Kei trucks have been navigating on- and off-road areas of Japan for decades, but their increasing presence in the US can have prospective buyers wondering about their costs, especially with popular brands like Honda.
Honda’s Acty, manufactured from 1977 to 2021, remains one of the market’s most sought-after kei truck models. However, the truck’s extensive production history can heighten buyer uncertainty about values. We’re here to highlight popular Acty models, factors that can affect their pricing, associated costs beyond sticker price, and more to help shoppers remain ahead of the curve.
Popular Honda Acty models and their average prices
Some of today’s most popular Honda Acty kei trucks are the second-generation (1990-1999), third-generation (1999-2009), and fourth-generation (2009-2021), offering versatility and practicality at affordable prices. However, second-generation Actys are the most prominent in the US, as the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 prohibits permanently importing foreign vehicles that are less than 25 years old unless they meet strict safety and emissions standards.
While several factors can impact a second-generation Honda Acty’s market price, you can expect the following average costs by model year, according to US auction data sourced at the time of this post’s writing:
-
$9,898 (1988)
-
$14,467 (1989 - based on 2020-2023 sales data)
-
$10,004 (1990)
-
$5,938 (1991)
-
$8,493 (1992)
-
$8,363 (1993)
-
$8,217 (1994)
-
$7,129 (1995)
-
$8,300 (1996)
-
$8,960 (1997)
-
$8,308 (1998)
-
$6,367 (1999)
Let’s take a closer look at the specific factors influencing used Acty truck prices.
Key Considerations Affecting Honda Acty Prices
Mileage and condition often come to mind when considering Acty truck values. You’ll want to prioritize models with under 100,000 miles. If an example toward the upper end of this range were well-maintained and remained in good condition, it could be worth buying, but accessible maintenance records are rare. When importing from Japan, you can request an official inspection report for Japanese auctions, hire a third-party inspection for sales outside of auctions, and schedule a vehicle import consultation through Oiwa Garage. We recently shared how recent tariffs can impact kei truck/part buyers in the US, but an Oiwa Garage consultation can help you understand any import duties, shipping, brokerage, or compliance fees for areas like America. Additionally, Oiwa Garage parts pricing provides full landing costs upfront for maximum transparency, unlike platforms like eBay.
Popular trims or features can also impact average Acty prices. For example, low-mileage 1988 and 1989 Acty trucks are becoming increasingly rare, subsequently increasing their resale values. Desirable features raising an Acty’s cost include, but aren’t limited to, four-wheel drive, air conditioning, and special utility configurations like dump beds.
Budgeting beyond sticker price
Prospective Acty truck buyers can fall into the trap of not looking beyond a model’s sticker price. When purchasing one of these vehicles, you should consider maintenance and repair costs, despite the Acty’s reputation for being reliable and relatively low maintenance. Oil changes, brake service, tire replacements, fluids, and timing belt/chain checks are standard Acty maintenance tasks. Common wear items also include radiator overflow tanks and electrical components. Oiwa Garage’s inventory gives you access to affordable parts, but timely maintenance is the key to longevity.
Given the age of an average used Acty, budgeting for rust inspection, preventive treatments, and occasional bodywork repairs is recommended, especially in areas such as the undercarriage and wheel wells. Insurance rates for kei trucks tend to be affordable, but vary by state and usage. Similarly, registration fees depend on your local DMV’s rules. Modifications and upgrades increase initial costs, but raise satisfaction.
Keeping detailed maintenance records and staying on top of cosmetic and mechanical work ultimately helps your kei truck go the distance and retain its resale value.
