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They probably share a lot of the same drivetrain/engine/etc. parts from vehicles of the same era. If you are mechanically inclined and have the right tools, you

They probably share a lot of the same drivetrain/engine/etc. parts from vehicles of the same era. If you are mechanically inclined and have the right tools, you might be able to do some of the work yourself. Most auto mechanics familiar with older Japanese branded vehicles should be able to work on them like they would on a regular US import. The biggest issue I have is that they are right-hand drive. I'd be hesitant driving a mini-truck on streets and highways, even if it's licensed. This would be a non-issue if the intent is to leave it on private property, unlicensed. I wish mini-trucks had a bigger demand here. I'd like a pickup, but I don't need the monster trucks that are on the market these days. Just something to move furniture, appliances, and junk around town.

pwthornton 3y ago
There are some smaller options these days. The Honda Ridgeline has led the way here as a very livable, smaller (although not small) truck. The Ford Maverick is even smaller. It is a bit more barebones but it might work for you.
- codalan 3y ago
  The problem with the Maverick (as others have mentioned) is that they squander valuable bed space by adding a cab to the design. To me, a pickup truck is a pretty utilitarian thing. I don't need a cab. I have other vehicles if I need to take passengers. I remember pricing out a pickup a few years ago, and it was hard to find one that wasn't already configured with a cab. I guess the market demand is larger for people who have kids but still want a pickup for whatever reason.
  - pwthornton 3y ago
    There is apparently no market for cab-less pickups in the U.S. Ever since overfed suburban poseurs started buying trucks, the market has shifted to crew cab and luxury.
  - aaronblohowiak 3y ago
    used Cargo van
    - codalan 3y ago
      Yeah, the Sprinter or some of the other clones come to mind.
  - pandaman 3y ago
    >I guess the market demand is larger for people who have kids but still want a pickup for whatever reason. Or people who buy trucks for their business. It's much easier to put a whole crew into one-two vehicles instead of driving each man in his own truck especially if you do residential work, where worksites might not have ample parking or any parking for that matter.

pwthornton 3y ago

There are some smaller options these days. The Honda Ridgeline has led the way here as a very livable, smaller (although not small) truck. The Ford Maverick is even smaller. It is a bit more barebones but it might work for you.

codalan 3y ago
The problem with the Maverick (as others have mentioned) is that they squander valuable bed space by adding a cab to the design. To me, a pickup truck is a pretty utilitarian thing. I don't need a cab. I have other vehicles if I need to take passengers. I remember pricing out a pickup a few years ago, and it was hard to find one that wasn't already configured with a cab. I guess the market demand is larger for people who have kids but still want a pickup for whatever reason.
- pwthornton 3y ago
  There is apparently no market for cab-less pickups in the U.S. Ever since overfed suburban poseurs started buying trucks, the market has shifted to crew cab and luxury.
- aaronblohowiak 3y ago
  used Cargo van
  - codalan 3y ago
    Yeah, the Sprinter or some of the other clones come to mind.
- pandaman 3y ago
  >I guess the market demand is larger for people who have kids but still want a pickup for whatever reason. Or people who buy trucks for their business. It's much easier to put a whole crew into one-two vehicles instead of driving each man in his own truck especially if you do residential work, where worksites might not have ample parking or any parking for that matter.