Daihatsu Hijet vs Suzuki Carry
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 | Suzuki Carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Daihatsu | Suzuki |
| Engine | EB 547cc 2-cylinder / EF 659cc 3-cylinder | F6A 657cc 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 40 hp | 45 hp |
| Drivetrain | 4WD part-time | 4WD part-time |
| Price range | $4,500 - $11,000 | $5,000 - $12,000 |
| Popularity | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Timing | belt | belt or chain |
| Engine codes | EF | F6A, K6A |
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
Suzuki Carry
The most common kei truck in the US and widely considered bulletproof when serviced. Both the carbureted F6A and EFI K6A have strong high-mileage reputations.
- F6A: cracked/worn distributor cap & rotor (low, exposed mount collects moisture) → misfires and hard wet-weather starts
- F6A: carburetor gumming on trucks that sat → rough idle and stalling
- Oil-pan and valve-cover cork gasket leaks (both engines)
- K6A (EFI): electric cooling-fan relay failure → overheating in traffic