2024 Import Eligibility

In 2024, kei trucks from 1999 became eligible for US import under the 25 year rule. These models are still importable today.

Production Year

1999

Models Available

10

Price Range

$4,500-$15,000

Eligible Models

These kei trucks were in production during 1999 and are eligible for import. Prices are estimates based on recent Japanese auction data and include the vehicle only. Shipping, customs, and compliance costs are additional. See our import guide for the full cost breakdown.

Suzuki Carry

9th Gen · DC51T/DD51T

Production

1991-1999

Engine

660cc F6A SOHC 3-cylinder

Power

38-50 hp (NA), 64 hp (turbo)

Drivetrain

Part-time 4WD with low range

Transmission

5-speed manual, 3-speed auto

Est. Price

$6,000-$12,000

Key Features

  • Available turbo
  • Part-time 4WD with low range
  • Dump bed option
  • Most imported kei truck in North America
Full model guide →

Suzuki Carry

10th Gen · DA52T/DA62T/DA63T

Production

1999-2013

Engine

660cc K6A DOHC 3-cylinder

Power

46-50 hp (NA), 64 hp (turbo)

Drivetrain

Part-time 4WD with low range

Transmission

5-speed manual, 3-4 speed auto

Est. Price

$8,000-$15,000

Key Features

  • DOHC engine upgrade over 9th gen
  • Available turbo
  • Part-time 4WD with low range
  • Power steering standard on later models
Full model guide →

Honda Acty

3rd Gen · HA3/HA4

Production

1990-1999

Engine

656cc E07A SOHC 3-cylinder

Power

40-48 hp

Drivetrain

Real-time 4WD

Transmission

5-speed manual, 3-speed auto

Est. Price

$5,000-$10,000

Key Features

  • Unique mid-engine layout
  • Real-time 4WD (not part-time)
  • Independent front suspension
  • Legendary reliability
Full model guide →

Honda Acty

4th Gen · HA6/HA7

Production

1999-2021

Engine

656cc E07Z SOHC 3-cylinder

Power

40-48 hp

Drivetrain

Real-time 4WD

Transmission

5-speed manual, 3-speed auto

Est. Price

$8,000-$14,000

Key Features

  • Mid-engine layout continued
  • Real-time 4WD
  • Improved cabin ergonomics
  • Last generation before discontinuation in 2021
Full model guide →

Daihatsu Hijet

10th Gen · S200/S210

Production

1999-2014

Engine

658cc KF-VE DOHC 3-cylinder

Power

48-53 hp (NA), 64 hp (turbo)

Drivetrain

Part-time 4WD with low range

Transmission

5-speed manual, 4-speed auto, CVT

Est. Price

$8,000-$15,000

Key Features

  • DOHC with variable valve timing (DVVT)
  • Jumbo cab option
  • CVT available on later models
  • Parts shared with Toyota Pixis
Full model guide →

Subaru Sambar

6th Gen · TT1/TT2

Production

1999-2012

Engine

658cc EN07 inline-4 cylinder

Power

46-48 hp (NA), 58 hp (supercharged)

Drivetrain

Part-time 4WD

Transmission

5-speed manual, 3-speed auto/ECVT

Est. Price

$7,000-$14,000

Key Features

  • Last Subaru-engineered Sambar generation
  • 4-cylinder engine continued
  • Rear-engine layout continued
  • Post-2012 models are rebadged Hijets
Full model guide →

Mitsubishi Minicab

5th Gen · U41T/U42T

Production

1991-1999

Engine

657cc 3G83 SOHC 3-cylinder

Power

38-50 hp (NA), 64 hp (turbo)

Drivetrain

Part-time 4WD with low range

Transmission

5-speed manual, 3-speed auto

Est. Price

$5,000-$10,000

Key Features

  • Available rear diff lock
  • Part-time 4WD with hi/lo range
  • Available turbo
  • Strong reputation for off-road capability
Full model guide →

Mitsubishi Minicab

6th Gen · U61T/U62T

Production

1999-2014

Engine

657cc 3G83 SOHC 3-cylinder

Power

38-50 hp (NA), 64 hp (turbo)

Drivetrain

Part-time 4WD with low range

Transmission

5-speed manual, 3-speed auto

Est. Price

$7,000-$14,000

Key Features

  • Available rear diff lock
  • Improved cabin comfort
  • Part-time 4WD with hi/lo range
  • Platform shared with Nissan Clipper
Full model guide →

Rebadge Alternatives

These are mechanically identical to the models above but wear different badges. They often sell for less at Japanese auctions because of lower brand recognition, making them smart buys for informed buyers.

Mazda Scrum

2nd Gen · DJ51T/DK51T

Rebadge
Production

1991-1999

Engine

660cc F6A SOHC 3-cylinder

Power

38-50 hp (NA), 64 hp (turbo)

Drivetrain

Part-time 4WD with low range

Transmission

5-speed manual, 3-speed auto

Est. Price

$4,500-$9,000

Key Features

  • Rebadged Suzuki Carry, 100% parts interchangeable
  • Often cheaper than equivalent Carry at auction
  • Same drivetrain, same reliability
Full model guide →

Mazda Scrum

3rd Gen · DG52T/DG62T/DG63T

Rebadge
Production

1999-2013

Engine

660cc K6A DOHC 3-cylinder

Power

46-50 hp (NA), 64 hp (turbo)

Drivetrain

Part-time 4WD with low range

Transmission

5-speed manual, 3-4 speed auto

Est. Price

$6,000-$12,000

Key Features

  • Rebadged Suzuki Carry, 100% parts interchangeable
  • Often cheaper at auction than Carry equivalent
  • DOHC K6A engine same as Carry
Full model guide →

Before You Import

Importing a kei truck is more than just finding one at auction. You need to verify the vehicle's condition, navigate US Customs paperwork, arrange shipping, and then register it in your state. Check NHTSA's import page for the latest on federal exemptions, and Hagerty for market value trends. Read our pre-purchase checklist before bidding on anything.

Check your state's registration laws to make sure you can legally drive a kei truck on public roads. Some states restrict them to roads under 35 or 55 mph. Our dealer directory lists importers who handle the entire process from auction to delivery.

Once your truck arrives, you will want to source replacement parts, consider insurance options, and figure out what mods make sense for your use case.

New Models Become Eligible Every January

Get notified when the next batch of kei trucks hits the 25-year mark, plus law changes and market trends. One email a week.