Martin Mini-Trucks: Truck Information
 What is a Mini-Truck?
Mini-Trucks, or Japanese "Kei" Mini-Trucks are small utility trucks used in Japan, much like a regular pickup is used right here in the U.S. The pickup models have two seats, windows, doors, heat and some even have air conditioning.
Mini-Trucks are normally powered by a liquid-cooled 3 cylinder motor (gas only) of between 500cc and 660cc (newer models). 2WD and 4WD models are available and can be found with dump beds, lifts, and a host of other useful options such as Turbo and Superchargers.
Mini- trucks do not meet U.S. safety standards for on-road registration.
For Use in the United States - these vehicles are for OFF ROAD USE ONLY!
Mini-trucks are easy to drive, have plenty of power and will keep you warm (or cool) and dry while other ATVs and Four-Wheelers can't.
Great for the farm, hunting camp, or the lake - Mini-Trucks are a fun way to get the job done. With fuel at all-time highs, these little trucks get 40-50 mpg.
Why Are They So Affordable?
Maintenace schedules (required by law and strict) regulate road-going vehicles in Japan. Due to their regular (and regulated) maintenance, they are usually in great condition but rapid depreciation of vehicle values in Japan causes many vehicle owners to buy new often. This results in a pool of low-mileage Mini-Trucks. These are the same great trucks we offer to you at Martin Mini-Trucks.
MAKE & MODEL SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
Suzuki Carry: 5spd with hi/low seems to be the standard but some have a 5spd + extra low gear (6 spd). In general, the Suzuki mini-trucks have more ground clearance.
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Make:
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Suzuki Carry - Newer Body Style
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Models:
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DB52T (1999-2001), DA62T (2001-2001), DA63T (2003)
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Year Range:
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1999 to 2003
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Body Style:
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Long Wheel Base, Wheel Forward
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Engine Type:
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EFI 3 cylinder gas
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Engine CC:
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660
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Transmission:
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5 Speed
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Transfer Case:
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Hi/Low
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Typical Options:
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AC, Dump
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Options:
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Power Steering, Turbo
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Lift Kit Options:
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2 1/4", 4" Available Soon
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Tire Options:
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23" (2 1/4"), 25" & 26" (4")
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Advantages:
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The new style Suzuki has many plusses including a large cab, wheel forward design, EFI engine, and is readily modified and lifted. The Suzuki is the most versatile of all the new style trucks, and most easily lifted to greater than 3" allowing for larger tire options. The wheel forward configuration makes a much greater angle of aproach posible, and practical. The truck is 6" longer than the older body style. All 6" has been added to the cab of the truck. Leg room and comfort are excellent. The new EFI engine starts well in the cold, runs smooth, and lasts.
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Cold Weather Start
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Many Options
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Wide Lift Selection
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Wide Tire Selection
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Disadvantages:
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There are not many disadvantages to these trucks. The cab and leg room is not as large as a comprable Subaru. There is no coman differential lock for them. We are working on this issue. |
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Make:
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Suzuki Carry - Old Body Style
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Models:
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DD51T, DB51T
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Year Range:
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1990 to 1998
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Body Style:
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Short Wheel Base, Wheel Under Seat
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Engine Type:
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3 cylinder gas
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Engine CC:
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660
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Transmission:
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5 Speed w /Hi/Low or Extra Low Plus 5 Speed
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Transfer Case:
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Hi/Low (most likely)
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Typical Options:
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AC, Dump, Differential Lock, Axel Lock
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Options:
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Power Steering, Turbo (not many)
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Lift Kit Options:
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2 1/4", 3"
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Tire Options:
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23" (2 1/4"), 25"(3")
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Advantages:
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The early to late 90's Suzuki has been the most popular truck in the US for most of the time they have been imported. This is because the Suzuki is a tough, reliable, & easily modified work horse. The mid engine design has been the most sought after as is more readily addapts to lifts, and larger tires. The engine is powerful, & easy to maintain. It is the most likely of all the makes to have sought after features like differential, & axle lock. Many Suzuki trucks will also have the dump bed.
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Highly modifiable
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Hi/Low Transfer
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Wide Tire Selection
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Many Options
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Wide Lift Selection
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Disadvantages:
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The early Suzuki has the smallest cab of all the mini truck models. This is a disadvantage for taller and larger drivers. |
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Mitsubishi MiniCab: 4spd hi/low ratio or 5spd with hi/low.
Honda ACTY: 5spd manual powers the ACTY via four wheel independent suspension and full-time 4WD. Engine is mounted in the rear. Daihatsu and Honda seem to have a softer rid
Daihatsu HiJet: Provides a 4spd with hi/low gearbox . Some late model (1992 and newer models) have 5 spd but provide no hi/low ratio. Daihatsu and Honda seem to provide a softer ride.
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Make:
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Daihatsu HiJet Truck - New Body Style
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Models:
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S210P
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Year Range:
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1999 to 2003
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Body Style:
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Long Wheel Base, Wheel Under Seat
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Engine Type:
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EFI 3 cylinder gas
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Engine CC:
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660
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Transmission:
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5 Speed
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Transfer Case:
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Hi/Low (not on all trucks)
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Typical Options:
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AC, Dump
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Options:
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Jumbo Cab, Power Steering
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Lift Kit Options:
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2 1/4", 3" (in house install)
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Tire Options:
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23" (2 1/4"), 25" (3")
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Advantages:
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The new style Daihatsu has some advantages over the S83P, and S110P trucks including a large cab, & EFI engine, and is readily modified and lifted. The S210P is easily lifted 2 ¼” to allow the installation of 23” tires. We can lift the truck 3” in house and install 25” tires. We should have a kit out for this in mid to late 2008. The truck is 6" longer than the older body style. All 6" has been added to the cab of the truck. Leg room and comfort are excellent. The availability of a Jumbo Cab option provides even more leg room for even the tallest drivers. The new EFI engine starts well in the cold, runs smooth, and lasts.
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Wide Tire Selection
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Many Options
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Wide Lift Selection
- Cold Weather Start
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Disadvantages:
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There are not many disadvantages to these trucks. The front wheel is still under the seat. There is no common differential lock for them. We are working on this issue. |
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- Front Tire Under Seat
- No differential lock
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Make:
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Daihatsu HiJet Mini-Truck - Old Body Style 660cc
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Models:
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S83P (1990-1993), S110P (1994-1998)
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Year Range:
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1990 to 1998
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Body Style:
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Short Wheelbase, wheel under seat
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Engine Type:
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3 cylinder gas
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Engine CC:
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660
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Transmission:
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4 or 5 Speed
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Transfer Case:
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Hi/Low (not on all trucks)
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Typical Options:
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AC, Dump, Differential Lock, Axle Lock
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Options:
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Jumbo Cab, Power Steering
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Lift Kit Options:
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2 1/4", 3"
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Tire Options:
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23" (2 1/4"), 25" (3")
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Advantages:
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The early to late 90's Daihatsu is second to only the Suzuki in popularity in the US for most of the time they have been imported. This is because the Daihatsu is a tough, reliable, & easily modified work horse. The mid engine design has been the most sought after as it more readily adapts to lifts, and larger tires. The engine is powerful, & easy to maintain. It is the second most likely of all the makes to have sought after features like differential, & axle lock. Many Daihatsu trucks will also have the dump bed. The cab of the Daihatsu is larger than the same year Suzuki.
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- Cab Larger Than Suzuki
- Hi/Low Transfer
- Jumbo Cabs Available
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Wide Tire Selection
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Many Options
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Wide Lift Selection
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Disadvantages:
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There are not many disadvantages to these trucks. The front wheel is still under the seat. There is no common differential lock for them. We are working on this issue. |
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Subaru Sambar: 5spd + extra low gear (6 spd) is standard with no hi/low selection. Engine is mounted in the rear.
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All mini-trucks conform to federal regulations intended for off road use only to a maximum speed of 25 mph.
Any modifications to the products sold could subject the buyer to legal liability and 925 Enterprises, LLC, doing business as Martin Mini-Trucks,
shall not be liable to buyer or any third partyresulting from any modification or misuse thereof.
All products are sold “As Is” with no warranty of merchantability; no warranty of fitness for a particular purpose and no other warranties expressed or implied
whatsoever including incidental and consequential damages resulting therefrom. |
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