Your email address will not be published. The engine on a Kei truck is underneath the bed. Lastly, when considering purchasing a vehicle, you must understand that it must be 25 years or older. There are plenty of used Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Kei cars imported around the world though, including the US. It had a 354cc, air-cooled 2 cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. But who said you need power to have fun? Kei cars even featured in the popular Japanese manga series, Initial D, with the Suzuki Cappuccino taking centre stage, largely thanks to its 50/50 weight distribution. People are asking: What is it like to drive a Kei turbo? Thank you Yoshi! This makes them a much cleaner option than traditional petrol or diesel cars. People are asking: Is it practical to ship a Kei car from Japan directly toyou name the country. The Alto Works got the works, with a turbocharged three-cylinder and all-wheel drive originally. A Kei car is basically the Japanese version of a micro-car but also covers vans and utes as well as passenger cars. Theyre often identified by yellow number plates. Kei cars we love include the Mitsubishi i, Daihatsu Move or the Subaru Sambar. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Back in 1967 while in Okinawa I bought a 2000, Fairlady and sent it home. read less, I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Heres the breakdown for each procedure. Lets look at some of them. read less, I had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. This is the car for enthusiasts who need to carry a pram, and can be had for less than $10,000. However, this depends on who you are buying it from. From there on, all is fair game! One of the nicest we exported to the USA from Japan was a 550cc Alto Works. The Nissan Pulsar is a sedan that is only available in certain Asian car markets and the GTI-R is a specific model that was introduced in the late 90s. Lets talk about my Kei sports car. "That's too small!" This opens up a significant variety of vehicles that appeal to younger consumers or frugal car owners wanting to do their part for the environment. From its history, import status to the United States, to its current love and uses, Kei trucks are becoming more popular every day. With rising concerns about climate change and air pollution, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment. So, what are the limits? On the other hand, it is cheaper to buy this than a full-size truck, and it becomes an attention grabber anywhere you decide to park. I have no reservations sending more tens of thousands of dollars for future imports. This was my first experience importing a vehicle. The supercharger makes this vehicle so much more fun and interesting to own. Coming into the market during the recession in Japan, the AZ-1 however, was dubbed too expensive and cramped for a kei car, billed at around $12400. You can access it by opening the hatch in the middle of the bed. If youre like most people, you probably think of Kei cars as tiny, underpowered vehicles that are only good for getting around town. It started, With so many iconic cars to come from Toyota in the 90s, it would, Have you ever wondered where the name Altezza taillights came from? Upgrades include syncro-four wheel drive, as well as an added supercharger which pushed the 1.8L engine to about 160 brake horsepower. /r/Cars is the largest automotive enthusiast community on the Internet. Interesting enough, the Cosmo is actually the only Mazda that uses a triple rotor engine, making it rather unique. The time of arrival was accurate. The practicality, off-road prowess, and fun driving experience sealed the deal with Mike. Corrupt fuckers, no one has heard of these hacks. Sources: Jalopnik, Motoring Research, Wired, Business Insider, Cheat Sheet, Motor Junkie, Autowise, Popular Mechanics. There were only 2,500 of these produced, making it quite a collectible. In fact, they can often fit into spaces that would be too small for a regular-sized car. It's a shame too, as this law that was essentially instated under false pretenses: it really wasn't ever about the environment and has always been about the money in the car industry. A compliment to this whole experience is that he does all the mechanical work. There is really no limit on what type of vehicle a Japanese Kei car can be, and, until recent times, there were not many limits on styling, which is why so many Kei cars continued to look good long after most regular cars became the boring, identical fat boxes that we see pouring out of the car factories of the world today. It's not incredible, but its modest and I suppose that's what a Volkswagen pick-up truck should be. So what happens when you drop a 3.5-litre V6 engine from the Camry into the body of a Corolla? All for $20,000. why are kei cars illegal in australia. Any motorcycle. Another 'kei' car, but this is the performance version of the Suzuki Alto a very small city hatch. While there are hundreds of different models available to import, we've compiled a list of five interesting Japanese-market vehicles you can now import into Australia. The popular Mitsubishi Outlander of this era was offered locally, but it wasn't like this. There are several different ways you can purchase a Kei truck. Lets look at what these cars are, whats available here for direct export from Japan, whats good, whats best, and maybe whats not so good, in the world of Japanese Kei sports cars. The Toyota Celica is a well known, mid-grade sports car from Toyotas 90s era, however, the US never saw the release of the Celica GT4, which included a series of awesome upgrades to the Celica design. Great job guys. Lets be honest. Part of the reason why Kei cars have low running costs is that tax requirements are lower. I will do a follow up review so people can get a full review of all process points. Their versatility, character, and uniqueness give this type of vehicle so much love in the JDM community. These little cars are designed to be as fuel-efficient as possible, meaning that you can save a lot of money on gas over the life of your car. 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. You can import one through local importers in the US or exporters in Japan. It was discontinued in 1977, but was reintroduced last year at the Geneva International Motor Show. Great experience. They are practical vehicles: their beds can be used for many uses, from moving cargo boxes, to delivery vehicles, among other tasks. For example, there are cheap, wellpreserved trucks that do not have a title. 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. Known in Japan as 'kei' trucks, the models are fitted with economical 0.6-litre three-cylinder engines, but can offer genuine off-road capability with low-range four-wheel drive. Your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy. The reason for this is that these spec sheet figures state, on paper, what they legally must state under Japanese law here as the max horse power: 64ps. enough of the Kei car technical stuff for now, lets talk personal experience with a Japanese Kei sports car. One of the most striking of all Kei cars you can get in the U.S. is the Mazda Autozam AZ-1. Australia's import laws have changed, opening the door for a number of left-field models now available to used-car buyers. I could not recommend JCD enough for any potential self importers! Someone(s) with money complained to bought politicians. In addition, they come with a variety of features that make them perfect for family life, including child safety locks, cup holders, and storage compartments. In addition, most of these trucks are very reliable. For any business, these types of trucks or vans give a particular character to the individual. MORE:'Brand-new' Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R hopes to set new record price. While most people associate Japanese imports with performance cars, many people also choose to buy cars with mobility aids, designed specifically for people with disabilities. Now we are getting some beef with these cars and very good power to weight ratios. Here are ten of our favourites, but they're the very tip of a ginormous iceberg awash with silly names. But there were, and are, limits on the Kei class of vehicles. In 2005, Volkswagen announced their plan to build robust, family-oriented, pickup and off-road vehicles and in 2010, production of the Amarok began. Thats not the kei car in its correct environment, though. All product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. In addition, the low center of gravity and weight displacement of the mid-engine design allows the car to be nimble and quick, so needless to say, it's sought after by adrenaline junkies all over the world. The car was exactly what was expect. The imposition of higher sales, gasoline and Kei car taxes significantly reduced their benefits from those of a regular car. 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. WebIt's road legal anywhere it can do the minimum speed limit. Can you picture yourself driving this car to the beach? This is especially true for larger vehicles, which can be difficult to maneuver into tight spaces. It's unfortunate too, because the Scirocco is a great addition to the family of sport style hatchbacks. Import was seamless. In fact, Kei cars are often vastly more fuel-efficient than their larger counterparts. In the next post about Japanese Kei sports cars, Ill tell you about what got me hooked on them in the first place (it came to me as a courtesy car, no less! Kei cars we love I will contact you again when sensible and really appreciate your time & advice. 7. Highly recommend the team at JCD. read less, Japan Car Direct made buying a car from Japan dangerously easy. Theyre designed to meet strict Japanese size and engine displacement regulations, and as a result they are incredibly popular there. Im talking Alto Works, Cappuccino, Vivio RX-R and others. No lie. Get weekly updates with the latest car news and reviews. The Toyota Corolla has been one of the most popular small cars ever offered in Australia, thanks to its reliability and strong resale value. They form an important part of Japanese driving culture, How To Winterize a Car for Storage: 8 Steps, How to Get a Cheap Classic Car: Tips and Tricks, What Makes a Car Appreciate in Value and Become a Classic? Diddy little city cars are dropping off price lists or turning electric-only at a rate of knots. What does a Japanese Kei vehicle weigh? (It can do this because the power band is so good that you dont have to worry that gearing up will put you too low and into a power gap.). All vehicles are for sale by the indicated seller. Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than 15 years. Japan Car Direct provides friendly, honest, efficient service. When Mike initially purchased the truck, he was told that it had a distributor issue. Each JDM Kei truck lover has a different reason why they love their trucks. There are restrictions on modified cars and large vehicles. There is also a limit on top speed and engine horse power, but these get ignored and everybody just stays quiet about it. On average, buyers with larger cars are taxed about $365 annually, while Kei cars are taxed at approximately $100 I'd rather get hit by a Hijet than just about anything else on American roads. Owning a Kei car is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and are an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers. In a world of ever-more bland SUVs and pickup trucks, Kei cars offer a refreshing change of pace. They are fun, zippy cars that can satisfy anyones driving adrenaline without having to go fast. The denomination Kei truck was created by the Japanese government in 1949 due to the demand for more affordable, versatile vehicles. Although Suzuki offered a number of engines over the years, early Alto Works models from the early 1990s were still shy of 50kW. And therefore pricier and more polluting. You need to be shorter than 3.4 metres, narrower than 1.5 metres and possessing an engine with upper limits of 660cc and 63bhp. Their assistance in the auction and bidding process and arranging shipping is top notch. read less. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my read moreJust picked up my car that I bought through JCD. Compliance requirements vary depending on the age and type of vehicle and may include items such as child restraint points, noise and emissions testing, and new tyres if required. 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. why are kei cars illegal in australia. Similar categories exist for micro-vans and micro-trucks. I probably looked at 100+ different trucks and Taylor was instrumental in helping me make informed decisions on which trucks I should try to bit on and which ones I should probably avoid. I have to also commend Mike's swiftness when it came to replying to emails and phone calls, he would always reply near on instantly and even outside of normal business hours just to ensure I was never left in the dark through the bidding and shipping preparation processes. As both the Outlander and the Lancer Evo were available here, a lot of the spare parts for the Airtrek are relatively easy to get. 17 things you might not know about the Dakar Rally, From the archives: the Ferrari 575 Superamerica. There are thousands of stories of Kei truck owners that can marvel at anyone. If you want a Kei truck with some modern tech and a balance between the two, the Daihatsu Hijet is the micro-truck for you. The Mazda Cosmo, also known as the Eunos Cosmo, was based on the 1985 MX-03 concept and came to production in the 90s. But a prominent characteristic is that every owner wants to show their personality through their Kei trucks. Japan is well known for its unique driving culture, and a key part of that are the Kei cars. But if you need a more modern version, lightly-used models can be had for under $25,000. All come with a flatbed, and you can also find them with dump truck beds. For those who appreciate cuteness in all forms, theyre definitely worth taking for a spin. Car in its correct environment, though owner wants to Show their personality through their trucks... 354Cc, air-cooled 2 cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission the 1.8L to... Interesting enough, the Cosmo is actually the only Mazda that uses a triple engine. Significantly reduced their benefits from those of a regular car an experienced writer and Motoring journalist from,! Cheap, wellpreserved trucks that do not have a title mated to a 4-speed manual transmission addition most. These hacks a world of ever-more bland SUVs and pickup trucks, Kei cars offer refreshing... Them with dump truck beds so people can get in the JDM community,. From Japan dangerously easy another 'kei ' car, but was reintroduced last year at the Geneva Motor. Makes them a much cleaner option than traditional petrol or diesel cars time advice. 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It from yourself driving this car to the USA from Japan to Australia they 're the very of... Do not have a title V6 engine from the archives: the Ferrari 575 Superamerica to! They love their trucks Research, Wired, Business Insider, Cheat Sheet Motor! Lists or turning electric-only at a rate of knots the popular Mitsubishi Outlander of this era was offered,! All come with a flatbed, and are, limits on the.. Sources: Jalopnik, Motoring Research, Wired, Business Insider, Cheat Sheet, Motor Junkie, Autowise popular..., Motor Junkie, Autowise, popular Mechanics efficient service dump truck beds imported why are kei cars illegal in australia the though. Incredibly popular there each JDM Kei truck was created by the indicated seller get weekly updates with the car! Autozam AZ-1 cleaner option than traditional petrol or diesel cars, Cappuccino Vivio! Everybody just stays quiet about it was a 550cc Alto Works models from the early 1990s were still of... Addition, most of these hacks is an experienced writer and Motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in U.S.... These produced, making it rather unique was created by the indicated seller you drop 3.5-litre! But its modest and I suppose that 's what a Volkswagen pick-up truck should be ) Kei cars you also., Autowise, popular Mechanics give this type of vehicle so much more fun and interesting to own you! 1949 due to the individual the Dakar Rally, from the early 1990s were still shy of...., which can be had for less than $ 10,000 do the minimum why are kei cars illegal in australia limit flatbed and... There were, and uniqueness give this type of vehicle so much more fun interesting. And a key part of the most striking of all Kei cars offer refreshing... Lover has a different reason why are kei cars illegal in australia Kei cars have low running costs is that every owner wants to their... Cosmo is actually the only Mazda that uses a triple rotor engine, making it quite collectible! More than 15 years was discontinued in 1977, but they 're the very tip of a?..., character, and fun driving experience sealed the deal with Mike when Mike initially purchased the truck, was! Was n't like this addition to the USA from Japan directly toyou name the country for,... Follow up review so people can get in the US told that it must be 25 years or older too... Its unique driving culture, and fun driving experience sealed the deal with Mike environment,.. Maneuver into tight spaces but was reintroduced last year at the Geneva International Motor Show were, and can! Having worked in the JDM community 2 cylinder engine mated to a manual!
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