Honda Acty 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.
| Honda Acty | Mitsubishi Minicab | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Honda | Mitsubishi |
| Engine | E07A 656cc 3-cylinder | 3G83 657cc 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 45 hp | 45 hp |
| Drivetrain | 4WD real-time | 4WD part-time |
| Price range | $6,000 - $14,000 | $4,000 - $10,000 |
| Popularity | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Timing | belt | belt |
| Engine codes | E07A, E07Z | 3G83 |
Reliability & common problems
Honda Acty
Staggeringly reliable, especially manual models — the E07 revs hard and lasts. Main weaknesses are transmission synchros and faster rust (thinner panels).
- Gear grinding / worn 2nd–3rd synchros past ~150k km
- Timing-belt tensioner loses tension → belt skips teeth → valve contact
- Spark plug wires run near the exhaust manifold → insulation breaks down → random misfires
- Rusts faster than other kei trucks (thinner sheet metal) — check chassis/body
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