Daihatsu Hijet vs Mitsubishi Minicab
Two of the most popular kei trucks for US buyers, compared on specs, price, and real-world reliability. Here's how they stack up.
| Daihatsu Hijet | Mitsubishi Minicab | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Daihatsu | Mitsubishi |
| Engine | EB 547cc 2-cylinder / EF 659cc 3-cylinder | 3G83 657cc 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 40 hp | 45 hp |
| Drivetrain | 4WD part-time | 4WD part-time |
| Price range | $4,500 - $11,000 | $4,000 - $10,000 |
| Popularity | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Timing | belt | belt |
| Engine codes | EF | 3G83 |
Reliability & common problems
Daihatsu Hijet
Wins on raw durability and rebuildability — the EF is considered the simplest, most rebuildable engine in the segment.
- Cooling-system air-locks (signature issue): design traps air pockets → localized overheating; fix is a proper bleed at the thermostat housing, no parts needed
- Steel fuel lines corrode from the outside in (salt-belt trucks) — leaking onto exhaust is a fire hazard
- Clutch cable stretch/failure
- Prop-shaft U-joint wear → vibration/clunk
Mitsubishi Minicab
A solid engine, but the least common in the US and the most sensitive to oil starvation of the kei truck engines — religious oil changes are essential.
- Oil-starvation crank-bearing failure — its critical weakness: even short drives on low oil can spin a bearing → deep knock
- Valve clearance widens with age → rhythmic tick/knock (needs periodic adjustment)
- Carburetor gumming / fuel-pressure issues
- Valve-cover gasket leaks; ignition wear → weak spark, rough idle, hard start