When automakers from other countries bring cars into America, they typically bring larger and fancier models, often with the largest engine as the only available option. This is a big place, with cheap fuel, and so we like our cars big and powerful. But quite a few enthusiasts appreciate the smaller and simpler offerings that don’t make it here through official channels, so they take it upon themselves to bring one in. Today we’re looking at two tiny vehicles that were never meant for the US, but they’re here now.
Friday’s offerings were definitely not small, or simple. We looked at two W12-powered VW D-platform cars, one Volkswagen and one Bentley. It looks like most of you came to the same conclusion I did: you’re basically lighting money on fire with either one, so you might as well go for the cheaper option.
But honestly, I have no interest in either of these. If I’m going to spend $9,000 on a Volkswagen, it’s going to be the nicest first-generation Scirocco I can find for that price. And if I want a Bentley, it will be from the Rolls-Royce/Vickers era, powered by a 6.75 litre V8 of “sufficient” power as the car gods intended.
As much as I appreciate our domestic offerings here in the US – and it seems I appreciate them more than many of our readers – I have found nearly every car I’ve ever rented in another country to be a delight. Especially the little ones. I’ve driven the ring road around the island of Moorea in a Peugeot 208, gone from London to Edinburgh and back in a Vauxhall Corsa, and explored the interior roads of Barbados in a Suzuki Jimny, and enjoyed them all. I can definitely understand the appeal of bringing one of these small wonders home, once they’ve reached the magical age of 25, of course. After hearing some of the tribulations my friends and colleagues have gone through importing cars, however, I think it’s probably easier to just pick something that’s already here and has all the paperwork done. Something like one of these two, for instance.
1995 Mitsubishi Pajero Junior – $8,750
Engine/drivetrain: 1.1-liter OHC inline 4, five-speed manual, 4WD
Location: Ferndale, WA
Odometer reading: 86,000 kilometers
Operational status: Runs and drives well
You might think of the Mitsubishi Pajero, or Montero as it is known here, as a small SUV. But the one we got is the largest of three sizes of Pajeros offered in Japan. This one, the Junior, is the next size down, and there’s one even smaller than this, the Pajero Mini, which meets the requirements for the kei class in Japan. For reference, the Pajero Junior is about the same length as a two-door Geo Tracker, but considerably narrower.
The Junior, like the Montero that was sold here, is a true 4×4, with selectable four-wheel-drive and a two-speed transfer case. It’s powered by a 1.1 liter overhead-cam engine that makes about 79 horsepower, running through a five-speed manual transmission. It has a new clutch, new wheel bearings, and some other recent service, so it should be ready to rock.
Being a Japanese domestic market car, it is, of course, right-hand-drive. Shifting with your left hand takes some getting used to, but it’s not that big of a deal. I think driving on the right side of the road from the right-hand seat might be the confusing part, but I’ve never tried it. It’s in great condition inside, especially for a 4×4. I don’t know if the Japanese market radio would pick anything up here, but the tape player probably works fine.
It’s absolutely adorable on the outside, like all of these tiny Japanese 4x4s. I think I’d like it better in some other color besides black, but I do appreciate the plain silver steel wheels. At first I thought there might be a dent in the door, but it’s just a trick of the reflection. I do see a blemish in the corner of the rear bumper, but if that’s the worst of it, that’s nothing.
1999 Ford Ka – $8,500
Engine/drivetrain: 1.3-liter OHV inline 4, five-speed manual, FWD
Location: Oberlin, OH
Odometer reading: 72,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives well
The Ford Ka is the sort of car that probably wouldn’t be made today. It’s based on the Ford Fiesta, which was sold here briefly in the late ’70s, but with completely different sheetmetal. I can’t see any automaker, especially a heavy hitter like Ford, tooling up for a new version of an economy car just to make it look cooler. Cars just aren’t that much fun these days; it’s all features this and integrated technology that, with very little joy to be found. And the Ka is definitely joyful, maybe even a little bit silly.
Like the contemporary Fiesta, the Ka is powered by a simple pushrod engine, a design with roots way back in the 1960s. Old designs aren’t necessarily bad designs; just ask any Slant Six or Chevy small-block aficionado. It drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual, which as far as I can tell, was the only available transmission in the Ka. It runs and drives well, according to the seller. It has an aftermarket air intake, but the stock intake is also included if you’d prefer.
The Ka is a European Ford product, but this one is actually a Japanese market model. RHD Kas aren’t rare, though; Ford sold a ton of them in the UK. In proper ’90s small-car fashion, it has bright body-colored accents and a cool pattern on the seat fabric. It’s all in good condition, too. This car has air conditioning, and the seller says it works well.
The Ka’s styling is sort of a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Personally, I really like it. I’m not crazy about the yellow, though; with the black bumpers, it kind of looks like a tiny taxicab. I do like the aftermarket wheels, though, and they have new tires on them. The seller says it has “little to no rust,” which is a bit ominous. Better take a close look underneath.
I don’t know how practical either of these would be for everyday use, with the steering wheel being on the wrong side for this country, but they do look like fun. Yeah, they’re not cheap, but you’d spend a few grand importing something anyway. So what do you think – would you rather have a tiny little Japanese 4×4, or a well-traveled Ford world car?
I kinda dig the whimsy of the Ka’s interior, but the Pajero is too cool to deny.
Ford Ka for me…. it’s more my type of car.
No Brainer here, Pajero for the win. I think I would take that over a KA similar Fiesta ST even.
This was one of the easiest Showdowns ever…Pajero! That thing just looks like such a blast to drive…it looks great too and is in good shape. I’d buy it right now if I could. That Fix Or Repair Daily/Found On Road Dead is ugly as hell! What an awful body style. I’m going to throw up…
The Ka, if only to register it in Boston and have a fun “Who’s on First” time with it
Ha ha! Yeah…”I lost my Ka keys”
“Wow, what’s that?”
“It’s a Ka.”
“Yeah, I can see that. But what kind?”
“A Ford Ka.”
“Yes, but what kind of Ford?”
“I told you, a Ford Ka.”
Uh, for anyone considering that Ka, take it from me, the poverty spec interior and terrible powertrain reliability will fill you with regret. Pick it if you don’t mind your engine sounding like a bag of spanners inside a tumble dryer.
One of the rare times where i say: both, if i have to choose i’ll flip a coin and i’ll be happy with it, both are example of what i wish to see in modern cars.
This is my first time voting when I actually have an open garage stall or rather I am willing to park my daily outside to have an open garage stall for something cool. Neither one of these would take that spot, but the Pajero wins hands down. The Ka is cool for being cute and round and loveably cheap but when it is priced like a Pajero its no longer cheap in price, just execution.
Pajero Jr. for me, gotta take a picture of it next to a Montero for a “never talk to me or my son again” meme.
The 1st gen Ford Ka has been at the top of my 25-year-rule wishlist, but I’d much rather get a LHD model from Europe.
If I gotta have a right-drive I’m going with the narrower one, which I’m assuming is that Pendejo?
I’m glad I’m not the only one who hears that when I see Pajero.
Now I want to see a Showdown between this and a Mazda Laputa.
Thank you for this…I immediately went there.
Which RHD Import Does It For You?
This one:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1098503585456035/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A4df19289-b758-47ad-a2c4-0e26d7eb8e65
I need that, but with working AC.
I’m torn. I have always enjoyed the quirky styling of the Ka, but I have also always been a fan of all of the sizes of the Pajeros. I guess I will go with my gut reaction which was the Pajero, but I would enjoy both (aside from the RHD).
This was a tricky one. I love Ka’s, but if I’m dealing with limited parts availability then Im getting something Japanese.
I like the Ka, and not just so I can make the jokes, “Check out my new Ka”, “Let’s take my Ka”, et cetera, et cetera, ad infinitum, ad nauseum.
But the Pajero looks like it would be a better all-around a second car for me, so it gets my hypothetical dollars today.
In this case, the junior pajero is the better deal. Mitsubishi is better than Ford, and you can definitely get a Ka cheaper than that, and with LHD too. Even if you wanted a RHD Ka, British used cars are fucking cheap, and the odometer and speedo will be in miles.
This is a tough one! I love the pajero (any mini 4×4 actually) but having driven a Ka for a little while back to back with my 86 mini 1000, I felt like the ka was a better spiritual successor than the new mini. $8.5k for one seems insane though
How odd is that I ran across another Ka (in TN) scrolling through FB Marketplace this weekend with similar mileage (also JDM) for a similar price. Both seem overpriced though…
There used to be a place near Nashville that imported lots of oddball stuff like this, usually with multiples of the same models. This was over a decade ago when I was shopping for something they had, can’t remember the name or if they’re still in businesses but I remember it striking me as “really… In Tennessee of all places”
The dealership on FB is in Athens, TN, they also have a RHD 2000 Honda HR-V. In the same vein as “really…In Tennessee of all places”, last time I went to the Lane Motor Museum in 2022 there was a Euro spec Alfa 156 for sale at a dealer on the way there. Always wanted one of those…
My first car was a postal Jeep, so I can tell you right-hand drive just fine most of the time.
PROS: parallel parking is a breeze, people doing double-takes as you drive by
CONS: drive-thrus
I drove the opposite, a lhd in the uk. I’ll add a con, passing. Can’t see around the other car, though I don’t think that would be much of a concern with these 2
I have dug Kas since I spent a week with one back in the early 1990s. “Mine” was a left-hook version, but I’ve driven enough RHD cars to not be bothered.
The Ka was a surprise. Despite the regular appearance of some fairly zoomy rides in my driveway, it drew more stares and approving comments from passers-by than just about any car I can remember.
Best of all, it handled like a little go-kart, was comfy and pretty speedy considering its mouse motor. I wonder if a larger Ford “four” could fit?
So no question for me. I wanted one then, and still do. It’s a grin-generator on par with a BMW Isetta.
Nothing against the Mitsu, except I have no need for an SUV of any size.
The Pajero Jr.
Small 4x4s are fun off road because they actually fit places, unlike the massive rigs people try to use these days.
Neither.
I truly don’t understand the appeal of driving a car with the steering wheel on the wrong side. If I wanted a small SUV like the Pajero I would buy a Geo or Suzuki. If I wanted a Fiesta I would buy a Fiesta.
In each case the domestic car would be cheaper and parts readily available.
Driving my RHD mini allows me to even out the tan on my forearms.
The real insight right there.
The steering wheel is on the wrong side. That’s the entire appeal. It’s different. You get to experience the world in a new way and inject a little novelty and whimsy into your drive.
Not to cast aspersions, but your response to the thought of either of these cars is boringly practical. Shake it up every once in a while!
I’ve driven RHD manuals – in their native environment. It isn’t really different than driving a LHD manual after a few minutes. I’ve driven a Ka – it drives like a Fiesta.
Sorry but shipping an economy car like the Ka across an ocean doesn’t add excitement for me. If it is your jam then have at it.
Personally I’d take this nonrusty 2019 Fiesta manual with 75K miles for $8,000.
https://www.cargurus.com/details/445428735?resultSetId=f20a2837-1bb8-4558-9db2-69409e8c7ffd&searchUuid=ac25130b-095f-46d3-90d8-2ef59a9d8c51&sourceContext=carGurusHomePageModel&sponsoredType=NONE&srpVariation=DEFAULT_SEARCH&listingIndex=12&inclusionType=DEFAULT&searchZip=97124&searchDistance=500&ourls=SRP&srpc=N4IghgZgxiBcoC8CWAHOICcB2AjAJgBYQAaEAWzAGsBTAWQHsATagGwBUAnJMgBTABcAFgGc4AbXJ4A9IxwAGAGxyQAXVJJhAEVZIAbtQ4BPAKIA7MACMW1RnAhgWw6qRRco1TR3ophAeVMshnYOTqSCSMwAcgJI9KYA7hHUAMrhKChIpgDmcPwcAK7OIIwa-GCm7nAArHJypKZxqagoltYAQmBOLJnUcDgKpML0HPyaSBzUUPyxpugAgskAwiQgQyNshii9sCA8AEoAkovGK3nlwmQawjMbW6KwErRzkQCqcwAyqqT64VDWABKlYaGXwoaZxe4SSK+SIAfWSHwAanMAOInUjvYy0GGwgBie2MJzUqw4KERYC4MTi6E0xlxcxe7zY8OMcz2i3+IAAvqQpgAPOCgbq2WAEAhVAh4AAcWAAzFUXDlYDhBvl8hF0GAoHgqjhZXILABaOQYKoQQ0EBSMWWGjByRhSw14agQKoYMAYB1QXUrYQcKD89BQCko-IFYT-ehkah8LJ0JisFYoLJgdDUQwAKQoAA0MwhGLi2oIAFp4F5IXwAK2MBHeiwz8QAmgB1RjsJAHBS0NgsDDcrlAA
The Fiesta is a better car but it is very pedestrian. The point of these little nuggets is to have something you don’t see every day.
That Pajero would be a hoot.
I’ve always liked the Ka so I voted for euro-New Edge, knowing that the better-looking Pajero is likely to win in a near-landslide…
But VERY nice to have a choice between things that aren’t total piles of crap (condition-wise); more like this, please!
I’ll take the Pika Ka! It’ll surely be a hit at the Dreamcruise this summer.
I’ve long held a special place for the Suzuki Samurai tintop, the little Pajero is more of the same except with the steering on the wrong side. I could learn to adapt.