Model guide

Suzuki Carry buying guide

The Suzuki Carry is the best-selling kei truck ever built, and the easiest to live with in the US -- more of them were imported than any other model, so parts, knowledge, and resale demand are all stronger here than for any competitor.

Engine and drivetrain

Most imported Carrys run the 660cc F6A or later K6A three-cylinder, water-cooled engine, producing roughly 40 hp naturally aspirated or up to 64 hp on turbocharged trims. DC chassis codes are 2WD; DD chassis codes are 4WD and generally considered more capable off-road, at a small fuel-economy cost.

Suzuki Carry engine: F6A vs K6A

Almost every Carry you can import today has the F6A engine. It is a 657 cc three-cylinder introduced in 1990 and used for more than a decade, so parts and know-how are plentiful.

• F6A (1990-2001): 657 cc, roughly 38 to 58 hp depending on trim; a fuel-injected turbo version rated 60 hp was offered from 1999
• K6A (from September 2001): the newer 660 cc engine that replaced it. Trucks with it are only now reaching 25 years old, so listings are still scarce
• Timing: the F6A uses a timing belt, so ask for service history or budget for a belt change on any truck you buy

For a first import, a naturally aspirated F6A is the simple choice. Turbo trims add power but also add maintenance complexity.

Why buyers choose the Carry

• Widest parts availability of any kei truck in the US, partly thanks to shared components with later Suzuki models like the Jimny
• Largest population imported, so more independent mechanics have worked on one
• Lightweight and capable off-road, with 4WD available at all speeds on DD trims
• Strongest resale value if you decide to sell later

What to check before buying

• Confirm DC vs DD on the auction sheet or listing -- it is not always obvious from photos alone
• Ask for the auction sheet grade, not just photos -- rust and prior repairs are easy to miss otherwise
• Turbocharged variants add power but also add maintenance complexity -- naturally aspirated is the simpler choice for a first import
• 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.