Daihatsu Midget II: Complete Guide to the Single Seat Micro Truck

Overview and History

The Daihatsu Midget II is, without exaggeration, one of the strangest vehicles Japan ever produced. A single seat micro truck with a 659cc three cylinder engine, rear wheel drive only, and a curb weight under 1,300 pounds. Daihatsu built roughly 14,000 of them between 1996 and 2001, then quietly discontinued the line. Today, the Midget II commands a collector premium that far exceeds what the truck sold for new, and it has become one of the most recognizable kei vehicles on the planet thanks in large part to its appearance in the Gran Turismo video game series.

The Midget II traces its lineage back to the original Daihatsu Midget, a three wheeled commercial vehicle that debuted in August 1957. That original DKA model was radical for its time: a single seat, doorless cab, handlebar steering, and a tiny air cooled 250cc two stroke single cylinder engine making just 8 horsepower. Daihatsu sold over 336,000 of the first generation Midget across its DK, DS, and MP series before ending production in December 1971. The MP series, which added doors, a steering wheel, and seating for two, was even marketed in the United States as the "Daihatsu Trimobile."

Fast forward to the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show, where Daihatsu unveiled a retro concept that paid homage to the original Midget's utilitarian spirit. The production version arrived in April 1996 as the Midget II. Unlike its three wheeled ancestor, the Midget II rides on four wheels, but it retained the original's stripped down, purpose built philosophy. This is not a vehicle designed to compete with the Daihatsu Hijet or Suzuki Carry on payload or practicality. It was designed to be the smallest, lightest, most fuel efficient delivery vehicle Daihatsu could build within the kei regulations.

Production ended in 2001 after roughly 14,000 units, making the Midget II genuinely rare compared to mainstream kei trucks that sell tens of thousands of units per year. That rarity, combined with its bizarre single seat layout and undeniable charm, has turned it into a legitimate collector vehicle. The 25 year import rule has made all production years eligible for US import, and American buyers have taken notice.

Specifications

The Midget II was offered with two engines across its production run, both naturally aspirated variants of Daihatsu's EF series three cylinder. There was no turbo option for the Midget II, despite what some listings claim. Every Midget II left the factory with rear wheel drive only; four wheel drive was never available.

The 1996 through September 1999 models use the carbureted EF-CK engine, a 659cc SOHC unit with two valves per cylinder producing 31 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 37 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. From September 1999 through the end of production in 2001, Daihatsu switched to the electronic fuel injected EF-SE, which bumps output slightly to 33 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 38 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The EFI models are identifiable by their extended front bumper and rear mounted spare tire.

• Engine (1996-1999): 659cc EF-CK SOHC 3-cylinder, carbureted
• Engine (1999-2001): 659cc EF-SE SOHC 3-cylinder, electronic fuel injection
• Power: 31 hp / 37 lb-ft (EF-CK) or 33 hp / 38 lb-ft (EF-SE)
• Transmission: 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic (column shift)
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive only (no 4WD option)
• Curb weight: 1,213 lbs (550 kg, B Type) to 1,367 lbs (620 kg, D Type auto)
• Payload capacity: 452 lbs (205 kg)
• Overall length: 116" (2,935 mm)
• Overall width: 53" (1,335 mm)
• Overall height: 67" (1,705 mm)
• Wheelbase: 72.5" (1,840 mm)
• Bed length: 47" (1,200 mm)
• Top speed: 72 mph / 115 km/h (automatic), 62 mph / 100 km/h (manual)
• Fuel economy: 47-57 mpg (depending on variant)
• Turning radius: 11.8 ft (3.6 m)
• Brakes: Four wheel drums
• Front suspension: MacPherson struts
• Rear suspension: Leaf sprung solid axle
• Tire size: 145/80R12
• Fuel tank: ~7.9 gallons (30 liters)

The Carfolio spec database lists detailed specifications for each trim level and model year. Note that the automatic transmission models actually have a higher rated top speed than the manuals because the three speed auto has taller final gearing.

Two chassis codes cover the entire lineup. The K100P denotes the pickup version with an open bed, while the K100C denotes the enclosed cargo van version. Both share identical mechanical components.

The Single Seat Layout

This is the detail that makes the Midget II famous: most variants have exactly one seat. Not one and a half. Not two crammed together. One. The driver sits in a centrally positioned seat with the engine mounted directly beneath, and that is the entire passenger accommodation.

The reasoning was straightforward. Daihatsu designed the Midget II as a last mile delivery vehicle for urban Japan, where a single driver would make short hops between a distribution hub and local businesses. The target customer did not need a passenger seat. Eliminating it saved weight, reduced width, and freed up interior space for the driver to store packages beside them on the flat floor area where a passenger seat would normally go.

The B Type trim is the pure single seater. It has a motorcycle inspired interior layout with a floor mounted shifter and minimal instrumentation: just a fuel gauge and a 120 km/h speedometer. No tachometer, no temperature gauge. The brake fluid reservoir cap is visible right in the dashboard. The Drive's review of the Midget II describes the cabin as "so narrow that I could lower both manual windows and adjust both mirrors from the driver's seat."

The D Type adds a half size passenger seat, turning the Midget II into a "one and a half" seater. Here is the catch: the manual transmission models place the shift lever exactly where the passenger seat goes, so if you want both a passenger and manual gears, you are out of luck. The D Type automatic uses a column shifter to free up floor space for the extra seat. The passenger seat is minimal, essentially a padded bench surface with no real bolstering.

The R Type is the cargo focused variant with solid bed sides and a cover for the hood mounted spare tire. The R Type Limited added a few more convenience features.

For American buyers, the single seat layout is part of the appeal rather than a drawback. Nobody imports a Midget II expecting a commuter vehicle. They import it because it is unlike anything else on the road.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Genuinely unique. Nothing else looks, drives, or feels like a Midget II. It turns heads everywhere, even in areas where kei trucks are common. The Gran Turismo video game series made this truck famous worldwide, and owning one carries real cultural cachet among JDM enthusiasts.
• Incredible fuel economy. At 47 to 57 mpg depending on variant and driving style, the Midget II sips fuel. The lightweight construction and tiny engine mean you can drive all week on less than two gallons. Curbside Classic's writeup confirmed real world economy near 58 mpg at moderate speeds.
• Featherweight. At 1,213 pounds in B Type trim, the Midget II weighs less than most motorcycles with sidecars. This makes it easy to trailer, easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and surprisingly nimble at low speeds. The 11.8 foot turning radius is tighter than a Smart car.
• Collector appreciation. With only 14,000 built, the Midget II is holding value better than any mainstream kei truck. Clean examples are appreciating, not depreciating, and the truck has genuine investment potential for patient owners.
• Conversation starter. This is the truck that strangers walk up to in parking lots. If you are a business owner, the Midget II doubles as a marketing vehicle just by existing. Food trucks, mobile coffee carts, flower shops, and promotional vehicles are all common second lives for the Midget II.

Cons

• Painfully slow. 31 horsepower moving 1,213 pounds sounds adequate on paper until you encounter a hill. The Drive's reviewer measured a zero to 60 time of "thirty five seconds" and described being "intimidated by a Ford EcoSport" on grades. This truck struggles above 45 mph and is genuinely dangerous on highways.
• No four wheel drive. Unlike the Hijet, Honda Acty, and every other kei truck in the lineup, the Midget II is rear wheel drive only. No 4WD option was ever offered. This limits its utility for farm work, off road use, and winter driving.
• Parts scarcity. Only 14,000 built, and most are still in Japan. English language documentation is nearly nonexistent, and finding body panels, trim pieces, and interior components is genuinely difficult. Mechanical parts overlap with other EF engine Daihatsu vehicles, but anything Midget II specific is a scavenger hunt.
• Tiny payload. At 452 pounds, the Midget II carries less than any standard kei truck. The bed is just 47 inches long. You cannot fit a standard pallet, a full sheet of plywood, or much of anything that a Suzuki Carry handles effortlessly.
• Single seat limits practicality. Even the D Type "two seater" is barely functional as a passenger vehicle. If you ever need to carry a person, this is the wrong truck. The cabin ergonomics are tight even for the driver, with pedals crammed against the steering column.

Common Modifications

The Midget II aftermarket is extremely limited compared to mainstream kei trucks. With only 14,000 produced, there is no market for mass produced bolt on parts. Most modifications are either adapted from other Daihatsu vehicles or custom fabricated.

Five speed transmission swap. The four speed manual is widely considered the Midget II's biggest mechanical weakness. The gear ratios leave a massive gap between third and fourth, and highway driving (to the extent it is possible) means screaming the engine at high RPM. Swapping in a five speed from a Hijet or other EF engine Daihatsu fills the gap and significantly improves cruising comfort. This is the single most popular performance modification.

Exhaust upgrade. The stock exhaust is restrictive, and even a simple cat back system or free flowing muffler wakes up the small engine noticeably. Custom exhaust work is common since off the shelf systems do not exist. Be warned: straight piping the Midget II creates an absurdly loud three cylinder drone that does not match the truck's cute aesthetic.

LED lighting conversion. The stock headlights are dim even by 1990s kei truck standards. An H4 LED headlight conversion ($40 to $80) dramatically improves visibility and reduces electrical load on the undersized alternator.

Suspension refresh. New shocks, springs, and bushings transform the ride quality. The leaf sprung rear axle beats the driver up on rough pavement, and worn components make it worse. Fresh KYB or equivalent shocks from Amayama or Megazip bring back the original (still firm, but less punishing) ride.

Bed liner and rust protection. The steel bed and frame are vulnerable to corrosion, especially on trucks imported from Japan's salt belt regions. A spray in bed liner kit ($80 to $150) protects the bed floor, and undercoating the frame is essential preventive maintenance.

Cosmetic and promotional builds. Because many Midget IIs end up as show vehicles or business promotional trucks, custom paint, vinyl wraps, and signage are among the most common "modifications." The truck's flat panels and simple body lines make it an excellent canvas. Silodrome featured a clean example that shows how good a well presented Midget II can look.

Known Issues and Maintenance Tips

Before purchasing any Midget II, review our pre purchase inspection checklist. The rarity of this vehicle means that catching problems before you buy is far more important than with a common kei truck.

Carburetor issues (EF-CK models). The carbureted 1996 to 1999 models are prone to rough idle, stalling, and poor cold start behavior. The carburetors gum up from sitting, and many Japan auction trucks have sat for extended periods. A thorough carburetor rebuild or replacement should be budgeted into the purchase price of any carbureted example. Expect $200 to $400 for a proper rebuild.

Alternator weakness. The stock alternator is marginal for the electrical load even in stock form. Turn on the headlights and you can watch the idle dip. Adding aftermarket accessories like stereos or auxiliary lighting pushes the alternator past its limits. A rebuilt or upgraded unit is a smart preventive investment. OEM electrical parts are available from Japanese suppliers.

Rust inspection points. Check the frame rails, cab floor (especially around the engine access panel where heat accelerates corrosion), bed floor, and wheel arches. The Midget II's lightweight construction means thinner metal in many areas, and rust progresses faster than on heavier vehicles. Trucks from Japan's northern prefectures are highest risk.

Timing belt service. The EF engine is an interference design. If the timing belt snaps, the valves hit the pistons and the engine is scrap. Replace the timing belt, water pump, and tensioner as a kit every 100,000 km (62,000 miles). Do not defer this. A Daihatsu EF timing belt kit with water pump runs $90 to $130.

Drum brake maintenance. Four wheel drum brakes are adequate for the Midget II's weight and speed, but they require more frequent inspection and adjustment than discs. Check brake shoe wear, wheel cylinder condition, and self adjuster operation every 20,000 km. Drums that have sat for years in Japan may have seized adjusters or corroded cylinders.

Oil changes. The EF engine holds approximately 2.7 liters. Use 5W-30 and change every 5,000 km or every six months, whichever comes first. These small engines do not tolerate neglected oil changes. A 5 quart jug of 5W-30 synthetic runs $25 to $35.

Transmission oil. The 4 speed manual gearbox oil is often neglected. Change it every 40,000 km with 75W-90 gear oil. The 3 speed automatic uses Dexron III ATF and should be drained and refilled (not flushed) on the same interval.

Documentation scarcity. A service manual exists on Scribd but it is in Japanese only. Use Megazip parts diagrams to identify correct part numbers before ordering. Because so few of these trucks exist outside Japan, online forums and communities are your best resource for troubleshooting. The r/keitruck subreddit occasionally has Midget II discussion threads.

Price Guide

The Midget II occupies a unique position in the kei truck market. It costs more than trucks that are objectively more capable, more practical, and more reliable. You are paying for rarity, collectibility, and the sheer oddity of the thing. If you want a kei truck for actual work, buy a Hijet or Carry. If you want the Midget II, you want the Midget II, and no other truck will scratch that itch.

• 1996-1999 B Type (single seat, manual, clean): $8,000 - $12,000
• 1996-1999 D Type (1.5 seat, automatic): $10,000 - $15,000
• 1999-2001 EFI models (any trim): $12,000 - $18,000
• K100C Cargo van variants: $10,000 - $16,000
• Showroom condition / low mileage examples: $18,000 - $25,000
• Rough runners needing work: $5,000 - $8,000

The collector premium is real and growing. In Japan, Midget IIs sell at auction for $2,500 to $8,000 depending on condition. Add $3,000 to $5,000 for export fees, shipping, US import brokerage, and compliance, and you land at $6,000 to $13,000 before any domestic markup. Stateside dealers add margin on top of that, and clean examples with low kilometers command aggressive premiums.

Cross reference asking prices with recent auction results on Bring a Trailer and listings on Goo-net Exchange to confirm fair market value. For a broader perspective on what drives kei truck pricing, see our kei truck vs. pickup comparison.

Midget II vs Traditional Kei Trucks

The Midget II exists in a completely different category than the Hijet, Carry, Acty, or Subaru Sambar. Comparing them on specs alone misses the point, but the numbers are worth understanding so you know what you are getting into.

A standard Hijet produces 38 to 53 horsepower (or 64 hp turbo), carries 770 pounds of payload, offers four wheel drive with low range, and has a bed nearly twice the length of the Midget II's. It seats two adults comfortably and costs $5,500 to $16,000. The Carry and Acty offer similar capability at similar prices.

The Midget II produces 31 to 33 horsepower, carries 452 pounds, has no four wheel drive option, seats one person (or one and a half, awkwardly), and costs $8,000 to $25,000. On every objective metric, it loses.

But objectivity is not why people buy a Midget II. They buy it because it is the smallest, weirdest, most characterful thing on four wheels. They buy it because only 14,000 exist. They buy it because it appeared in Gran Turismo 2 and they have wanted one since they were twelve years old. They buy it because parking it in front of a coffee shop draws more Instagram posts than a Ferrari.

If you need to haul mulch, buy a Carry. If you need to make people smile, buy a Midget II.

Insurance

Insuring a Midget II follows the same general path as any imported kei vehicle, with the added wrinkle that most insurance agents have never heard of it. Standard auto insurers may decline to write a policy or misclassify the vehicle entirely. Our kei truck insurance guide covers the full landscape of providers and policy types.

Hagerty is the go to option for most Midget II owners. Their agreed value policies are especially important here because the Midget II's market value bears no relationship to standard depreciation schedules. If your truck is totaled and the insurer offers "book value" on a vehicle that has no book, you lose badly. An agreed value policy locks in a replacement figure that reflects actual collector market pricing.

Expect to pay $200 to $600 per year depending on your state, usage classification, and coverage limits. Pleasure use policies (no commuting, limited annual mileage) are the most affordable. Check your state's kei truck registration rules before purchasing to ensure you can legally register and insure the vehicle.

Where to Buy

The Midget II is not a vehicle you find sitting on a dealer lot. With only 14,000 produced and most still in Japan, sourcing one requires patience, connections, or a willingness to import directly.

Specialist importers. A handful of US based JDM importers occasionally stock Midget IIs. Duncan Imports, Japanese Classics, and JDM Export are worth monitoring. Do not expect inventory to be available on demand. When a clean Midget II hits a dealer's lot, it typically sells within days. Browse our dealer directory for additional importers.

Direct import from Japanese auctions. This is how most US based Midget IIs arrive. Search for chassis codes K100P (pickup) and K100C (cargo) on Goo-net Exchange and auction aggregator sites. Expect to pay $2,500 to $8,000 at auction plus $3,000 to $5,000 in export, shipping, and import costs. Our how to import a kei truck guide walks through the full process step by step.

Domestic resale. Facebook Marketplace, the r/keitruck subreddit, and JDM enthusiast forums are the best secondary markets. Search "Daihatsu Midget" or "Midget II" and set alerts. Domestic resale prices tend to be higher than direct import costs because someone else already did the legwork.

Auction houses. As the Midget II gains collector recognition, examples are starting to appear on Bring a Trailer and similar enthusiast auction platforms. These tend to be the cleanest, best documented examples and command the highest prices.

Frequently Asked Questions