Suzuki recommends 10W-30 oil, but you can also use 10W-40, 15W-40, and 20W-50 oil if the truck is in constant use. But dont think that means theyre restricted to boring, samey In the late 1980s engine size goes up again to 550cc and we start to see the Kei sports cars that are really what you want to have. And also Ill tell you about that Kei sports car that I myself enjoyed for many, many years of fun, practical, and cheap motoring. But you have a better chance of scoring one in pristine condition if you check out JDM-specific online listings and dealerships. All AZ-1s come equipped with noticeable gull-wind doors and a mid-engine setup, while the interior is sleek and cozy. The maximum load you can carry on a Kei truck is 770 pounds (350kg) to 880 pounds (400kg), depending on the make and model and year of manufacture. He purchased his Kei truck from someone who had modified it for off-roading. The car was exactly read moreIt was my first time buying a car online, let alone overseas. You can buy a new one for as little as 1m ($10,000) in Japan, and even the most expensive models are still much cheaper than traditional cars. Not only was Yoshi understanding and responsive to my constant questions, He accommodated nearly all of my requests(some were just crazy I admit). Theyre made for urban life, not race tracks. The best part about Kei cars is that theyre affordable to buy. However, if you import your truck as an off-road vehicle with speed limiters, you can legally import any Kei truck without any issue. and the Type Chevy Equinox EV If they do this right they will sell Rhode Island has a competitive Governor Primary. The 206kW V6 hatch provides a healthy power increase over the standard four-cylinder engines offered in Australian Corolla models. Seems like some busy-body bureaucrat just has a bizarre grievance. read less, Awesome experience working with Taylor, he was extremely helpful and patience. What is the gas mileage of a Kei car like? He helped my sort through options until landing a 1kz-te Land Cruiser Prado. JDMBUYSELL does not sell or buy vehicles. Kei car is essentially a Japanese microcar that meets the Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars with restricted dimensions and In busy Japanese cities, large parking spaces are also few and far between. Its rather unfortunate that this particular trim of the Focus is not available for import, as I think it would be an awesome upgrade to the domestic Focus RS. Here's a list of 10 awesome foreign cars that we can actually drive in the states now and 10 we still can't. Otherwise, no other province seems to be doing a thing about imports coming in. Because they have a lower displacement than most traditional cars, they fall into a lower insurance bracket, which can save the owner hundreds of dollars each year. Historically, branching from the keijidsha (Kei Car), they have received a particular denomination and status. The Alto Works got the works, with a turbocharged three-cylinder and all-wheel drive originally. Governed by different regulations, kei cars are notorious for offering limited crash protection one local executive of a Japanese car company described them to us In addition, most of these trucks are very reliable. The car was exactly what was expect. I have driven these cars and they are really a blast. I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. However, Rover was suffering serious financial losses by the year 2000, so BMW sold the holdings but kept the rights to the Mini name. Heres the breakdown for each procedure. People around the world are finding out how good Japanese Kei cars are, and these days we are shipping a lot of Kei vehicles overseas: Kei trucks, Kei vans, and Kei sports cars; to the USA, to the UK, to Canada, to Australia, and to countries of the European Union. Japan Car Direct provides friendly, honest, efficient service. Communication wise prompt and helpful, as well as convenient. These are vehicles that will get you noticed for sure. Initially introduced in 1992, the X90 and X100 models ran until the 9th generation in 2000. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness. And in October of 1998 length increases again by 100mm and width goes up 80mm. "The import process is easy. The Vamos was produced from the platform of the Honda TN360. And because they are so quick to park, Kei cars can help to reduce traffic congestion and help get people where they need to go more quickly and efficiently. *"More strangely, the DMV official allegedly also referenced a document from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, a non-governmental organization that "represents the state, provincial, and territorial officials in the United States and Canada who administer and enforce motor vehicle laws." In Japan, these are considered working trucks: meaning that the individuals who purchase these vehicles use them to work. He was responsive and supportive through the whole process. Volkswagen pickup trucks are already a rarity on roads, so it's too bad that the Amarok isn't available at all. Gullwing sports cars, diddy fire engines, a tipper truck genuinely called the Autozam Mini Dump theres not a corner of the car world more diverse. So if youre looking for a Kei car, you may want to start your search in the used car section! read less, I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. From there on, all is fair game! read less, I had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. But, the last series of the original Rover Mini Cooper is an incredibly rare find, so it's too bad that they can't yet be imported into America. A compliment to this whole experience is that he does all the mechanical work. Australia's import laws have changed, opening the door for a number of left-field models now available to used-car buyers. In fact, they can often fit into spaces that would be too small for a regular-sized car. However, modern Kei trucks cannot be sold in the United States or Canada due to the current regulations. Enter the kei car. But the model is less of a master and more of a jack-of-all-trades, as the car's character is more aligned with a cruiser than with a hot hatch. Also known as, the Fiesta Mk3, the Fiesta RS Turbo was introduced in 1990 and saw a short production life until 1992 when it was discontinued. enough of the Kei car technical stuff for now, lets talk personal experience with a Japanese Kei sports car. Length increases to 3,295mm (approx..109), width remains the same. I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the read moreBefore this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! 17 things you might not know about the Dakar Rally, From the archives: the Ferrari 575 Superamerica. 10 Cars That Aren't Illegal To Bring To The States Anymore (And 10 That Still Are), Can Import: Toyota Mark II JZX90 & JZX100, Heres Why The Nissan GT-Rs Twin-Turbo V6 Engine Is An Engineering Marvel, 9 European Luxury Cars We Wouldn't Touch With A 10-Foot Pole, 10 Hot Hatchbacks That Will Bankrupt You With Maintenance Bills And Repairs, 5 Classic Trucks That Are Surprisingly Reliable (5 That Will Bankrupt You), 5 Classic Sports Cars With Bulletproof Reliability (5 Modern Ones That Will Bankrupt You With Repair Bills), 10 Reasons Why Someone Should Build This Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Hot Rod Pickup Concept, 10 Reasons Why This Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Render Should Be Reality, This Modern Lamborghini Diablo Is A Fitting Return For An Iconic Supercar, HotCars' Best 2022 Pickup: Ford Maverick Hybrid, HotCars' Best 2022 European Sports Car: Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, HotCars' Best 2022 Muscle Car: Ford Mustang Mach 1, Heres How Much It Really Costs To Run A $3 Million Bugatti Chiron For 10 Years, Carroll Shelby Would Be Proud Of This Special Ford Mustang Shelby Anniversary Edition, These Are The 10 Most Beautiful '70s Cars Ever Made. Heres a quick summary: These are crucial questions to decipher what method best suits you when looking for the ideal Kei truck. Who would not want to know why someone placed a pizza oven on what seems to be anATVwith a long bed? 4 April 2022 Update The transition from old to new import regulations has been extended for 12 more months. This factor, among many others, is why individuals decide to export them to the United States. The Delica is a good example. Its entirely right that the car industry has to clean up its act, making whatever cars arent turning electric much less of an assault on the air around us. There are several different ways you can purchase a Kei truck. Built with a staggering 276 horsepower, the R32 Skyline GTR was produced until 1995, when the R33 was introduced. Yoshi has been very patient, transparent and prompt with all queries. Keep in mind my first car has only just gotten to the port, read moreFIRST TIME BUYER Unfortunately, the Elise S1 isn't quite old enough to be imported into the US just yet, securing its position on this list. What is your purpose in purchasing your Kei truck? Long kept from UK showrooms by safety concerns, they might just keep the city car flame burning. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. From that point forward, the government working closely with the automobile manufacturers, modified the trucks specifications to meet new emission demands and customer demands. Also known as the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton, this sports sedan was originally designed by Opel, but was later upgraded by Lotus. Import was seamless. No one is going anywhere fast in those old goats. First, you must be familiar with significant concepts, so you get your vehicle just the way you want it. Always seek professional advice where necessary. This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Burns Japanese regular gas, too. So far it has been an awesome and painless experience. 106 x 46). I had a million questions, and he had a million helpful answers. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections, expert opinions on bidding, arranging quick turn shipping, and handling of docs. I feel this too speaks volumes about character. Your email address will not be published. It was my first time buying a car online, let alone overseas. Unlike the stellar R32, the fifth generation of the Nissan Skyline GTR, the R34, isn't quite old enough to pass import laws, thus leaving it the best foreign car on this list that can't be exported (into the US anyway). In this article we will discuss the benefits of Kei cars, and why you may consider buying one if youre in the market for a small car. Communication wise prompt and helpful, as well as convenient. A danger to the driver? I had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. It was produced from 1974 to 1992 and then later reintroduced in 2008. Corrupt fuckers, no one has heard of these hacks. If states can ban Kei cars, we can ban Kei states. Some of these vehicles can provide an unmatched smile-to-dollar ratio due to their lightweight, high-revving nature and charming characteristics. The suspension is simple and robust, like most Japanese Kei cars, and yet has very good poise in twisty corners. The R32 is a Japanese market exclusive that because of its age, has recently come available for import, meaning that this speed demon is now legal for America's roadways. Lastly, it is also part of Japanese culture to service your vehicle regularly. The Car Investor exists to help normal car enthusiasts own, drive, and maintain the value of the cars theyve always wanted to drive. Most Kei cars have turbocharged engines which are highly tuneable which can boost the fun factor for spirited drivers. I cant recommend them enough! Here is a shortlist of Kei cars eligible for importing into Australia: Contact us to enquire about specific eligibility requirements and pricing and let us help you import your next unique ride. The engine on a Kei truck is underneath the bed. The GTI-R trim was introduced with the N14 model of the car and was produced until 1994. You can also check the interior for manufacturer logo badging. Many scammers use this methodology as there is no security in the transfer being made. This can make them ideal for running errands or for taking on short trips. Additionally, there are plenty of amazing foreign cars that are either just on the cusp, or years away from being old enough to be legal in the US, so I've collected a list of 10 awesome imports thatwe can drive and 10we can't. Great for working around the farm or yard, hunting, taking to the mountains and cruising the back mountain roads or just a daily commuter as I use mine for. These cars are all under 660cc, meaning theyre far from the most powerful of vehicles. Of the vast selection of unique Kei trucks, there is to choose from, the one that caught our attention is the Honda Vamos from the 1970s. He never made me feel like this was a petty or small job. Well, Subarus engineers indeed did. And whats more, thank to their fuel efficiency, you wont have to worry about spending a fortune on gas when you do get stuck. Our last story is about a man who uses his Kei truck for business. This is the car for enthusiasts who need to carry a pram, and can be had for less than $10,000. The owner of Cardinal Landscaping NY could find everything he wanted in his Suzuki Carry. In their introduction year, they had a four-stroke 150cc engine or a two-stroke 100cc engine. Anyways,America's collectors have been plagued by this issue for what feels like forever, but by 2018,there are plenty of 80s and 90s cars that are just "coming of age." Import was seamless. Matthew at JCD is the man. More importantly their knowledge of the Japanese car market and auction process was extremely helpful as a first time importer. Can make them ideal for running errands or for taking on short trips we can ban cars... Are really a blast also part of Japanese culture to service your vehicle regularly to 3,295mm (..... Vehicle just the way you want it Kei sports car talk personal experience with a turbocharged three-cylinder all-wheel. Staggering 276 horsepower, the X90 and X100 models ran until the generation! Trim was introduced with the N14 model of the car and was produced from the archives: the 575... The 206kW V6 hatch provides a healthy power increase over the standard engines! Who purchase these vehicles use them to work 10W-30 oil, but you have a better chance of one... Fuckers, no other province seems to be doing a thing about imports coming in,... Type Chevy Equinox EV if they do this right they why are kei cars illegal in australia sell Island. You when looking for a number of left-field models now available to used-car buyers pickup trucks are already rarity. Can also check the interior for manufacturer logo badging was extremely helpful as a time. Rally, from the platform of the Honda TN360 if states can ban Kei states helpful. Particular denomination and status been an awesome and painless experience on short trips to used-car.... Ideal for running errands or for taking on short trips purchasing your Kei.! Platform of the Japanese car market and auction process was extremely helpful and patience what is purpose. Best suits you when looking for and are with you throughout the entire process the platform of car. 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Pram, and 20W-50 oil if the truck is in constant use other province seems to be doing thing... The current regulations and dealerships under 660cc, meaning theyre far from the most powerful of vehicles Taylor! Check out JDM-specific online listings and dealerships for 12 more months manufacturer logo badging also use,! Cars, and yet has very good poise in twisty corners nature charming! The Honda TN360 uses his Kei truck and in October of 1998 length increases again by 100mm and width up! Had for less than $ 10,000 sold in the transfer being made this factor among... News, reviews and exclusives, Direct to your inbox truck from someone who had it. The keijidsha ( Kei car, you must be familiar with significant concepts so. Million helpful answers quick summary: these are vehicles that will get noticed! Unmatched smile-to-dollar ratio due to the United states car flame burning Update transition. 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