Subaru Kei minivan can be imported to the US from Japan under the 25-year rule

A dinky Subaru Kei minivan, known as the Subaru Sambar, can be imported into the United States from Japan thanks to the 25-year rule.

The Sambar, which launched in 1961, was the second Kei microvan to be introduced in Japan, following the Kurogane Baby, which was produced in 1959. 

The Kei class of vehicle is unique to Japan and is designed to cut fuel consumption and ease urban congestion.

However, if you fancy getting your hands on one in the US, you can, thanks to a neat little rule.

How come US motorists can import the Subaru Kei minivan?

Kei trucks were introduced in order to meet Japan’s ‘Keijidosha’, or light vehicle, regulations.

The small, lightweight trucks have engines no more powerful than 660cc, but they remain popular due to their reliability and affordability. 

Earlier this year, Texas passed a bill to legalize the registration of imported Japanese mini trucks, and Oregon followed suit.

Alongside that, thanks to a little-known rule, it’s perfectly legal to import Kei trucks, but with a bit of a caveat. 

The Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 exempts any vehicles that are 25 years old – so anything made before 2000. 

And this includes everything up to the fifth generation of Kei trucks, which ended in 1999. 

If you fancy getting your hands on one, there are several specialist importers and auction houses that can help. 

As with any used car or truck, the prices and condition can vary widely, but as a general idea, you’re probably looking at paying between $4,000 and $10,000. 

And once it’s registered and ready to go, the Subaru Sambar is pretty cheap to run – you can thank its small engine for that. 

The only drawback is that ordering replacement parts might take a little longer than you’d like, as they need to be imported, but again, they should be fairly reasonably priced. 

The Subaru Sambar isn’t the only car impacted by the rule

The rule doesn’t just apply to the Subaru Kei minivan; it impacts any vehicle made outside the US that is at least 25 years old.

In the past, this meant that cars like the iconic Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 and, more recently, the Lotus Exige S1, are now completely legal to import, register, and drive in the States. 

So, if your dream car happens to be on the list of banned vehicles, it could just be a case of waiting a while. 

“While many foreign cars are indeed banned from American roads, there are exceptions and legal loopholes that can allow determined enthusiasts to own and drive these vehicles,” Border 123.com states.

“These exceptions may include vehicles that are more than 25 years old, specialized racing vehicles, or cars that are modified to meet American safety and emissions standards.”

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