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Classic Japanese Pickup Trucks for Sale: Durable Imports With Timeless Appeal GuideMechanic.Com The American pickup truck market has long been dominated by domestic giants like Ford, Chevy, and Dodge.
But since the 1970s, Japanese pickup trucks have carved out their own niche with bulletproof reliability, affordable ownership, and compact practicality.
Today, classic Japanese pickup trucks for sale are enjoying a resurgence — whether it’s a Datsun 620, a Toyota Hilux, or a rotary-powered Mazda REPU. These small trucks are now icons, attracting collectors, off-roaders, and vintage import enthusiasts.
Classic Japanese Pickup Trucks for Sale
See Also: Classic Dodge Pickup Trucks for Sale
Why Buy a Classic Japanese Pickup Truck?
Japanese pickups from the 1970s through the early 1990s offer:
- Mechanical simplicity: Easy to maintain and modify
- Affordability: Still cheaper than American classics (for now)
- Compact size: Perfect for city cruising and tight trails
- Global reputation: Known for reliability in every corner of the world
- Increasing collector value: Especially rare trims and clean examples
Top Classic Japanese Pickup Truck Models
Let’s break down the most popular models you’ll find in the U.S. classic truck scene.
Toyota Hilux / Pickup (1969–1995)
- Known for legendary durability
- 22R and 22RE engines are iconic
- Solid front axle models (pre-1986) are highly collectible
- Marty McFly’s truck in Back to the Future was a 1985 Toyota 4×4
Datsun / Nissan 520, 620, 720 (1965–1986)
- The 620 (1972–79) is a favorite for its styling and stance
- 720 (1980–86) introduced 4WD in Datsun trucks
- Later models branded as Nissan, but still compact and carbureted
- KA24E swaps are popular for more power
Mazda B-Series / Rotary REPU (1970s–1980s)
- Mazda B1600/B1800: tough little RWD trucks
- REPU (Rotary Engine Pickup): 1974–1977, came with a 13B rotary engine
- Very rare and highly collectible today
Mitsubishi Mighty Max / Dodge D50 (1980s–1990s)
- Sold as both Mitsubishi and rebadged Dodge
- Rugged, boxy styling and solid gas mileage
- Still affordable and easy to find in the Southwest
Isuzu P’up / Chevrolet LUV
- The LUV (Light Utility Vehicle) was a rebadged Isuzu sold by Chevy
- Simple, durable, and easy to wrench on
- Isuzu P’up diesel models are known for fuel economy
Price Guide: What Classic Japanese Pickups Sell For
| Make & Model | Condition | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Hilux (1970s–80s) | Restored | $15,000 – $35,000+ | Solid axle 4×4 = collector-grade |
| Project Truck | $4,000 – $12,000 | Beware of rust and frame rot | |
| Datsun 620/720 | Restored | $12,000 – $25,000 | Lowered mini-truck builds popular |
| Project Truck | $3,000 – $9,000 | Simple but parts may take time to source | |
| Mazda REPU | Restored | $20,000 – $40,000+ | Rare — prices rising fast |
| Project Truck | $8,000 – $18,000 | Check rotary engine condition | |
| Mitsubishi Mighty Max | Good Driver | $5,000 – $12,000 | Underrated — affordable entry into the hobby |
| Isuzu P’up / Chevy LUV | Clean Example | $6,000 – $14,000 | Diesels especially valued |
Tip: The West Coast and Southwest U.S. offer the best chance of finding rust-free classic Japanese trucks.
Where to Find Classic Japanese Pickup Trucks for Sale
1. Online Marketplaces
- Facebook Marketplace – Search local with terms like “Datsun truck,” “Toyota 4×4,” or “Mazda B2200”
- Craigslist – Look in California, Arizona, Texas, Oregon for dry-climate survivors
- Bring a Trailer – Well-preserved examples often fetch top dollar
- Cars & Bids – Good for later models or modified trucks
- ClassicCars.com & Hemmings.com – Better for restored collector-grade pickups
2. Forums and Niche Groups
- Ratsun.net – Excellent for Datsun/Nissan truck fans
- Toyota Nation & YotaTech – Tons of vintage Hilux content
Facebook Groups:
- “Classic Japanese Trucks for Sale USA”
- “Vintage Datsun & Toyota Trucks USA”
- “Mini Truck Revival”
3. Local Events & Import Car Shows
Vintage import meets and Cars & Coffee events often have leads on clean trucks for sale. Bring a business card and talk to owners — many deals never make it online.
What to Check Before You Buy
Rust
Japanese trucks are known to rust in:
- Frame rails and crossmembers
- Bed floors and wheel wells
- Cab corners and rockers
- Inner fenders and shock towers
Avoid anything with frame rot unless you’re restoring from scratch.
Engine Health
Common engines include:
- Toyota 20R / 22R / 22RE – Extremely reliable if maintained
- Datsun L-Series – Durable but carbureted, check for vacuum leaks
- Mazda Rotary (13B) – High-revving but requires rotary expertise
Check for:
- Oil leaks
- Compression (especially on rotaries)
- Fuel system wear (carburetors often need tuning or rebuild)
Transmission
- Most Japanese classics are manual. Look for:
- Smooth gear shifts
- Clutch feel and engagement
- 5-speeds are preferred over 4-speeds for highway driving
Interior and Dash
- Cracked dashboards are common — covers available
- Factory gauge clusters and radio units add value
- Seat upholstery kits are often available aftermarket
Best Classic Japanese Pickup for Beginners
If you’re just getting into vintage trucks, consider:
| Truck Model | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Toyota Pickup 1984–85 | Strong aftermarket, legendary reliability |
| Datsun 620 (’72–’79) | Cool styling, great for slammed mini builds |
| Mazda B2200 (late ’80s) | Cheap, simple, and still under the radar |
| Mitsubishi Mighty Max | Affordable and easy to wrench on |
Classic vs Modified: What Holds Value?
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Original | Better resale value for collectors | May lack power or modern comforts |
| Restored | Turn-key, often upgraded safely | Pricey upfront |
| Modified | Personalized to your style (lifted, bagged) | Lower value to purists |
Daily Driver or Showpiece?
Many classic Japanese trucks are still perfectly usable for daily driving — especially 1980s models with fuel injection (like the Toyota 22RE). With simple mechanicals, great fuel economy, and parts availability, they make ideal commuter classics.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for classic Japanese pickup trucks for sale, now is the time to act. The once-overlooked mini trucks of the 1970s and ’80s are gaining value, with enthusiasts snatching up rust-free examples from coast to coast.
From the rugged simplicity of a Datsun 620 to the unbeatable dependability of a Toyota 4×4, these compact haulers have earned their place in automotive history.
Whether you’re restoring one, modifying for show, or just cruising for fun — there’s a classic Japanese truck out there with your name on it.
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