Daihatsu Hijet Cargo Buying Guide

Practical cargo space and useful everyday equipment

This guide focuses on the S300 generation, especially later and final S321V/S331V models. Compare them separately from the S700V/S710V generation introduced in December 2021: their bodies, transmissions and equipment differ.

iWorks values the late S300 models as candidates with useful safety and comfort equipment. “Final model” or “Deluxe” does not guarantee identical features. Check the model code, revision date, grade, factory options and actual vehicle, not just first registration. Deck Vans, special-purpose models, Atrai Wagon and electric models are not treated as ordinary Cargo specifications.

Useful strengths and limitations

• Compare cargo layouts and equipment for work, with naturally aspirated/turbo and MT/AT choices.
• Later S300 models include versions with more safety and comfort equipment.
• Access for maintenance and assistance is another purchasing consideration.
• Transmissions and safety features vary even within S300.
• Cruise grades require a separate check of rear seats and folded cargo floor.
• Commercial-vehicle ride and noise should not be assumed to match a passenger car.
• Low mileage still needs to be considered alongside use and service history.

These are iWorks’ practical assessments, not statistical claims that Hijet Cargo is cheaper, more reliable or less costly to run than Every.

Identify the actual specification change

Terms such as early, middle, late and final model are not always used consistently. The following selected manufacturer announcement dates give a clearer reference; they are not a complete change history.

S321V includes 2WD and S331V 4WD specifications, as shown in the official August 2020 listings. Confirm the complete model code and drivetrain on the vehicle inspection certificate. Announcement, production and registration dates must be distinguished.

Choose the late S300 by the features you need

Representative grades include Special, Special Clean, Deluxe, Cruise and Cruise Turbo. Confirm SA III, transmission and model year.

Examples of later equipment: the December 2018 revision added rear corner sensors, VSC & TRC and an infrared-cut windscreen to SA III-equipped models. Eligible grades gained standard LED headlamps in November 2019. The official U-CATCH listing for August 2020 Deluxe SA III, 2WD, 4AT (3BD-S321V) shows power windows and central locking as standard. This alone does not establish which windows are powered or whether keyless entry is fitted; inspect the vehicle.

This table is a checklist, not a universal standard-equipment list. Verify electric mirrors, fog lamps, locks and windows against the correct year/specification.

Do not confuse S300 automatics with S700 CVT

Later S300 models are mainly compared as 5MT or 4AT. Some older versions have 3AT, so not all Hijet automatics have four speeds. The new generation introduced in December 2021 adopted CVT and also included 5MT specifications.

For reference, August 2020 published WLTC figures for Deluxe 2WD were 15.2 km/L with 5MT and 14.1 km/L with 4AT. These are specific catalogue figures, not actual fuel economy for all vehicles or present new-car specifications. Compare the same measurement mode; do not directly compare JC08 or 10–15 mode with WLTC. Short trips, traffic, load, air conditioning and driving style affect fuel use.

Can you load it, unload it and service it?

iWorks often finds little practical difference between Every and Hijet Cargo for ordinary daily loads. This does not mean identical dimensions or seats. Distinguish S300/S700, standard/high roof and rear-seat arrangements. Even the 2004 manufacturer dimensions excluded Cruise variants and standard-roof models under certain conditions.

• Check steps in the folded floor, seat/flooring thickness and load stability.
• Try your cases and tools through both side and rear openings.
• Compare cargo use with two occupants and on days carrying rear passengers.
• Ensure shelves or beds leave access for inspection and repairs.
• Check the payload certificate, passenger numbers and conversion conditions.

The S700 generation also changed cargo-space shape. Test the fit of your actual equipment instead of ranking by numbers alone.

Maintenance access is different from reliability

With a loaded work van, check how much cargo must be moved to inspect the battery or service other areas. Conditions vary by S300/S700 generation, model year, floor and shelving. Comparisons with Every should use the actual vehicles and equivalent loads.

Easier access does not guarantee lower failure rates or cheaper repairs. We assess service records, condition, budget and future use before proposing maintenance. Follow the correct owner’s manual for a flat battery. If uncertain, contact a workshop or roadside service. iWorks covers Aichi Prefecture on operating days during business hours, subject to availability.

Check the working history and the individual vehicle

• Model code, grade, safety equipment, lamps, windows and locks.
• Engine starting, unusual noise, seepage and leak inspection results.
• Transmission type, take-off/shifting and manual clutch operation.
• Service/replacement records, repairs and upcoming work.
• Cargo-floor damage and sliding/rear door operation.
• Underbody corrosion, damage and structural repair explanations.
• Shelves/floors, inspection compliance and service or assistance access.
• Total cost, included maintenance and warranty coverage, duration and conditions.

These are general used-van checks, not Hijet-specific failure trends. Mileage does not reveal long idling or frequent starts/stops. Verify records, inspection results and recall applicability/completion using the chassis number.

Picture a normal working day

4WD is not automatically necessary for outdoor use or rain. Consider roads, seasons, load, tyres and costs. Drivetrain operation can vary with year and transmission.

Find a van that fits your work

iWorks is a kei van specialist in Midori Ward, Nagoya. We can help you compare the Suzuki Every, Daihatsu Hijet Cargo and Honda N-VAN, with advice from both vehicle sales and our certified maintenance workshop. Some vehicles are not listed online. Tell us your budget, preferred model year, mileage, transmission, equipment and the loads you carry.

Browse our stock on Goo-net (Japanese) · Contact us on LINE · Call 052-602-7204

The stock link covers the whole dealership, not just this model. Check the individual listing or contact us for current availability.

Official reference material

These are the references used for the Japanese guide. Match the documents to the model year and grade of the actual vehicle. Manufacturer announcements, production dates and registration dates are not interchangeable.

1. Daihatsu reference 1 (Japanese)
2. Daihatsu reference 2 (Japanese)
3. Daihatsu reference 3 (Japanese)
4. Daihatsu reference 4 (Japanese)
5. Daihatsu reference 5 (Japanese)
6. Daihatsu reference 6 (Japanese)
7. Daihatsu reference 7 (Japanese)
8. Daihatsu reference 8 (Japanese)
9. Daihatsu reference 9 (Japanese)
10. Daihatsu reference 10 (Japanese)