After a lifetime of service in Japan, these mini-trucks are shipped to the Philippines, disassembled, flipped around, and rebuilt — switching from right-hand drive (Japanese standard) to left-hand drive (PH and US standard). Here in Luzon, the biggest company doing these remanufacturing operations is RUSCO. Personally, I think they are wonderfully cute, very economical, and cost-effective.
They are not fancy. Most of them are like half-sized pickup trucks. Mini-minivans (that’s not a typo). There is a cottage industry of shops that support these vehicles, but I’d make sure there is one nearby if you are inclined to buy one of these. A mechanic you trust. The maximum engine size is 660 cc.
These are legit vehicles. I see many use-cases for them. But be advised, they carry ‘some baggage’ with them. Some people will be jealous. Others will look down on you for buying cast-off, Japanese surplus. Don’t make this your first vehicle purchase — know the landscape of your surroundings and your family (and your mechanic) before you buy.
In rural Central Luzon, I see many more kolong-kolongs than multicabs. Like 30x or 50x more kolongs and tricycles than multicabs. It will be different in your area, especially in metro areas. Most major cities have Rusco dealerships (there are other dealers too) who have many multicab forms available: drop-side flatbeds, microvans, 4×4’s (yes, those are snow chains on his tires), and utility trucks. These are nimble trucks, but parking can still be a problem in some areas. (In my area for sure. There is no consideration given for parking.)
The nicer / newer multicabs have A/C, which is a must for me. But if you are driving up a hill or carrying a heavy load, you’ll probably have to turn it off.
Many of you can deal with the heat — I deal with it like a Floridian – “as little as possible!”
Stef
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