Kei truck prices: what to expect

Kei trucks are inexpensive in Japan. What surprises buyers is how much the same fixed costs add to a small purchase.

Prices in Japan now

Right now we have 257 kei trucks listed in Japan, with asking prices from $1,508 to $32,721, and a middle price of about $6,885. These are Japanese dealer prices before shipping, customs and our fee.

What moves the price

• Four-wheel drive costs noticeably more than two-wheel drive.
• Mileage and condition. Work trucks run to high mileages; rust underneath matters more than the odometer.
• Bed type. Dump beds and special bodies are priced differently from a plain flat bed.
• Model and year. Newer, cleaner trucks and popular models cost more.

What gets added

On top of the Japanese price there is export paperwork, a sourcing fee, ocean shipping, customs duty and fees, clearance and inland delivery. Most of these do not shrink with the price of the truck, so on a cheap truck they are a large share of the total. Our cost guide sets out each line. Trucks can be charged duty at a different rate from cars, so ask a customs broker for the rate on yours.

See the models or tell us what you want and we will quote you a landed price.