Where to Find Parts for Every Kei Vehicle — Model by Model

I get this question every single week: "Where do I find parts for my [insert kei vehicle model]?" And every time, I give the same answer: it depends on the part and the model.

Some parts are easy — filters, brakes, and belts cross-reference to common US parts you can get at AutoZone. Some parts are impossible — a body panel for a 1994 Daihatsu Midget II doesn't exist on any shelf in North America.

Here's the complete guide, organized by how I actually search for parts.

The Universal Strategy (Works for Any Model)

Step 1: Find the OEM Part Number

Before you search anywhere, get the Japanese OEM part number. This is the key that unlocks everything.

Where to find it:

• Megazip.net — free online parts catalogs with exploded diagrams for most Japanese vehicles. Search by model and chassis code.
• Amayama.com — same concept, also shows prices and availability
• Your owner's manual — if you have one (often in Japanese, but part numbers are universal)
• The part itself — sometimes stamped or stickered on the old part

Step 2: Cross-Reference to US Parts

With the OEM number, check if there's a US equivalent:

• RockAuto.com — search the OEM number directly, sometimes finds matches
• Amazon — search the OEM number, third-party sellers often list cross-references
• eBay — search OEM number, huge selection of new-old-stock and aftermarket
• NAPA, AutoZone, O'Reilly — their counter staff can sometimes cross-reference Japanese part numbers in their system

Step 3: Order from Japan

For parts with no US cross-reference:

• Amayama Auto Parts (amayama.com) — genuine OEM parts, ships worldwide, excellent catalog
• Megazip (megazip.net) — same concept, competitive pricing
• Yahoo Auctions Japan (via Buyee or FromJapan) — used parts at great prices, best for body panels and trim
• MonotaRO (monotaro.com) — Japanese industrial supplier, has maintenance items

Shipping from Japan:

Model-Specific Guide

Suzuki Carry (DC51T, DD51T, DA63T)

Parts availability: Best in class. The Carry is the most commonly imported kei vehicle and shares many parts with the Mazda Scrum (same truck, different badge).

• Engine filters: F6A oil filter = Fram PH3614, Wix 51356. K6A oil filter = Fram PH4967.
• Air filter: Cross-references to many Suzuki motorcycle filters
• Brake pads: Front pads available from multiple US aftermarket suppliers. Search "Suzuki Carry brake pads" on Amazon — multiple options under $30.
• Timing belt: Gates T104 or equivalent. Critical — change every 60,000 km.
• US suppliers: Yokohama Motors USA, JDM Parts Direct

Honda Acty (HA3, HA4, HA6, HA7)

Parts availability: Very good. The E07A/E07Z engine family shares some parts with early Honda Civic/Fit components.

• Oil filter: Cross-references to early Honda Civic filter — widely available
• Spark plugs: NGK BKR6E-11 (standard for E07A)
• Brake pads: Some cross-reference to early Civic/CRX pads
• CV joints: More model-specific — order from Japan for exact fit
• US suppliers: Yokohama Motors USA has strong Acty inventory

Daihatsu Hijet (S80, S200, S210)

Parts availability: Good. Daihatsu's global presence (strong in Southeast Asia) means parts are available internationally even if US-specific stock is limited.

• Engine filters: EF engine oil filter crosses to several Daihatsu Charade filters
• Brake parts: Widely available aftermarket
• Electrical: Headlight bulbs are standard H4; tail lights and turn signals available from Daihatsu global suppliers
• Southeast Asian suppliers: Daihatsu parts from Indonesian or Malaysian suppliers can be surprisingly cheap and ship worldwide

Subaru Sambar (KS3, KS4, TT1, TT2)

Parts availability: Moderate. The EN07 engine is unique to the Sambar — no cross-references to other Subaru models. Parts tend to be more expensive.

• Oil filter: Subaru-specific, but available from Amayama and eBay
• Supercharger belt: Model-specific — keep a spare on hand
• CV joints: Sambar-specific — order from Japan
• Suspension: Independent rear suspension components are unique and pricey from Japan
• Community: The Subaru Sambar Facebook group is excellent for parts sourcing tips

Mitsubishi Minicab (U40, U60)

Parts availability: Good. The 3G83 engine is a proven Mitsubishi commercial unit with global parts distribution.

• Engine parts: Cross-references to some Mitsubishi Lancer/Mirage components (same engine family)
• Filters: Widely available aftermarket
• Brake parts: Standard drum/disc components, easy to source
• Body panels: More available than you'd expect due to Minicab's global sales

Kei Cars (Beat, Cappuccino, AZ-1, Jimny)

Parts availability: Varies widely.

• Honda Beat: Strong community parts network. Beat-specific suppliers exist in Japan. Engine internals cross-reference to some Honda motorcycle parts.
• Suzuki Cappuccino: Shares the F6A/K6A engine with the Carry — engine parts are plentiful. Body and suspension are model-specific.
• Autozam AZ-1: The hardest kei vehicle to find parts for. Only 4,500 made. Body panels are essentially unobtanium. Engine parts (Suzuki F6A turbo) are available.
• Suzuki Jimny: Excellent global parts availability due to the Jimny's worldwide sales. Many parts from international Jimny markets (India, South America) fit the JA11/JA22.

The Emergency Parts Kit

Keep these on hand so you're never stranded waiting for a Japan shipment:

• 2-3 oil filters
• A set of spark plugs
• Air filter
• Fan belt / accessory belt
• Fuel filter
• Thermostat and gasket
• Brake pads (front) and shoes (rear)
• Timing belt (if your engine uses one)
• A selection of common bulbs (headlight, turn signal, brake)

Total cost to stock this kit: $100-200. Worth every penny when something fails on a Saturday and the nearest kei vehicle part is 3,000 miles away in Japan.

The Golden Rule

When in doubt, start with the OEM part number and work outward. That number is your passport to every supplier, every cross-reference database, and every forum thread where someone's already solved your exact problem.

And if you're really stuck — post in the community. Someone has always been there before you.