1997 Daihatsu Midget II
(Unavailable in Dec,- long term maintenance)
Midget II:
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The first four paragraphs are general information. Thereafter information becomes very technical and specific.
The Daihatsu Midget II is a micro cargo van, with seating for one adult operator and one small passenger. This example was imported from Japan through legal channels under the regulations of both the EPA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. It is registered in the state of Alabama as a "Non-Interstate Use" automobile. Alabama's regulations do not issue or provide motor vehicle titles for non-interstate autos.
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The history of this model benefits from context provided by its predecessor, the Midget. Production of the Midget began in 1957, and ended in 1972. The Midget was a three-wheeled vehicle often categorized as a "mid-size autorickshaw". Surprisingly, the original Midget was sold in the US, although it was marketed as the "Daihatsu Trimobile". Companies such as Boeing and Lockheed used these little vehicles inside of their plants for moving people and supplies. Eventually, three wheeled vehicles fell out of favor. By the time production ended, 330,000 units had been produced.
The Midget II was first introduced in 1993 Tokyo Motor Show. Now a 4 wheel automobile, the Midget II was offered in two main configurations: A single seat micro pick-up truck (K100P [not shown]) with a 4 speed manual transmission, or a micro-cargo van (K100C [above]) with an automatic transmission and a small "co-driver" seat. Our Midget II received but one option when it was manufactured: Air conditioning. The optional cigarette lighter was not included, but we have recently added one to provide an easy means of charging wireless phones.
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Our Midget II has an automatic transmission, air conditioning, and power brakes. Driving is very simple. Steering and braking require very little effort, and fuel economy typically exceeds 32 MPG. Forward and lateral visibility are excellent, and rearward visibility is average. Acceleration is modest but sufficient for keeping up with traffic, as well as cruising at 55 MPH. Speeds of 62-65 are possible for short periods, but result in a tiresome driving experience. Interstate use is not permitted by Alabama motor vehicle laws. Finally, Daihatsu is owned by Toyota Motor Corporation.
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Technical:
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Power is provided by a 3 cylinder 2 valve liquid cooled EF-CK Engine. Normally aspirated and carbureted, it produces 31 HP at 4,900 RPM, and 37 Ft lbs. of torque at 4,200 RPM. Compression ratio is 9.5 to 1. Power is fed through a 3 speed automatic, and arrives at a traditional solid one piece rear drive axle. Rear suspension is provided by leaf springs and shock absorbers, while front suspension duties are handled by McPherson- type struts. Brakes are power-assisted drums at all four corners, and in our opinions the power assist is overkill. Brake peddle operation needs a light touch. While drum brakes might be prone to heat fade in other vehicles, the curb weight of 1477 lbs., (670 Kg) means the drums work fine without fade in the Midget II. Here are some dimensions, along with dimensions of a 2024 Ford Maverick compact pick up truck for comparison:
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Outside Length: 111.4 inches (2830 mm)
MAVERICK: 199.7 inches
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Width: 52.6 inches (1335 mm)
MAVERICK: 72.6 inches
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Wheelbase: 72.4 in (1840 mm)
MAVERICK: 121.1 inches
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Curb Weight: 1,477 lbs. (670 Kg)
MAVERICK: 3,674 lbs
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