Mini Trucks questions

[Bowtech32]

I noticed some of ya'll have the Japaness Mini Trucks as lease rides. Do ya'll have any issues with them? Are they easy to work on, or can you take them somewhere for engine issue? I was just wandering, they are a lot cheaper than the Ranger or any other side by side and they have heat.... I have a 4 wheeler but when it gets cold I use the truck. Looks like they would be the prefect lease ride.

[Bowtech32]

anybody??? I have done a bit of research on them and the small cab is really not an issue. They sell extended cab kits for them up to 18", that should give you plenty of room. I am seriously thinking about selling my 4 wheeler and getting one of these. I think they will be a blast to customize and play with.

Let me know why I should not get one....

[daveally]

A guy at our lease has one and he loves it. It's 4x4, enclosed cab with heater and stereo, has a big bed with sides that fold down. It's faster than my Mule, has a bigger bed, an enclosed cab with a heater, it's cheaper and will go anywhere my Mule will. The only thing he says he'd do is put bigger tires on it. Seems like a win/win kinda purchase.

[PecanBayouRat]

Had one that we would drive around at the place I worked at during college. I didn't think they were the easiest thing to work on, but we hardly had too anyways. Just kept the fluids good and it was fine. Easy to run, ours had a 3 speed I believe with reverse.

Also, had a dump bed which was nice.

[41Chevy]

We used them as squadron vehicles when I was in Japan. Ours was a 1 ton dually four wheel drive. They make them in vans too.

[Txjourneyman]

I've been driving a "Tiger" truck for 3 1/2 years now on campus. Its my service truck. The drivetrain has been rock solid. The interior is crap and falling apart but that doesn't bother me at all. This thing just keeps running with very little maintenance. 4 cyl 4 spd. If the university ever wnts to unload it I'll be first in line with my wallet out. It would be a great lease truck. Heat, A/C, stereo, bed sides fold down or come off to make a flat bed. We have ladder racks and side mount tool boxes on them too. Only trouble is with the 2wd it needs weight in the back for very muddy conditions or you'll just spin. 200lbs of corn should take care of that!

[BrianL]

I used to sell them and we have 3 in the family now. For what they do they can't be beat. Not very hard to work on, but like someone said it is rare that you have to. I have owned over 40 when I was selling them and never had a internal motor problem on any of them. THere where a few 4WD switches that had to be replaced, couple of fuel pumps, and best I can remember that is it. They are not as smooth on very rough terrain as a 4wheeler or Ranger, but last week when is was 24 degrees at the ranch is was SOOOOO nice to have the cab and heat. I wish I had both a Ranger and a Mini, but since I can only have one I like the Mini. Put as small a lift as possible and 23" tires. If you can get by w/o a lift I would. Every bit of lift you gain is suspenision you loose. I would say max 2.5" on the lift. Other reasons as well but a whole different topic. Here is a forum for minis and a lot of info.

http://www.minitrucktalk.com/

[Tilladaddy]

But you have to be little person to sit in the drivers seat on one. If you are over 6' forget about it.

[Txjourneyman]

Yeah, I'm 6'2" and it is a squeeze. Tall fat guys won't like 'em.

[BrianL]

But you have to be little person to sit in the drivers seat on one. If you are over 6' forget about it.

That is kinda correct. I'm 6' and 200 but don't consider myself a little person.

There is an art to getting in and out. Inside leg in and under steering wheel before sitting down.

[Txjourneyman]

That is kinda correct. I'm 6' and 200 but don't consider myself a little person.

There is an art to getting in and out. Inside leg in and under steering wheel before sitting down.

Thats exactly how I have to do it.

[Bowtech32]

But you have to be little person to sit in the drivers seat on one. If you are over 6' forget about it.

The extended cab kit fixes that, it adds up to 18" inches more to the cab. You loose it in the bed, but I think it would be worth it.

[Texastaxi]

But you have to be little person to sit in the drivers seat on one. If you are over 6' forget about it.

Hey, we don't like to be called "little people"!

Clent drives his, and I think he's about 7 foot tall!
I was pretty impressed when he hooked up a trailer with a round bale on it and pulled it up a rocky incline that I was sure would leave us spraying rocks ... it never spun, just kept on trudging along. They're impressive little vehicles and if I was in the market for a side x side, I'd be getting a mini instead.

[Bowtech32]

Here is a custom I found on the web with the extended cab kit installed.

[lovetohunt]

Is there a place in the DFW area that sells the Mini Trucks?