Which Tiny Three-Cylinder 4×4 Would You Take Home? 1991 Subaru Justy vs 1999 Daihatsu Terios Kid

We’re starting the week off small. We’re going to look at two itty-bitty four-wheel-drive imports, both rocking three-cylinder engines. One is a US model, and the other was never sold here, but you could drive either one of them home today.

On Friday, we looked at a couple of four-door hatchbacks that could fit right in at RADWood, and I asked which one you wanted, and whether you’d clean it up and keep it as a classic, or just drive it like a normal car. By an overwhelming margin, you took the Geo Prizm and said to hell with collectibility.

I agree with the daily driver part, though I think I’d keep either one of them off the road in the winter, as road salt would cut the party short. But I’m torn on which car to pick. The Geo is undoubtedly the better car, and I always associate them with a neighbor I once had who I had a crush on, but I do appreciate a nice K-car. I think I’d rather lavish attention on something like a Dodge 600 convertible if I was going to go that way, though. Yeah, I’ll take the Geo too.

It seems like practically every car these days is available with four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, even small crossover hatchbacks. But back in the 1990s, it was a rare feature. One of today’s choices became kind of famous for it, as the only 4WD car in its class here in the US. The other never made it here, but was famous everywhere else. Let’s check them out.

1991 Subaru Justy 4WD – $2,200

Engine/drivetrain: 1.2-liter OHC inline 3, five-speed manual, 4WD

Location: Pisgah Forest, NC

Odometer reading: 163,000 miles

Operational status: Runs well, drives OK, needs a little work

If you’re of a certain age, you may remember the TV commercial that introduced the Justy to America, featuring a guy named Jerry and his incredibly condescending friends and family, who make fun of the little hatchback until one of them notices it’s a Subaru, at which point they all start slamming the doors, hood, and rear hatch – the implication being that since it’s a Subaru, it can “take it.” People can be real jerks sometimes. The joke’s on them, though – the Justy may have only lasted a few years in the US market, but in that time it developed a cult following of owners who still appreciate the little hatchback today. “Inexpensive,” the ad said, “and built to stay that way.” Thirty-five years on, this one is still pretty inexpensive. As for how well it’s built, well, it’s still here. I guess that says something.

All US-market Justys were powered by a 1.2 liter three-cylinder engine. Early versions had a carburetor, but this 1991 model has multi-port fuel injection. The transmission is a five-speed manual, and the 4WD system is part-time, activated by a red push button on top of the shifter, like other Subarus at the time. It starts right up and runs fine, but it needs a few things to be truly roadworthy, including tires, struts, new engine mounts, and one new CV axle. It looks like Rock Auto has some of it, but not everything. Tracking down the parts may be a bit of an adventure.

It’s in good shape inside, and it has some really cool fabric on the seats and doors. I think the front seats have covers on them, though, since the upholstery doesn’t quite match. And somewhat ominously, the seller says it has “that perfect old car smell.” Personally, I’d prefer used cars to smell like nothing, if possible, but that’s just me. Oh and by the way: yes, the hula girl is included.

It’s a little dull and faded outside, but I don’t see any rust. That’s good – nobody wants a rusty Justy. It’s riding on the donut spare, which I assume has something to do with the “needs tires” part. Hopefully the fourth original wheel cover is in the trunk with the flat tire; it would be a shame to only have three of them.

1999 Daihatsu Terios Kid – $5,900

Engine/drivetrain: Turbocharged 658 cc OHC inline 3, five-speed manual, 4WD

Location: Lansdale, PA

Odometer reading: 97,000 kilometers

Operational status: Runs and drives great

Importing used cars from Japan has become a big business in recent years. You hear a lot about the big-ticket cars, Skylines and whatnot, as well as little kei trucks, but the variety of cars available in Japan is absolutely staggering. I’ve heard of the Daihatsu Terios, and seen a few in my travels – they’re very popular on Caribbean islands – but I had no idea there was a miniature kei version of the Terios, amusingly called the Terios Kid. It’s adorable, and if you want one, you don’t have to go all the way to Japan. This one is for sale in Pennsylvania.

Kei car engines are limited to 660 cubic centimeters of displacement, and the Terios Kid’s engine comes in just under that. It’s a turbocharged three-cylinder that makes either 59 or 63 horsepower, depending on which version this one is. The seller says it has had a bunch of work done recently, and it runs and drives like it should. That’s good; if you’re buying a car for which you’ll have to import even the most basic of parts, you should pick one that’s in the best mechanical condition possible.

Inside, it’s got some really funky seat fabric, as well as zebra-striped floor mats. More cars should be this colorful and interesting inside. It has air conditioning that works well, and a US-spec radio with Apple CarPlay and all that good stuff. Yeah, the steering wheel is on the “wrong” side, which pretty much rules out drive-thru windows, but other than that, it should be daily drivable just like any other car.

This one has the “Aerodown” package, which seems to include ground effects, fog lights, and a cute little spoiler on the roof. It still has the spare tire on the tailgate, just like the more off-road-focused Terios models. And by the way, it’s not a hatchback – the rear door is hinged on the right side and swings open from the left.

I realize there’s a big price difference between these two, but there’s a pretty big difference in condition as well. One needs some tinkering and the other is ready to go. By the time you whip the Justy into shape, the price difference probably wouldn’t be so great. Then again, the Daihatsu is going to be a pain in the ass to title and register in certain places. Lots of factors to consider here. I guess I’d better leave you to it.