WATTSHIP Kei Guide

Suzuki Carry DD51T

The workhorse of rural Japan. Unmatched parts availability and a strong North American aftermarket make the Carry DD51T the default first kei truck for most importers.

1991–1999 truck 350 kg payload

Pricing Intel

JPY Auction

¥180,000 – ¥750,000

mid ¥420,000

US Resale

$5,500 – $13,000

mid $8,500

AU Resale

A$6,000 – A$15,000

mid A$9,500

Indicative ranges from 2024–2025 data. Auction prices may shift ±20% quarterly.

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Legality

🇺🇸 United States ✓ 🇬🇧 United Kingdom ✓ 🇦🇺 Australia ✓ 🇳🇿 New Zealand ✓ 🇨🇦 Canada ✓ 🇦🇪 UAE ✓ 🇰🇪 Kenya ✗

US eligible

2016

Canada eligible

2006

AU SEVS

listed

Check your state

Buyer's Guide

Best Years

199519961997

Years to Avoid

19911992

Common Issues

•Vacuum line cracking on pre-1995 carburetted F6A
•Rear differential seal seepage on 4WD
•Timing belt — replace at import regardless of recorded mileage
•Frame rust at rear shackle mounts on northern-prefecture units

What to Inspect

•Check frame rails for salt corrosion if sourced from Hokkaido or Tohoku
•Test 4WD high/low engagement and locking hubs
•Carburettor models prone to fuel-bowl varnish — verify cold start

Baseline Service at Import

✓Timing belt and water pump
✓All fluids — engine, transmission, transfer case, differentials
✓CV boots and joints
✓Full vacuum line replacement
✓Brake pads front and rear, plus brake fluid flush

Prefecture Rust Risk

Units from these prefectures see heavier salt exposure and freeze-thaw cycles: hokkaido, tohoku, niigata, toyama, yamagata. Ask your exporter for the auction-sheet prefecture before bidding.

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