Mitsubishi Minicab

Overview & History

The Mitsubishi Minicab is the most underrated kei truck on the American market. While buyers flock to the Suzuki Carry for its availability and the Subaru Sambar for its enthusiast appeal, the Minicab quietly offers one of the most robust and capable platforms in the kei truck class. Backed by Mitsubishi's extensive commercial vehicle experience, the Minicab has been a mainstay of Japanese agriculture, construction, and delivery fleets since its introduction in 1966. If you are new to these vehicles, our guide on what a kei truck is and why they are so popular is a good starting point.

Mitsubishi has produced seven generations of the Minicab, with the fifth generation (U41T/U42T, 1991-1999) and sixth generation (U61T/U62T, 1999-2014) being the most relevant for US importers. These trucks are powered by Mitsubishi's 3G83 engine, a well-proven 660cc three-cylinder unit from the same engine family that powered the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini and Minica. Models from the early 1990s are now eligible under the 25-year federal import rule, and sixth-generation trucks are entering the import window year by year.

The Minicab's relative obscurity in the US market works in the buyer's favor: prices are typically lower than equivalent Carries, Acties, or Sambars, and supply is good because the Minicab was produced in high volumes for the Japanese domestic market. For buyers who care about capability and value over brand cachet, the Minicab is arguably the smartest purchase in the kei truck class.

Mitsubishi also produced the Minicab in various specialized configurations, including dump bed, refrigerated box, and scissor-lift models, many of which are imported and put to work on American properties.

Specifications

The fifth-generation Minicab uses the 3G83 engine, a 657cc SOHC three-cylinder producing 38-45 horsepower in naturally aspirated form. Turbocharged 3G83T variants are available and produce up to 64 horsepower. The sixth generation continued with the 3G83 but added Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing on some models, boosting output to 48-50 horsepower naturally aspirated.

The 4WD system on the Minicab is a part-time design with a floor-mounted selector lever. What sets the Minicab apart is the availability of a rear differential lock on select models, a feature that is rare in the kei truck class and provides a genuine capability advantage in deep mud, sand, or snow.

• Engine: 657cc 3G83 (SOHC) 3-cylinder, optional MIVEC
• Power: 38-50 hp (NA), up to 64 hp (turbo)
• Torque: 42-47 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: RWD or part-time 4WD with low range, optional rear diff lock
• Payload capacity: 770 lbs (350 kg)
• Bed dimensions: Approximately 78" L x 54" W
• Curb weight: ~1,550-1,700 lbs
• Fuel economy: 34-43 mpg
• Wheelbase: 74.6"

The Minicab's bed is on par with the largest in the class, and Mitsubishi's steel quality and rust-proofing are generally regarded as slightly better than Daihatsu and Suzuki's offerings from the same era.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Value: Minicabs are consistently $1,000-$2,000 less than equivalent Carries or Acties for no meaningful capability deficit. Dealers like Duncan Imports and other importers regularly stock Minicabs at lower prices than competing models.
• Rear diff lock: Available on select 4WD models and a genuine capability advantage for off-road and farm use.
• Engine reliability: The 3G83 is a proven workhorse with a strong service record across multiple Mitsubishi platforms.
• Parts availability: Mitsubishi's global presence means parts are accessible through both OEM and aftermarket channels. The 3G83 engine shares components with the Minica and Pajero Mini.
• Build quality: Mitsubishi's commercial vehicle heritage shows in the Minicab's robust construction. Frame and body panels are generally heavier gauge than some competitors.
• Turbo option: Factory turbo models are available and offer the full 64 hp kei maximum.

Cons

• Brand perception: Mitsubishi's declining presence in the US passenger car market means less brand recognition among casual buyers, which can affect resale.
• Aftermarket support: The smallest aftermarket of the five major kei truck brands. Lift kits, bumpers, and accessories are available but require more searching.
• 3-speed automatic: The automatic transmission is a dated 3-speed unit that saps power from the already modest engine. The manual is strongly preferred.
• Interior quality: The cab interior is more spartan than the Honda Acty and some Suzuki Carry trims. Controls and switchgear feel basic.
• Turbo model scarcity: While factory turbo Minicabs exist, they are less commonly imported than turbo Carries or Hijets, making them harder to find.

Common Modifications

For a deeper look at off-road-focused builds, see our guide to the best kei truck mods for off-road use.

• Lift kits: 2-3 inch lift kits are available from suppliers like Catuned and various eBay vendors. The Minicab's conventional front-engine layout makes lifting straightforward. [AFFILIATE: Mitsubishi Minicab 2" lift kit, $350-$500, https://oiwagarage.co]
• Rear diff lock retrofit: For Minicabs that did not come with the factory diff lock, retrofit kits and used OEM units from Japanese parts suppliers are available.
• Tires and wheels: Same as other kei trucks, upgrading to 13-inch all-terrain tires is the highest-impact modification. The Minicab's slightly wider track compared to some competitors allows for marginally wider tire fitment — see our kei truck tire guide for the Minicab's stock sizes and the best upgrade options. [AFFILIATE: All-terrain tires 145/80R12 (set of 4), $180-$280, https://oiwagarage.co]
• Turbo swap: Swapping a turbocharged 3G83T into a naturally aspirated Minicab is a documented procedure. Engine harness and ECU from a donor truck are required.
• Dump bed conversion: Hydraulic dump bed kits work well on the Minicab's flat bed platform and are popular among farm and landscaping users — our kei truck dump bed guide covers the full conversion process. [AFFILIATE: Hydraulic dump bed kit, $800-$1,200, https://oiwagarage.co]
• Stereo and speakers: The stock audio system is minimal. Aftermarket head unit and speaker installations are simple and dramatically improve the driving experience.
• LED lighting: Headlight and work light upgrades are universally popular across all kei trucks. [AFFILIATE: LED headlight conversion H4, $40-$80, https://oiwagarage.co]

Known Issues & Maintenance Tips

Before buying any Minicab, review our pre-purchase inspection checklist so you know exactly what to look for. For sourcing replacement components, see our kei truck parts guide.

• 3G83 idle surge: The 3G83 engine is known for developing an idle surge (hunting idle) as it ages. This is typically caused by a dirty idle air control valve (IACV) or vacuum leak. Cleaning the IACV and inspecting vacuum lines usually resolves the issue.
• Starter motor reliability: The starter motor on 3G83-equipped Minicabs can fail prematurely, particularly in trucks that have been used for frequent short trips (delivery duty in Japan). Carry a spare or replace proactively at 100,000 km. OEM starters and other genuine replacement parts are available through Amayama, a reliable source for Mitsubishi OEM parts. Use parts diagrams on Megazip to identify correct part numbers before ordering.
• Clutch hydraulics: The hydraulic clutch system uses a small master and slave cylinder that can develop leaks. Inspect for fluid loss and replace seals as needed. Seal kits and other maintenance items can be sourced from kei truck parts suppliers that stock Minicab-specific components.
• Rust: Inspect the same critical areas as all kei trucks: frame rails, cab corners, bed floor, and rocker panels. The Minicab's slightly heavier gauge steel buys some time but does not eliminate rust risk.
• Timing belt: The 3G83 is an interference engine. Timing belt replacement is due at 100,000 km and should always be done with a new water pump and tensioner. [AFFILIATE: Mitsubishi 3G83 timing belt kit with water pump, $80-$120, https://www.amayama.com]
• Power steering fluid (if equipped): Later models with power steering use a small fluid reservoir that should be checked regularly. Low fluid causes pump whine and eventual failure.
• Oil changes: The 3G83 holds approximately 2.5 liters of oil. Use 5W-30 and change every 5,000 km. [AFFILIATE: 5W-30 synthetic oil (5 quart), $25-$35, https://www.amazon.com]

Price Guide

The Minicab offers the best value proposition in the kei truck market. If you are weighing whether a kei truck makes sense compared to a conventional pickup, our kei truck vs. pickup comparison breaks down the economics.

• 1991-1998 models (2WD): $5,000 - $7,000
• 1991-1998 models (4WD): $7,000 - $10,000
• 1991-1998 models (4WD with diff lock): $9,000 - $12,000
• 1999-2001 models (4WD, low mileage): $10,000 - $14,000
• Turbo models: Add $1,500 - $3,000 premium
• Dump bed or specialty body: Add $2,000 - $5,000 premium

The first-generation Nissan Clipper (2003-2012) is a rebadged Minicab with identical mechanicals — if you see a Clipper U71T/U72T at auction, it uses the same 3G83 engine and shares every part with the Minicab U61T/U62T.

The Minicab consistently undercuts the competition on price. Buyers who prioritize function over brand recognition will find the best dollars-to-capability ratio here. Check current market values on Hagerty and recent auction results on Bring a Trailer to confirm pricing trends before making an offer.

Insurance

Insuring a kei truck can be straightforward once you find the right carrier. Hagerty is widely used by kei truck owners for agreed-value collector vehicle policies, which protect against total-loss undervaluation. Standard auto insurers sometimes struggle to categorize these vehicles, so a specialty insurer is often the easiest path. Our kei truck insurance guide has the full rundown on costs, providers, and agreed value vs stated value policies.

Coverage requirements and registration rules vary significantly by state. Review our state-by-state registration and legality guide to understand what your state requires before purchasing a policy.

The r/keitruck community on Reddit maintains active threads on insurance experiences, including which carriers offer the most competitive rates and which states present the fewest hurdles.

Where to Buy

• Import companies: Duncan Imports, Kei Truck USA, and JDM Expo stock Minicabs regularly. Because they are less in-demand than Carries, you may find better selection and faster delivery. Browse our dealer directory for additional importers.
• Japanese auctions: Search for chassis codes U41T, U42T (fifth gen) and U61T, U62T (sixth gen). Minicabs appear in high volume at Japanese auctions, often at lower hammer prices than competing models. You can also browse Japanese inventory on Goo-net Exchange to see what is available before committing to an auction bid.
• Domestic resale: Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist listings for Minicabs are less frequent than for Carries but often priced more aggressively by sellers who know the brand is less recognized.
• Fleet liquidations: Because Minicabs were widely used in Japanese commercial fleets, bulk imports of multiple units occasionally appear from importers liquidating inventory at discounted prices.

If you are considering importing directly from Japan, our how to import a kei truck guide walks through the full process from auction purchase to US delivery.

The Minicab rewards patient, value-oriented buyers. Focus your search on 4WD models with the rear diff lock for maximum capability, and do not overlook the Minicab just because it does not have the Suzuki or Honda badge.