Model guide

Daihatsu Hijet buying guide

The Daihatsu Hijet is widely considered the toughest kei truck you can buy -- body-on-frame construction and the longest wheelbase in the class make it feel like a genuine mini pickup rather than a car-based utility vehicle.

Construction and engine

Unlike some competitors, the Hijet uses true body-on-frame construction, which is a large part of why it holds up so well to heavy, repeated loads -- it is a favorite of Japanese municipalities and fire departments for exactly this reason. The water-cooled three-cylinder engine sits beneath the front seats. Models from 1999 onward (GD-S series) gained electronic fuel injection, a meaningful reliability upgrade over earlier carbureted versions.

Why buyers choose the Hijet

• Longest wheelbase in the kei truck class, meaning the largest flatbed for its footprint
• “Jumbo” extended cab option adds passenger and storage space without giving up bed length
• Body-on-frame durability that handles heavier, more frequent loads better than car-based alternatives
• Trusted enough for fire, utility, and municipal fleet use in Japan -- a strong real-world durability signal

What to check before buying

• Prioritize 1999+ GD-S series models if fuel injection reliability matters to you over an older carbureted example
• Confirm whether you are looking at a standard cab or Jumbo extended cab -- the difference matters if passenger space is a priority
• Request the auction sheet grade, not just photos, given how hard these trucks are typically worked
• Check your state’s rules before committing -- see our state-by-state legality guide

New to importing? Read our full step-by-step import guide first.