FAQ’s

What is a Mini Truck?

A Mini Truck, more commonly known as a Kei Truck, is a small, lightweight, and efficient utility vehicle that originates from Japan. It is designed for various applications, including agriculture, construction, and transportation.

What makes Mini Trucks great?

• Compact size: Ideal for navigating farm tracks or narrow streets.
• Versatility: Used in agriculture, construction, and delivery services.
• Efficient engines: Provide adequate performance while maximising fuel economy.
• Capable: Despite small size, can carry significant payloads.
• Popular: Already proven in countries valuing compact vehicles.
What we love: Comfortable cab for driver, flatbed or small cargo area at the rear, air conditioning, and much lower cost than a Gator…

How much do they cost?

Our full stock is available here: MINI TRUCKS — regularly updated and including full on-road prices.

You can also browse our EXTRAS page to see the optional add-ons available for your base truck.

Prices for base trucks start from £6,000 + VAT, with brand new models typically around £15,000–£16,000 + VAT.

What about parts?

We keep a good range of parts in stock, including both new and second-hand options. For anything we don’t have on the shelf, we work with trusted suppliers in Japan who can usually get parts to us within two weeks.

As they’re Toyota-built, parts are reasonably priced, and most serviceable items can also be sourced through your local motor factors or garage.

What makes these Mini Trucks suitable for farmers and gamekeepers?

The compact size of the Daihatsu Hijet 4×4 allows easy navigation through tight spaces, while its four-wheel-drive capability ensures excellent performance in various terrains. This makes it particularly useful for farmers and gamekeepers in rural settings.

Are these Mini Trucks road-legal in the UK?

Yes, our imported Daihatsu Hijet 4x4s comply with UK road regulations. We ensure that all necessary modifications and adaptations are made to meet the required standards for road use. Even with the “Off-Road” packages, our trucks still comply.

Insurance – Are they easy to insure?

Insurance can sometimes be trickier with imported vehicles, and not all insurers are willing to cover them. However, we’ve partnered with NFU Mutual to offer our customers a straightforward option for insuring their mini trucks. There are a few other routes available, but we’ve made the process simple and stress-free. Most of our customers find premiums to be very reasonable — typically between £400 and £600 per year.

What fuel efficiency can I expect from my Mini Truck

Mini Trucks are known for their fuel efficiency, making them a cost-effective choice for various applications. Specific fuel efficiency may vary, and we can provide detailed information based on the model. We have found them to be in the 40-45mpg but some people have achieved even better results.

Why buy from UK Mini Trucks?

• Owned by a farmer: First hand practical experience and insight into their utility.
• Expertise: Monty’s farming background ensures understanding of customer needs and suitable recommendations.
• Monty’s Wheels. Maxxis Ceros tyres on our exclusive custom made steel wheels – tough and road worthy.
• Savings passed on. Buy direct from the farm – no showroom overheads – just good service from rural Herefordshire.
• Customisation. Lift kit, towbar, or canopy… we’re here to help.
• Order now. We keep stock of Mini Trucks but we also buy to order – all you need

Can you tow with a Mini Truck?

We offer a custom built tow-bar kit which allows you to tow off-road, these trucks will cope with towing up to 700kg. The GTW of the trucks allow for 460kg legal road towing capacity.

What is the payload capacity of a Mini Truck?

The payload capacity on all Kei trucks is 350kg due to Japanese law, however the trucks are overbuilt above and beyond this. Daihatsu recommend 700kg maximum capacity.

Can I customise the Mini Truck for my specific needs?

Yes, we offer customisation options to meet your specific requirements. Whether it’s adding features, modifying the bed, or incorporating specific accessories, we can work with you to create a Mini Truck tailored to your needs. The sky is the limit!

How do I maintain and service my Mini Truck?

We provide detailed maintenance guidelines and recommend regular servicing by qualified technicians. Additionally, we offer support and access to genuine parts to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Mini Truck.

How can I purchase a Mini Truck from your business?

You can explore our available stock on our website and book a visit to our farm via our contact us page. We are here to assist you in finding the perfect Mini Truck for your needs. You can reserve any of our trucks with a £1000 deposit. We can also source a specific truck from Japan for you.

What is the road tax?

Once registered for UK road use, mini trucks fall into the Private Light Goods (PLG) tax class. The current rate is £325 per year, the same as most small 4x4s or pickups.

Trucks that are over 10 years old at the time of import qualify for a reduced rate of £220 per year.

If your truck is used primarily off-road or for agricultural purposes, you may also be eligible for additional exemptions — we’re happy to advise on what applies in your situation.

What are the bed dimensions?

The load beds on Daihatsu Hijet mini trucks are impressively practical for their size.

• Standard Cab: The bed measures approximately 1940mm long x 1410mm wide.
• Jumbo (Extended) Cab: The bed itself is slightly shorter at around 1740mm long x 1410mm wide, but there’s an extra storage area beneath the rear of the cab, allowing longer items to slide underneath when needed.

Both versions have fold-down sides and tailgate for easy loading and unloading, and a bed height of around 650mm depending on tyres and suspension setup.