kei car

In Japan, Kei cars are given tax benefits, given that the car's engine size and external dimensions are kept under strict limits. In order to make optimal use of the limited dimensions, the cars are built as square as possible, which means that they can never win any beauty contests.

Suzuki Carry

suzuki carry
 

Even small cars can be tough. The Suzuki Carry is a microcar with origins in the Japanese "Kei Car" class. Typical of this class is that every centimeter was optimally utilized.

 

Terje's cars is a forum that discusses many great cars. The most expensive ones cost several million. But few cars are as popular as the Suzuki Carry, at least judging by reader response. We have previously mentioned the model in a post about the import of such cars from Japan. As surely as the sun rises every day, inquiries come in from readers wondering where they can buy a Suzuki Carry. Many believe that Terje's cars sell them. We don't do that.

 

Kei car

Before setting out on the market for a Suzuki Carry, you should be aware that these are by no means cars that live up to today's standards in terms of comfort and safety. The car in the pictures is a Suzuki Carry De Luxe van with windows. The external length is only 3,2 meters and the width 1,4 – but the height is almost 2 metres. Everything within the targets for "Kei cars" when the car was built in 1984. Later, in 1998, the requirements for length and width were increased to 3,40 and 1,48 meters respectively. Safety equipment such as bumpers is added. Cars within the Kei conditions offered tax and duty benefits in Japan – as well as exemption from parking permits in the big cities, which made them incredibly popular. Inventive car manufacturers have therefore endeavored to offer as many cars as possible within the requirements. There are "Kei Cars" with space for 7 people (in Japan), as well as countless vans, pickups, jeeps, camper vans, sedans and even sports cars.

 

suzuki carry
Space-built interior
suzuki carry
Suzuki Carry driver's seat

Import to Norway

Several "Kei Car" models were exported to other markets. Since Kei terms did not exist outside of Japan, automakers could fit them with larger engines and more equipment. Cars such as the Suzuki Jimny, Honda N360 (N600) and Subaru Domingo are examples of cars that gained great popularity outside of Japan - but with larger engines than the 660 ccm that the Kei conditions required. The Suzuki Carry also became popular in many places in the world, including in southern Europe. Between 1984 and 1988 several of them were also sold in Norway as 2-seater vans. Here they got 800 ccm engines - enough to keep up with the traffic. The owner of the car in the pictures stated with a twinkle in his eye that it holds up well to reach 85 km/h - downhill.

For use and hobby

Even tall northerners can drive in a Kei Car. But seen from today's eyes, these are not cars that invite the longest trips. But they are well suited for driving in the local environment, for example to the grocery store (IKEA), fishing trips, golf, boating, or to work and school. Today we can add that they are cool hobby cars. If you park a Suzuki Carry next to a new Lamborghini, you should not ignore the fact that it is the Suzuki that gets the most attention. You will be surprised at how much car there actually is er in a car like this.

 

suzuki carry
A competitor to the Suzuki Carry is this 1991 Honda Acty 4×4
honda action
Suzuki carry

 

About the pictures

The car in the pictures was photographed while it was at Circle K in Skøyen, Oslo. Thank you Hege Friis for the pictures. The white Honda Acty pickup is photographed in Slemmestad. The white 1997 Suzuki Carry pickup has previously been photographed and sold through CarsFromJapan. The images of the green 1986 model and the 2014 model are images distributed via CarsWP.com.

 

See

subaru domingo
Subaru Domingo - room for 6!
carsfromjapan
Cars from Japan

Cars from Japan

car kei
Now you can buy a "Kei car" online and have it transported on one of the car boats that run between Japan and Drammen.

Japan is not a country from which we normally import used cars. Although there are car boats between Japan and Norway, organizing transport can present problems. But there is a website that connects Japanese car dealerships, transporters and Norwegian car buyers. If you find a fun car, you can order online and have it delivered by boat to Drammen.

 

Japanese automotive history is full of goodies

Although Japanese cars were popular here at home, it is rare to come across real goodies such as the Datsun 240Z, Honda 2000 and Mazda RX-3. But more people have opened their eyes to Japanese cars and are ordering them from American websites. But did you know you can order from Japan, too? A website guides you through the process from when you find your dream car until it arrives at the quay at Drammen.
 
The website works for me carfromjapan.com as a safe place to shop used cars online. You get good pictures of the car's condition and can easily enter into an online dialogue with the sales company - hopefully in English. I don't know if Japanese are more honest than other nationalities, but the process seems orderly to ensure all parties. But before you import a car from Japan, you should investigate the possibilities of getting it registered in Norway. In Japan, driving is on the left, so you need to get headlights for driving on the right. It is possible that the seller can help you with that. Furthermore, you should form an opinion about living with the steering wheel on the right hand side (RHD). If you search explicitly for left-hand drive cars, you will find European and American import cars with the steering wheel on the left. Left-hand drive cars may not be very popular on the used market in Japan. It opens up to make a good trade, but I don't see carfromjapan.com as a typical site to trade western cars.

RHD cars

Here at home, right-hand drive cars can be difficult to resell. They are also not ideal if you want a good "driving car" - provided you are not going to drive on closed tracks. If you buy the car for "fun" - for small trips at a leisurely pace, to enjoy the nostalgia and joy of having a special vehicle, a car from Japan may be right up your alley.
 
I envision two situations - those who want a reunion with the car they themselves - or someone in the family owned in the 60s, 70s or 80s - or a fun little Japanese that only Japanese people can make. I then think about Kei cars which has received advantages in its home country given that the car's engine size and external dimensions are kept under strict limits. In order to make optimal use of the limited dimensions, the cars are built as square as possible, which means that they can never win any beauty contests. But that's what makes them cool. Imagine a Kei-car as car number 2 or 3 - a small pick-up that is used in the local environment - down to the marina, to the golf course, to the hardware store and practical errands.

Japanese snacks

I have allowed myself to pick out a few tidbits from https://carfromjapan.com/. All the cars are models that are already represented in the Norwegian vehicle register, so there are good opportunities to get plates on them. Take the mini-pickup, for example Suzuki Carry, there are an incredible 287 pieces of it in Norway without ever having been brought in via Suzuki's normal import channels. Other similar models are Honda acty, Mitsubishi Minicabs og Daihatsu Hijet. I have also brought the micro utility vehicle Subaru Domingo which can also be found in the Norwegian vehicle register, as well as a couple of nostalgia cars.
 
The Norwegian prices are calculated according to the dollar exchange rate when the post was written. Go to the links and the sales site's pages for more information about the cars and the sales process.

 

Suzuki Carry Truck



Link to the ad
 
Production year model: 1988-1999
Year of manufacture car: 1997
Sister model: Bedford Rascal
LHD front light kits are available.
Km: 47000
Type of car: Kei Car - automatic - 2WD
Price only car: NOK 30
Ready delivered CIF Drammen: NOK 47
One-off fee (estimated): 2
VAT: 11
Total: NOK 62


 

Honda Action Truck



Link to the ad

Production year model: 1988-1999
Year of manufacture car: 1992 (facelift)
Sister model: Honda Street
Not sure if there are LHD headlights.
Km: 93000
Type of car: Kei Car - manual - 4WD
Price only car: NOK 26
Ready delivered CIF Drammen: NOK 40
One-off fee (estimated): 2
VAT: 10
Total: NOK 52


 

Daihatsu Hijet Truck



Link to the ad

Production year model: 1991-1994
Year of manufacture car: 1991
Sister model: Piaggio Porter, Innocenti Porter
The sister models are produced as LHD
Km: 23000
Type of car: Kei Car - manual - 2WD
Price only car: NOK 9
Ready delivered CIF Drammen: NOK 23
One-off fee (estimated): 2
VAT: 5
Total: NOK 32


 

Subaru Domingo



Link to the ad

Production year model: 1993-1998
Year of manufacture car: 1998
Sister model: Subaru Sumo/Libero
Is also produced as LHD
Km: 32000
Type of car: Passenger car/MPV - automatic - 4WD
Price only car: NOK 113
Ready delivered CIF Drammen: NOK 140
One-off fee (estimated): 2
VAT: 140
Total: NOK 178


 

Cars with nostalgia value

If you buy a youngtimer or vintage car to experience the nostalgia, the fact that the car is right-hand drive is no showstopper. These are cars you use to drive on quiet Sunday trips or to meetings for like-minded people. The problem is that they are also popular in Japan. An old Laurel or Crown with low mileage are expensive pleasures.

 

Nissan Pulsar



Link to the ad

Production year model: 1986-1991
Year of manufacture car: 1986
Sister model: Nissan Sentra/Sunny
Engine: 1,6 Twincam 120 HP (Sunny GTI)
Available in LHD version
Km: 83000
Type of car: Passenger car/sedan - manual - 2WD
Price only car: NOK 62
Ready delivered CIF Drammen: NOK 79
One-off fee (estimated): 2
VAT: 19
Total: NOK 101


 

Datsun Laurel 200L



Link to the ad

Production year model: 1972-1977
Year of manufacture car: 1972
Sister model: –
Engine: 2000 ccm
Available in LHD version
Km: 41000
Type of car: Passenger car/sedan - manual
Price only car: NOK 323
Ready delivered CIF Drammen: NOK 348
One-off fee (estimated): 2
VAT: 87
Total: NOK 438


About Kei Cars

From 1990, the engine size must not exceed 660 ccm and the engine power must not be less than 64 HP. External dimensions length x width x height in meters must be kept below 3,30 x 1,40 x 2,00 - from 1998: 3,40 x 1,48 x 2,00. Max length does not include the bumpers.

See

Link to Facebook group for Kei car owners in Norway

Suzuki Carry
Subaru Domingo – place for 6
Toyota dyna

 

A small Mazda rolls onto the market

Mazda R-360
Mazda R-360 Coupe

Here a very small car from 1960 which was the start of a success story. The very first passenger car from Mazda was equipped with a "stretch engine", but was a good start for the factory.

 

Mazda's first passenger car

When Mazda came to Norway in the early 1960s, it was perceived by most as a completely new brand. But this factory, located in Hiroshima, Japan, can trace its history all the way back to 1920. In the beginning, various industrial products were produced. Production of vehicles started with motorcycles around 1930, and the first cars came as light trucks a few years later. Passenger cars in series production started in 1960 with the small R-360. Later came the models 1500 and 1800 which were some beautiful models with a design from Bertone. Mazda started out as one of the first car manufacturers with wankel engines in their cars. The first model was a sports car with a nice design. Sales of Mazda in Norway started in 1967. Mazda quickly reached the top of sales with the models 818, 616 and 929. Reliable cars at a good price appealed to Norwegian car buyers. Since then, Mazda has been known for its family cars.

Mazda R-360 Coupe

This little Japanese friend never came to Norway as far as we know. But it is a symbol of how the car manufacturers tried to adapt to reality after peace came in 1945. Most things were missing, both roads, petrol and cars. The solutions that the car manufacturers came up with were simple and cheap cars that were cheap to run. Mazda started the production of large trucks and the factory was established as a car manufacturer. Already in 1960, as previously mentioned, the small 360 model arrived. It was a 2-door coupe that became very popular at home in Japan. In Japan there was a separate tax class for cars with engines smaller than 360 ccm. Most Japanese car manufacturers delivered small cars in this class, but Mazda became one of the market leaders. Mazda further developed the model series with a small 4-seater model. The R-360 model disappeared in 1966.

Mazda R-360
Woman behind the wheel of the R-360

 

Mazda R-360
Mazda R-360 Coupe

 

Data Mazda R-360

Length 298 cm,
width 129 cm
height 129 cm.
Top speed 80 km/h.
Engine 366 ccm / 16 hp.


Technical drawings of R-360

 

See

mazda 1500
Mazda 1500 – Japanese with European style
BMW Isetta 300
car history
Exciting car history from Anders de Lange's archives

 

Subaru Domingo - room for 6!

subaru domingo
Stands out in the crowd.

I've seen them at car meets - along with Porsches and Corvettes. Who do you think gets the most attention?

 

Stands out from the crowd

Well, there are more Porsches and Corvettes than Subaru Domingos. But there is something more, which brings to mind cult cars such as the public transport bus, the Fiat 238 van and the Matra Rancho recreational vehicle. These are models with distinctive design and functional features - which stand out in the crowd. I have tried to find out what it is, - what makes the Subaru Domingo such a car.

Domingo in a nutshell

Subaru Domingo has several names, including Sumo, Sambar and Libero. Too bad that the brand name Libero has already been taken in Norway. The small car offers a lot of freedom in terms of space and flexibility. In Japan, a variant was produced without the large front bumper and with smaller engines. They then came under the size limits for so-called "Kei cars", which are cars with special tax relief in Japan. The Subarus are approved for "only" 6 people in Norway, - while in other markets there is probably room for 7. If the physical area is not large, feels it's roomy inside the car. I have seen pictures where all the seats are folded down, so that the whole car is converted into one big bed. There are special versions with extendable camping roofs and large sunroofs. Many have created their own furnishing solutions. The Subaru can fit in everywhere in the city, and with switchable 4-wheel drive, it can make its way in slightly rough terrain, too.

 

subaru domingo
Here everyone can keep their hats on their heads.

Behind the wheel

Today there are 132 cars on plates in Norway. I have been allowed to take a closer look at the Subaru Ruben Sandnes. He owns several interesting cars, including one Coupe Deville which we have previously mentioned on Terje's cars. Ruben says that the little van was previously owned by a family member. It is over 20 years old, but still runs like clockwork. The small 3-cylinder 1,2 liter engine kicks off surprisingly well. In quiet traffic, you can fine-tune 1-3-5 to get up to speed. Since the engine is located at the very back under the load compartment, the sound into the cabin is quite muffled. The steering does not have servo, but it is not missing either on the approximately 1000 kilo heavy vehicle.

Not mainstream

The interior space is impressive when you consider that the car is barely 3,5 meters long. The special location of the engine helps to make use of all the floor space. The interior in general looks quite ordinary for Japanese cars of its time. The bodywork, however, is quite special. It can be described with words such as charming, functional and ugly-pretty. Corresponding cars with a more contemporary, mainstream appearance quickly become outdated over the years. Some "ugly ducklings", on the other hand, become cooler in their older days. It happened with Citroën 2CV, Citroën HY van, Renault 4. Cheap, small and tall, - with several small and ingenious solutions.

subaru domingo
The motor does not steal any floor space

Missing engine compartment

The lid for topping up coolant is on the rear wall inside the rear door. On the other side, you can fill up washer fluid for the rear window. Windscreen washer fluid is filled in front, somewhere. Brake fluid is topped up under a cover on the dashboard. You can therefore top up brake fluid while driving (!). These special maintenance points are due to the fact that the car has no traditional engine compartment. By pulling out the rear bumper like a drawer, you gain access to check the oil and inspect simple things in the engine compartment. The engine is located horizontally under the luggage compartment. Larger tasks require a metal plate to be unscrewed. I imagine that certain tasks can be demanding to carry out, although Japs cars in this era generally need little attention.

Buy and own

We are unsure whether Subaru Norway brought in Domingos to Norway. Maybe it could be special ordered? Most of the cars on Norwegian plates are imported used. Many have been admitted after only one year. Maybe someone offered surplus cars from a warehouse in Europe? In any case, there are currently no Domingos for sale on Norwegian and Swedish used car exchanges. In Europe, prices range from NOK 10 - 000, depending on condition. Domingo is undoubtedly a future classic. The prices of good examples will probably fall until the cars are 100 years old. Those that survive the period of use will then increase in price - demand will probably rise first in central Europe. Parts currently do not seem to be a problem when it comes to engine and chassis parts. There is a growing interest in Japanese classics.


Facts about Subaru Domingo

Weights and Measures

Length, width, height: 353 / 142 / 199 cm
Wheelbase: 189 cm
Net weight without driver: 1020 kg
Max trailer weight with brakes: 700 kg
– without brakes: 400 kg
Max roof load: 70 kg

Technical

1,2 (EF12) 3-cylinder in line - mounted horizontally - rear mounted - rear wheel drive with switchable four wheel drive
Horsepower: 54
5-speed manual
McPherson front suspension (independent suspension)
Longitudinal semi-independent rear suspension

About the car

Country of manufacture: Fuji Heavy Industries, Japan
Registered: 1996
Sources: Auto-data.net, The car register


Pictures of Subaru Domingo

subaru domingo
Cars with personality deserve a name
subaru domingo
Lying steering wheel like in a bus. Feels spacious from the driver's seat.
Ruben Sandnes
Seat row 2 and 3. Domingo is a 6-seater in Norway.
Ruben Sandnes
One may wonder what "SuperDeluxe" actually entails.

Ruben Sandnes
Subaru Domingo MiniMPV

 

See

Ruben Sandnes
Toyota Dyna 100
Ruben Sandnes
Mitsubishi L300 Camper
Ruben Sandnes
Toyota motor home