New Honda kei trucks in Japan typically cost about 1.9–2.7 million yen, while used examples usually range from roughly 0.5–2.0 million yen depending on age and condition. For buyers outside Japan, expect additional costs for shipping and compliance that can affect the total price.
What affects the price?
Several factors determine how much a Honda kei truck costs. The main drivers are age, condition, drivetrain, trim level, mileage, and where you’re buying.
- New vs used: Factory pricing for new units versus depreciation for used ones.
- Drivetrain and features: Two-wheel drive vs four-wheel drive, air conditioning, power options, and bed equipment can shift price.
- Market location: Prices in Japan differ from export markets; importing adds shipping and duties.
- Dealer vs private sale: Dealers may offer warranties or financing; private sales can be cheaper but riskier.
In short, the price reflects configuration, age, and the seller’s terms.
New Honda kei trucks in Japan
For buyers seeking a brand-new Honda kei truck in Japan, the Acty Truck is the primary model. Price ranges vary by drivetrain and trim, but typical new-car pricing falls roughly in the following bands:
- Base two-wheel-drive models: about 1.9–2.3 million yen
- Four-wheel-drive and higher-trim variants: about 2.3–2.7 million yen
Note: These figures reflect common market pricing in Japan for 2024–2025 and can change with taxes, dealer fees, and optional equipment.
Acty vs Sambar variants
The Honda Acty Truck is the main kei pickup in Honda’s lineup, while the Sambar variant offers a similar small-truck/van configuration. Pricing for Sambar-based cargo solutions generally tracks the Acty range, with minor differences due to body style and equipment.
Conclusion: If you want a brand-new Honda kei truck in Japan, budget around 1.9–2.7 million yen depending on drivetrain and trim.
Used Honda kei trucks
The used market for Honda kei trucks provides substantial savings versus new units, with prices driven by model year, mileage, and overall condition. Typical listings and market prices in Japan tend to fall into these ranges:
- Older, high-mileage units (late 1990s–early 2000s): roughly 0.3–0.9 million yen
- Mid-age units (2005–2015): roughly 0.6–1.6 million yen
- Recent used models (2016–2020s) with moderate mileage: roughly 1.0–1.9 million yen
Conclusion: The used market offers a wide spread, making it feasible to find a kei truck that fits a range of budgets, with condition and provenance being the key determinants.
Costs to consider when buying from outside Japan
Importing a Honda kei truck involves more than the purchase price. Buyers should budget for extra costs such as shipping, duties, and compliance work. Common components include:
- Shipping and insurance
- Import duties and taxes
- Left-hand-drive conversion and emissions/compliance work (where required)
- Registration, inspection, and possible odometer verification
Conclusion: While importing can yield savings, the total cost of ownership often ends up higher once these additional expenses are added.
What about the U.S. and other export markets?
In the United States and similar markets that do not sell kei trucks new, well-maintained imports from Japan and other regions fill the niche. Typical out-the-door prices for Acty/Sambar-based pickups vary, commonly ranging from about $8,000 to $20,000, depending on:
- Vehicle condition and mileage
- Model and year
- Shipping, broker, and title-transfer costs
Conclusion: For buyers abroad, imported kei trucks offer affordability at purchase but require careful budgeting for compliance and registration.
Summary
Honda kei trucks are among the most affordable light-duty pickups when measured against larger trucks, with new models typically in the 1.9–2.7 million yen range in Japan and used units widely cheaper. The total price for imports depends heavily on shipping, duties, and conformity work. In the U.S. and other overseas markets, well-maintained imports commonly list around $8,000–$20,000, with total costs climbing when all import-related steps are included. For many buyers, the best balance is found in a carefully chosen used Japanese-market kei truck, while new models appeal to those who want modern features and warranties.