008+ Ranger 2WD 4 cylinder regular cab. They're only slightly more money than a mini and much easier to maintain (and waaay more comfortable to drive). __________________ Frostbite "The beatings will continue until moral improves"
	0

08-28-2011, 05:01 PM	#53
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	You'll like the Ranger. Good truck. Lord knows more than a few of us on the board own them. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

08-24-2010, 07:05 PM	#47
Cal25 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Terrell and Grapevine Tx. Posts: 1,585	So the dump is remote control? Pretty slick.
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08-24-2010, 07:06 PM	#48
mizke Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: austin, tx Posts: 1,452	those look good if you have some land to do work on.. but i would not take it on the highway...
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08-24-2010, 08:28 PM	#50
mizke Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: austin, tx Posts: 1,452	would be awsomer if it had a "track" upgrade done to it.. so instead of wheels it had tracks.. then if i had some land and wanted something a big 4x4 utility atv couldnt hual id buy one
	0

08-28-2011, 05:05 PM	#54
MICRider Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 3,274	And an added bonus... The steering wheel will be on the right (I mean left) side!
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08-30-2011, 02:23 PM	#55
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Thanks for confirming my theories about those trucks. If I choose a truck, I'll likely go for a Ranger as well. Interesting that this topic has been on your mind for a year. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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08-30-2011, 06:03 PM	#56
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	Can't go wrong with a ranger.
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08-31-2011, 07:54 AM	#57
humanbeing Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2,436	There's chinese equivent in NA :o Chang'an http://www.tigertruck.com/4x4/index.html DFM mini http://www.americasminitruckcenter.com/new-mini-trucks/
	0

09-28-2011, 01:06 PM	#59
frostbite Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada Posts: 1,744	I pulled the trigger on a 2008 Ranger 2WD with AM _and_ FM. 5-Speed manual. No air. Vinyl seats. Truck's don't get any more basic than this. Taken last night after a trip to the wood pile __________________ Frostbite "The beatings will continue until moral improves"
	0

09-28-2011, 01:18 PM	#60
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Another Ranger joins the Chinarider's ranks! Fine looking rig. 4 cylinder? Ford is having a big sale on the remaining 2011 Rangers. This is the last of the line which started in 1983! 25% off! I wonder about trading my 1992 in... __________________ Happy to serve.
	0