Polaris or one of these ?

Rutland lad

Well-Known Member
I’m in a lucky position that number 2 son has offered to buy me a vehicle to assist me with my stalking.

I’ve spent a lot of time in various Polaris vehicles, and they’re great - but I do think they’re quite expensive to buy and run.

The alternative is something like this - UK Mini Trucks | Customised Daihatsu Hijets

They appear to be reasonable value but I’m slightly concerned about spare parts. Has anyone got any experience of mini trucks and any advice to pass on ?

I know I could get an older SUV (Jimmny, RAV4, Subaru etc) but they’re heavy and not ideal for what I need.
 
As a JDM import they will have pretty much zero corrosion protection underneath so before using on a UK road or off road my advice would be get it properly under sealed by someone who knows what they’re doing!

Personally, instead of spending getting on for £20k on one of these I’d see if you can find a Vitara or similar in the s/h ads & likely spend 10% of that, the weight won’t be much different, you can add a set of off road wheels & tyres, etc. & you’ll have something a lot more comfortable for you to travel in compared to sitting in a tiny cab with limited legroom.

Just my two p’neth.
 
As a JDM import they will have pretty much zero corrosion protection underneath so before using on a UK road or off road my advice would be get it properly under sealed by someone who knows what they’re doing!

Personally, instead of spending getting on for £20k on one of these I’d see if you can find a Vitara or similar in the s/h ads & likely spend 10% of that, the weight won’t be much different, you can add a set of off road wheels & tyres, etc. & you’ll have something a lot more comfortable for you to travel in compared to sitting in a tiny cab with limited legroom.

Just my two p’neth.

Your opinion is appreciated - I was aware of the Japanese lack of rustproofing, but the legroom issue is something worth considering
 
The stature of the people who inhabit the Land of the Rising Sun is quite small.... so suited to the little Daihatsu.

I had a little Rascal many years ago. I ended up in a ditch with it, I thanked God.
 
I drove a hijet when contracting for the NT , I'm 6'2 and was wearing chainsaw gear, it was snug but not cramped, I managed all pedals fine wearing chainsaw boots, admittedly I did have to open the door to wind the window down. it did manage to drive up an icy service road with road tyres, as it was 2wd it went up at a 45degree angle full right lock and me looking out the side window, good little vans and lots of room in the back. Not sure I'd take it where I go in a quad or utv though
 
I’m in a lucky position that number 2 son has offered to buy me a vehicle to assist me with my stalking.

I’ve spent a lot of time in various Polaris vehicles, and they’re great - but I do think they’re quite expensive to buy and run.

The alternative is something like this - UK Mini Trucks | Customised Daihatsu Hijets

They appear to be reasonable value but I’m slightly concerned about spare parts. Has anyone got any experience of mini trucks and any advice to pass on ?

I know I could get an older SUV (Jimmny, RAV4, Subaru etc) but they’re heavy and not ideal for what I need.

Open to offers if this helps
 
Massive shoot and rearing business near me uses these .
Was just talking about them yesterday when I saw one parked in Lauder
I’ve owned 4 jap important vehicles and never has any issue regarding spares .
 
I’m in a lucky position that number 2 son has offered to buy me a vehicle to assist me with my stalking.

I’ve spent a lot of time in various Polaris vehicles, and they’re great - but I do think they’re quite expensive to buy and run.

The alternative is something like this - UK Mini Trucks | Customised Daihatsu Hijets

They appear to be reasonable value but I’m slightly concerned about spare parts. Has anyone got any experience of mini trucks and any advice to pass on ?

I know I could get an older SUV (Jimmny, RAV4, Subaru etc) but they’re heavy and not ideal for what I need.
I’m in a lucky position that number 2 son has offered to buy me a vehicle to assist me with my stalking.

I’ve spent a lot of time in various Polaris vehicles, and they’re great - but I do think they’re quite expensive to buy and run.

The alternative is something like this - UK Mini Trucks | Customised Daihatsu Hijets

They appear to be reasonable value but I’m slightly concerned about spare parts. Has anyone got any experience of mini trucks and any advice to pass on ?

I know I could get an older SUV (Jimmny, RAV4, Subaru etc) but they’re heavy and not ideal for what I need.
Running a 2024 Polaris that's now on 1400 hours on a spread out sheep farm, lots of road work and only thing so far is a pair of front tyres but fingers are crossed.I do believe the pre Kubota engined ones are best avoided though.
 
Can - am buggy worth looking at as well.

Would rate them better than Polaris and good deals to be had on them.

I use on one the Welsh moors and it will go anywhere
 
  • Like
Reactions: VSS
Running a 2024 Polaris that's now on 1400 hours on a spread out sheep farm, lots of road work and only thing so far is a pair of front tyres but fingers are crossed.I do believe the pre Kubota engined ones are best avoided though.
Correction, the first belt is no more this morning.
 
Back
Top