Kei Truck Price: MSRP, Trims & Real-World Cost
Typical dealer price
$6,000 – $12,000
A road-ready kei truck from a US dealer usually costs $6,000 – $12,000, according to JDM Drives. Importing one yourself can cost less but adds shipping, paperwork and risk.
Kei trucks are tiny Japanese work trucks, such as the Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Daihatsu Hijet and Subaru Sambar. They were built for the Japanese domestic market. Federal rules generally allow a vehicle to be imported once it is 25 years old, which is why nearly every kei truck on US roads is an older import.
That age rule shapes the price. You pay for the truck itself, then for shipping and import work, then for state registration. Buying from a US dealer rolls much of that into one price. Importing it yourself splits it into separate bills. The figures below come from importer and buying guides, so they reflect the used-import market and not a manufacturer price list.
How much does a kei truck cost?
The price depends on whether you buy a truck already in the US or bring one in yourself. Dealers charge more because they handle the auction purchase, shipping, customs, title work and reconditioning. The self-import routes look cheaper, but the guides disagree on where the total lands.
Kei truck price by buying route
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| Kei truck imported yourself (all in) | $4,000 – $7,000 | |
| Imported kei truck, landed cost | $5,000 – $15,000 | |
| Imported kei truck, landed in the US (auction plus shipping, customs, delivery) | $7,000 – $14,000 |
Sources: JDM Drives: Kei truck cost; Import Junkies: Kei truck prices; JPM Mini Trucks: Kei trucks for sale USA guide
The three ranges describe different things. The dealer range is a typical asking price for a road-ready truck. The self-import figures are all-in estimates that assume you do the paperwork yourself. The landed ranges include the auction price plus shipping and customs, and they differ by source because they assume different trucks and fees.
Japanese auction prices
Most imported kei trucks are bought at auction in Japan. Auction price depends on mileage, condition and configuration. A 4WD truck in excellent condition costs more than a worn high-mileage two-wheel-drive one, and specialized models such as dump-bed trucks sit toward the upper end.
Japanese auction price by condition
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese auction, 100,000+ km, needs work | $1,000 – $2,500 | |
| Japanese auction, 60,000-100,000 km, average condition | $2,500 – $4,500 | |
| Japanese auction, low mileage, excellent condition, 4WD | $4,500 – $7,000 | |
| Japanese auction, dump bed, PTO or specialized | $5,000 – $8,000 |
Source: Carmanji: Kei truck cost guide
An auction price is only the first bill. A buyer also pays an agent or exporter for bidding and handling, and the guides treat those service fees as a separate cost.
Import fees you should plan for
After the truck is purchased, it still has to cross the Pacific and clear customs. The table lists fees that most guides itemize.
Import fees
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean shipping, Japan to US West Coast (RORO) | $1,500 – $2,500 | |
| Ocean shipping, Japan to US East Coast | $2,000 – $3,500 | |
| Customs broker fee | $150 – $400 | |
| Port handling and storage | $100 – $300 | |
| Domestic transport, port to your door | $300 – $1,200 |
Source: Carmanji: Kei truck cost guide
Customs duty is not in the table. Published guides give conflicting duty rates, and the rate depends on how the vehicle is classified. Check with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at cbp.gov or ask a licensed customs broker what applies to your truck before you buy.
What affects the price of a kei truck
- Mileage and condition. Rust, worn suspension and engine hours all move the price.
- Drivetrain. Four-wheel-drive trucks are in demand and generally cost more.
- Body type. Flatbeds, dump beds and other work configurations are priced differently from standard trucks.
- Model and year. The Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty and Daihatsu Hijet differ in availability, and a truck becomes eligible for import only when it reaches the required age.
- Shipping route. Ocean freight to the East Coast is listed higher than to the West Coast in the table above.
- Dealer or self-import. A dealer charges for its work, and a self-importer pays for time and risk.
Is a kei truck legal where you live?
Importing a truck does not make it street legal everywhere. Each state decides whether it will title and register kei trucks, and what rules apply to speed, roads and equipment. Some states allow registration for road use. Others limit the trucks to farm or off-road use. Before you pay for a truck, call your state motor vehicle agency and ask exactly what documents they require. The cost of a truck that you cannot register is the full purchase price.
Buying from a dealer or importing it yourself
A dealer sells a truck that is already in the country, usually inspected and ready to drive, with title paperwork in hand. You can see the truck, test drive it and ask about its history. That convenience is what the higher price pays for.
Importing yourself can save money, but you carry the risk. You rely on photos and auction sheets, and you may wait weeks for shipping. If the truck arrives with problems, repairs and delays are yours. If you take this route, use an established exporter, confirm the vehicle's age, and arrange a customs broker so that clearance goes smoothly.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Is the quoted price for a truck already in the US, or does it still need shipping?
- Does the price include title, registration help and any reconditioning?
- What is the truck's mileage, and can you see photos of the undercarriage and engine bay?
- Which parts are available in the US, and who can service the engine?
- Does my state register this truck for road use?
- What is the return or inspection policy if the truck arrives in worse condition than described?
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kei truck cost?
From a US dealer, a typical road-ready truck costs $6,000 – $12,000. Self-importers report an all-in cost of $4,000 – $7,000 in JDM Drives, while Import Junkies gives $5,000 – $15,000 for a landed truck.
How much does a kei truck cost at auction in Japan?
Auction prices depend on condition. Carmanji lists average-condition trucks with 60,000 to 100,000 km at $2,500 – $4,500 and low-mileage 4WD trucks at $4,500 – $7,000.
How much does it cost to ship a kei truck?
Ocean shipping from Japan is listed at $1,500 – $2,500 to the US West Coast and $2,000 – $3,500 to the East Coast, before port charges and delivery.
Can I drive a kei truck on the road?
That depends on your state. Some states register imported kei trucks for road use and others restrict them. Check with your state motor vehicle agency.
Do I need a customs broker?
You can use one. A broker handles the entry paperwork and is listed at $150 – $400 in the import fee table. Many self-importers use one to avoid mistakes at clearance.