Used Daihatsu Hijet for sale
If you’ve been scrolling through listings looking for a vehicle that’s small in stature but massive in character, you’ve likely stumbled across the Daihatsu Hijet. It’s not your average work vehicle. It’s charming, compact, and incredibly practical.
Navigating the world of Japanese imports and Kei trucks can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Whether you need a nimble city runner or a rugged farm hand, this guide is here to help you decide if a Daihatsu Hijet for sale is the right match for your lifestyle.
Is the Daihatsu Hijet a good van?
Let’s be honest, finding a reliable van that doesn't cost the earth to run is a top priority for many of us. The Daihatsu Hijet fits into the "Kei" class of vehicles from Japan. These are designed to be as small and efficient as possible, bypassing strict tax and parking regulations in their home country.
For UK drivers, this translates to a vehicle that is incredibly easy to park and cheap to run. They are fantastic for navigating tight city streets where a standard Transit would struggle. Plus, there is something undeniably fun about driving one.
However, they are compact. If you need to haul massive loads of drywall or move a 4-bedroom house, this might not be the one. But for florists, landscape gardeners, or small business owners looking for a Daihatsu Hijet van, it offers a brilliant mix of reliability and economy.
Different Body Styles of the Daihatsu Hijet
One of the best things about the Hijet is the sheer variety available. Because they have been in production for decades, you can find a configuration for almost any job.
Pickup Truck Variants
The Daihatsu Hijet pickup for sale is a common sight in rural areas. These reliable workhorses feature a drop-side bed, making loading and unloading incredibly easy. Despite their small footprint, they can carry a surprising amount of weight, making them perfect for agricultural work or landscaping.
Cargo Van Options
If you need to keep your tools or goods dry, the traditional Daihatsu Hijet van is the way to go. These sliding-door vans offer a surprising amount of vertical space. They are perfect for city deliveries where you need to hop in and out quickly, and the sliding doors are a lifesaver in tight parking spots.
Deck Van Details
The "Deck Van" is a bit of a unicorn—a mix between a van and a pickup. It features a second row of seats (great for the dog or a couple of helpers) with a small open bed at the back. It’s a fantastic lifestyle vehicle for those who want the best of both worlds.
Engine Specifications and Performance
Understanding the 660cc Engine
Most imports you’ll find will be powered by a 660cc engine. That sounds tiny, and well, it is. But Japanese engineering is clever. These engines are designed to rev freely and work hard. While they are restricted to lower speeds compared to a 2.0-litre diesel, they are perfectly capable of keeping up with city traffic.
Fuel Efficiency Insights
Because the engine is small and the vehicle is light, fuel economy is generally excellent. If you are trying to keep your monthly outgoings down, switching to a used Hijet could save you a fair bit at the pumps compared to a heavy, older diesel van.
Performance Statistics
You won't be winning any drag races in a Hijet. These vehicles are geared for low-end torque to help move loads, rather than top-end speed. On the motorway, they can feel a little breathless, so they are definitely better suited to A-roads and urban environments.
Versatility and Use Cases
Heavy-duty applications
Don't let the size fool you. Especially if you find a 4WD version, these trucks are beasts off-road. Farmers love them because they are light enough not to churn up muddy fields but capable enough to carry hay bales and feed across rough terrain.
Everyday usability
For the urban dweller, the Hijet is a dream. You can fit into parking spaces that others drive past. The visibility is excellent because you sit right over the front wheels, giving you a panoramic view of the road. It turns driving a van from a chore into a joy.
Off-road capabilities
Many Hijet models come with selectable 4WD and even differential locks. This makes them surprisingly capable alternatives to expensive UTVs or quad bikes. If you live down a rough track or need to access remote areas, a rugged little Hijet might be the budget-friendly solution you've been looking for.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing a vehicle is always personal. It’s about finding that balance between what you need to carry, where you need to drive, and how much you want to spend. The Daihatsu Hijet offers a unique solution that breaks the mould of the boring white van.
If you are ready to look at the numbers and see how a vehicle fits your budget, it’s worth checking out your payment options early in the process. Whether you go for the van or the pickup, you're buying into a vehicle that puts a smile on your face every time you turn the key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Daihatsu Hijet a unique kei truck?
The Hijet stands out due to its clever use of space and Japanese engineering reliability. As a "Kei" vehicle, it maximizes interior cargo room while maintaining a tiny exterior footprint, making it distinct from standard European vans.
What are the different models and variations of the Daihatsu Hijet?
Over the years, the Hijet has been released as a standard panel van, a high-roof van, a pickup truck with drop sides, and the unique "Deck Van" crew cab. You can also find them with various roof heights and door configurations depending on the generation.
How does the Hijet perform in terms of fuel efficiency and cargo capacity?
Thanks to its lightweight chassis and small displacement engine, the Hijet is generally very fuel-efficient, especially in stop-start city driving. Despite its size, the clever boxy design allows for a surprisingly generous cargo capacity, maximizing every inch of space.
What are the top use cases for the Daihatsu Hijet in agricultural or off-road settings?
The Hijet is brilliant for agriculture due to its narrow width, allowing it to navigate between crop rows or through tight gates. With 4WD options available, it handles mud and rough tracks well, often replacing more expensive quad bikes or tractors for light transport duties.
What do current market trends suggest about the future of the Daihatsu Hijet?
There is a growing community of enthusiasts and small business owners importing these vehicles, keeping their value steady. As people look for more economical and characterful alternatives to standard commercial vehicles, the demand for a clean Daihatsu Hijet for sale continues to rise.
