Mini-trucks??

[rollthecoal]

Does anyone have any experience with mini trucks?

How do they compare to a UTV (Rhino, Prowler, etc)

 

[Stillrockingabanshee]

By mini trucks, your referring to the Japanese Suzuki little trucks? Anyways if you are referring to those things, they just wouldnt compare with the Rhino's and so on. First of all the Rhino's are meant for offroad, trails, dunes, and they are mostly made to take abuse. The Mini trucks are meant for the roads, i would definatly not put on the the trails. Some of them have like a 700cc motor in a heavy frame, cabin, and so on. I don't think that they would hold up to the things that you would do with the Rhino's. And the mini trucks, are quite expensive too actually. Anyways, that is just my way of putting the two

 

[AreWeThereYet]

I looked at them when they were starting to become popular up in this area. Too heavy for the small engine, which is mentioned is only about 700cc, engine is low down, distributer open to moisture.

They would be good on wide/open trails,.. but if you are looking into something to take into the back woods,.. I would look for a used Suzuki Samuri or a mid '80 toyota pickup.

 

[Longhorn]

I havent looked anywhere but here (Medicine Hat) but they want an arm and a leg for them...8-12k...

I dont get it...

 

[gotboost]

my uncle has one and he loves it but i agree $12000

 

[Longhorn]

my uncle has one and he loves it but i agree $12000

And they are 'used' trucks, with tons of miles, this is the part that really gets me. If you compared any of the big 3, same miles, same age, in a half ton, you would buy that half ton cheaper in most cases.

I am definitely missing something here...

 

[scoobienorth]

actually the milage on most of the "kie" trucks that get imported is very low, usually under 60k most under that, some under 20, they max out at 660 cc engines, to meet those class specs in japan, they are common in bc, and can be found for 7g or even a little less from the right dealer, as they are small enough you can cram lots into the shipping containers.they have either a super low first gear or low range, and the size of them is good for trails and so on, but i think there suspension is what holds them back the most off road, and they are front end heavy, so they nose into soft stuff, there are companies that make small lifts for them and fit atv rims and tires, even tracks to them though. one big plus is they are street legal, my rhino is not.In the end it depends on what you are using it for, hard core wheeling, not good IMO, trails and hardpack with street use, they would a good candidate.

 

[funtimes]

We have one and have a blast taking it off road... we imported one for about $4500.. they are very nose heavy for sure. we tried to lift it our selfs and ended up ordering a lift for $80, built a front bumber for it w/winch. We just have to put the lift on and get the new tires mounted. The only issue we have had with it is the rad is located really low and we did not have a skid plate for it and took out the bottom of the rad Looking at having it re-located and fabing up some skid plates.

 

[raceu4it]

i would consider getting one, a friend of my favors the suzuki over the subaru, because ready for this, it's the same motor as a turbo 660 motor in a arctic cat 4-stroker. they retail for around 4500-6000 depending on condition, and yes there nose heavy on steep hill decents, but it's got a heater, stereo, and street legal. my 2cents.

 

[Brute Force Boy]

Use to have a buddy that had an old suzuki that would come out with us, he did well on the trails till we hit the mud wholes or any deep water, he drove the piss out of that thing and had to be towed out of the bush the odd time but I was always amazed at what that peice of crap could go through. No quad though. lol

 

[rollthecoal]

Thanks for the replies guys.....you talked me out of it.

Now I have to read through all those rhino vs rzr vs prowler vs teryx threads - haha

 

[Rene G]

What are you using it for, do you want sporty, or more utility, high speed, trails or mud??

 

[rollthecoal]

I want something to chase dozers around with in the winter...while building winter road. I figured something like this would be better than destroying a pickup every year. Most trails are just cutlines, there's mud, skeg, logs etc to clear.

 

[scoobienorth]

I want something to chase dozers around with in the winter...while building winter road. I figured something like this would be better than destroying a pickup every year. Most trails are just cutlines, there's mud, skeg, logs etc to clear.

just another option, as these are the new version on the samurai, 660cc turbo, straight front axle, be alot better for 4x4ing, this one is just an example of what you can get. i would prefer something like this over a mini truck or a sxs personally.
Suzuki Jimny (T211396) - Import this 1993 Suzuki Jimny from Japan