Importing a Japanese kei truck into Canada may sound complicated, but the process is straightforward with the right support. Mini trucks are valued for their durability, efficiency, and versatility.
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B-Pro AutoΒ is Canada’s trusted JDM car importer, with a wide inventory, direct access to every vehicle in Japan, and reliable shipping anywhere in Canada. We make imports simple, transparent, and affordable
What are kei trucks?
An overview
Japanβs kei trucks (also called mini trucks) are small pickups built to a specific βkeiβ standard for power, displacement and size. They can get goods and materials through the small roads and passageways for Japanβs farms and towns. Their size shouldnβt fool you, as they have tons (or more like one-third of a ton) of practicality, such as:
Payload
Up to ~770 lbs (350 kg / 1/3 ton)
Transmissions
Automatic, manual options
Drivetrain
2WD or 4WD, some having low-ranges and/or differential locks
Special Equipment
Power Take-Offs (PTO), dump or lift beds, fold-down sides
Us Canadians use them:
kei truck pricing in canada
why do canadians love kei trucks?
Kei truck models
Many Japanese manufacturers have a kei truck model, but not all. Some are mid-engined, and some are rear-engined; some have options for (slightly) extra cab length or headroom; and some are just re-badges of another makerβs truck. If youβre searching for more information, hereβs the models to find:
Suzuki Carry Truck
The workhorse of kei trucks. Reliable, simple to fix, and parts are everywhere. If you want something tough and easy to keep on the road, the Carry is the go-to choice.
Subaru Sambar Truck
Quirky and fun, many are rear-engine, some supercharged. Great if you want something unique, with surprising 4WD ability and a bit of collector cool factor.
Daihatsu Hijet Truck
Super versatile with many variants, including dump beds and extra-cab Jumbo models. A great fit if you need a kei that works hard around the acreage or jobsite.
Honda Acty Truck
Hondaβs kei truck handles smooth and is reliable. Often mid- or rear-engined, they are fun to drive and balanced on the road. Good pick if you want a daily kei truck.
Mitsubishi Minicab Truck
Compact, practical, and often found at sharp prices. A solid no-frills option if you want a budget-friendly kei truck that still gets the job done.
Mazda Scrum Truck
Basically a Suzuki Carry under the skin, but badged as a Mazda. If you like the Carry but find a better deal on a Scrum, grab it β same parts!
Nissan Clipper Truck
A rebadged Mitsubishi Minicab. Theyβre dependable, straightforward, and economical. A great option without paying a premium.
Tip: Make sure to include the word βTruckβ if searching for kei trucks, as manufacturers often have a kei van of the same name.
If you are looking for a specific model and would like more information, pleaseΒ contact us.
How the Kei Truck import process works
Importing with B-Pro Auto JDM Imports is simple:
why import with B-Pro Auto?
Frequently asked questions
$6,000-$10,000 cleared customs price CAD to Vancouver for most. A basic, well-used 4wd unit might get as low as $5,000, or even a 2wd unit in the $4,000’s, but very few look for those.
Costs depend on where you live. Cross-Canada shipping could be up to $2,400, and while GST is included in the cleared customs price, PST varies by province. Then any costs by your mechanic to inspect and safety the kei truck.
$1490 above cleared-customs price to get it to Winnipeg, Manitoba
$800 above cleared customs price to Edmonton
$800 above cleared customs price to Calgary
$490 above cleared customs price to Kelowna
$1390 to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
$1390 to Regina Saskatchewan
$2390 to Montreal, Quebec
$450above cleared customs price to Victoria or Nanaimo, British Columbia
$2100 above cleared customs price to Toronto
$2290 above cleared customs price to Halifax
Ask us for a quote to your door, we can ship anywhere.
Daytime running lights are needed, and tires with DOT certification. Headlights often need proper certification, or modified with something like a projector headlight retrofit. Then normal wear and tear items like brake pads, rotors, bulbs, bushings, etc.
Kei trucks are unique to Japan, but they are mass-produced. Sometimes parts are available in North America, either through large chains, or through kei-truck specific outfits. Ordering parts right from Japan isnβt a hassle and pretty much anything you need is just a couple days away.
If you have purchased a unit through us, we can try and help if you have an issue, and get parts at-cost when possible.
Yes, they are highway capable. Most can get up to about 100km/h, but that will depend on the cargo and incline. At that top end, the engine will be maxed out and fuel economy will suffer. It is possible to have them on the highway, but the size and engine are in their prime in the city or out in the fields.
Yes. Canadaβs 15-year import rule means kei trucks that are 15-years old or older (to the month of manufacture) are legal to come across the border and to own. Processes to register and insure vary by provinces, but it is possible for every province.
Many people use them as a hybrid on/off road rig. Some people use them in place of a side by side for off road use, some people use them on road as a unique, fuel efficient commuter.
Yes, they need insurance just like any other vehicle for road use. If your planned use is for your farm, retirement community, or municipal workspace, off-road rules may vary. If they are 20+ years old, Hagerty Insurance could be found relatively inexpensively.
After purchase, it takes about 8-12 weeks to arrive.
They can carry basically half their weight in the back. They can fit a quad in the back, or tons of cargo/materials. Around 770lbs on avg. Thatβs wild considering that rivals some larger pickup trucks (which in some cases have smaller beds).
Almost all are white! Sometimes they are grey or blue, or red ones if they are ex-fire trucks. And yes, we can import those too!
The tires are either 12- or 13-inch depending on the model. We can help you source tires for your kei truck or mini truck if you need them.
βKeiβ (θ»½) in Kei truck comes from the Japanese word keijidΕsha (θ»½θͺεθ»), which literally means βlight automobileβ. Japan created this category after WWII to encourage affordable, efficient vehicles for narrow city streets and rural areas. Kei cars and trucks have special tax breaks and lower insurance costs in Japan. So when you hear βkei truck,β itβs shorthand for a mini pickup built to fit Japanβs kei class standards β small outside, but surprisingly practical.
Engine size limit: 660 cc (0.66L) maximum
Power limit: ~64 hp (set by Japanese regulations)
Size limits: About 11.2 ft long Γ 4.9 ft wide Γ 6.6 ft tall
Interesting facts about kei trucks
Join hundreds of Canadians who already own a kei truck imported by B-Pro Auto. If you need one for play, a couple for work, or a fleet for an enterprise, we can find them to meet almost any budget and need!
ready to start?
get a quote or ask us anything:
We would be happy to import a JDM vehicle for you! Please contact us to discuss the details of importing from Japan to Canada with B-Pro Auto, or to ask any other questions you may have! We would love to start the conversation with you.
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Phone: 403-481-1065
