Latest news with #Zotos
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kei Truck Expert Breaks Down Vehicle's Growing Fan Base and Impact of Trump's Tariffs
A Kei truck specialist has shared keen insights with Autoblog on what's contributing to this vehicle's growing presence in the US, popular Kei modifications, how his company, which specializes in Kei truck/parts exports from Japan, is responding to President Trump's new 25% tariff on all foreign auto imports, and more. George Zotos, owner of Long Beach, California-based e-commerce outlet Oiwa Garage, says he was working back on the East Coast when he encouraged his childhood friends to take a chance on these tiny trucks. They were very inexpensive to sell, with shipping opportunities to the East Coast costing in the ballpark of $4,000 to $5,000, and listings going fast. This feasibility and Zotos's perception that the market wasn't crowded motivated him and his team to go all-in. Since 2024, Kei truck sales have tripled in the last five years, with about 7,500 vehicles imported in 2023 alone, according to CNN. When asked what factors are contributing to kei trucks' growing domestic popularity, Zotos told Autoblog: 'The utility of the vehicles. They don't take up a lot of space. They still have a six-foot bed in the back, and they're great for transporting. It [kei truck] could be a wheel and tire runner at an automotive shop, or it could be used on a golf course, which is what I typically saw them used on before. They're available to be imported for on-road use, so landscaping and things of that nature. Now, I've seen small businesses use them because they stick out, and I think price was pretty important for people initially.' Zotos also notes that he's noticed some more unexpected businesses use kei trucks for their operations, like mobile coffee or flower shops. The Oiwa Garage owner describes how these businesses can use a kei truck bed because they're flat, meaning there are no rear wheel wells, like with most common domestic trucks. 'If it's [the bed] flat, you can really build up and then just tailor the suspension to accommodate the additional weight.' 'The landscape is consistently changing for on-road usage, as it's very state-specific. We saw it in Texas where they recently put in new legislation allowing for on-road use.' Zotos said. 'If I put something on Instagram, there may be a comment or blanket statement saying 'oh, it's too bad you can't drive these in the United States,' however, I would say that it requires some additional research on the customer standpoint, which we always recommend before a customer purchases something.' The kei truck boss describes his company as conducting import consults where he learns of the customer's needs, figures out their state, and shares relevant state-specific information with the buyer so they're not stuck with a paperweight. Modifications are popular with kei trucks since the vehicles are affordable and have a unique look while remaining versatile. Zotos cites lifting as the first initial upgrade most kei truck consumers buy, with exhausts following second, given factory exhausts' tendency for clunkiness and heaviness. Tires, wheels, roof racks, and light bars are also hot-selling modifications, according to Zotos, who described many drivers as wanting to modernize their kei trucks. Regarding parts and maintenance, air filters and fuel filters are common first purchases, but Zotos also recommends timing belt kits, as many kei truck imports are over 25 years old. He clarified that most kei truck timing belt change recommendations are based on age rather than distance. Most experienced automotive or performance shops should be able to work on kei trucks given their relative simplicity, which typically includes a simple three- or four-cylinder 660cc engine. President Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on all foreign auto imports starting April 2. Before Trump signed the new tariff into law, there was a pre-existing 25% tariff on kei truck imports, so consumers looking to export one of these vehicles from Japan now face a 50% tariff. 'The tariffs just represent one part of our [Oiwa Garage] larger economic landscape that we navigate. Our primary goal is to deliver transparent, competitive value to our customers. We try not to compete on price and focus on value. With that said, the tariffs introduce a new dynamic into our business model, so we've worked on building stronger relationships with our suppliers and streamlining the logistics," Zotos said. "We focus on what's practical and not political, and that's just based on market data.' Zotos adds that the tariffs also allow his company to investigate additional domestic manufacturing opportunities. It wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility to assume that companies like Oiwa Garage, who specialize in vehicle imports, would be entirely shocked by Trump's new tariffs. However, Zotos noted that he's not over-leveraged in either kei truck or kei truck parts imports, which he operates as separate businesses. Still, he feels that anytime there are new regulations, the market always takes time to see how things will develop, and buyers may be more cautious initially. Regardless of market conditions, we hope that kei trucks continue to find homes stateside and that more people recognize just how practical they can be for many uses.
Miami Herald
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Kei Truck Expert Breaks Down Vehicle's Growing Fan Base and Impact of Trump's Tariffs
A Kei truck specialist has shared keen insights with Autoblog on what's contributing to this vehicle's growing presence in the US, popular Kei modifications, how his company, which specializes in Kei truck/parts exports from Japan, is responding to President Trump's new 25% tariff on all foreign auto imports, and more. George Zotos, owner of Long Beach, California-based e-commerce outlet Oiwa Garage, says he was working back on the East Coast when he encouraged his childhood friends to take a chance on these tiny trucks. They were very inexpensive to sell, with shipping opportunities to the East Coast costing in the ballpark of $4,000 to $5,000, and listings going fast. This feasibility and Zotos's perception that the market wasn't crowded motivated him and his team to go all-in. Since 2024, Kei truck sales have tripled in the last five years, with about 7,500 vehicles imported in 2023 alone, according to CNN. When asked what factors are contributing to kei trucks' growing domestic popularity, Zotos told Autoblog: "The utility of the vehicles. They don't take up a lot of space. They still have a six-foot bed in the back, and they're great for transporting. It [kei truck] could be a wheel and tire runner at an automotive shop, or it could be used on a golf course, which is what I typically saw them used on before. They're available to be imported for on-road use, so landscaping and things of that nature. Now, I've seen small businesses use them because they stick out, and I think price was pretty important for people initially." Zotos also notes that he's noticed some more unexpected businesses use kei trucks for their operations, like mobile coffee or flower shops. The Oiwa Garage owner describes how these businesses can use a kei truck bed because they're flat, meaning there are no rear wheel wells, like with most common domestic trucks. "If it's [the bed] flat, you can really build up and then just tailor the suspension to accommodate the additional weight." "The landscape is consistently changing for on-road usage, as it's very state-specific. We saw it in Texas where they recently put in new legislation allowing for on-road use." Zotos said. "If I put something on Instagram, there may be a comment or blanket statement saying 'oh, it's too bad you can't drive these in the United States,' however, I would say that it requires some additional research on the customer standpoint, which we always recommend before a customer purchases something." The kei truck boss describes his company as conducting import consults where he learns of the customer's needs, figures out their state, and shares relevant state-specific information with the buyer so they're not stuck with a paperweight. Modifications are popular with kei trucks since the vehicles are affordable and have a unique look while remaining versatile. Zotos cites lifting as the first initial upgrade most kei truck consumers buy, with exhausts following second, given factory exhausts' tendency for clunkiness and heaviness. Tires, wheels, roof racks, and light bars are also hot-selling modifications, according to Zotos, who described many drivers as wanting to modernize their kei trucks. Regarding parts and maintenance, air filters and fuel filters are common first purchases, but Zotos also recommends timing belt kits, as many kei truck imports are over 25 years old. He clarified that most kei truck timing belt change recommendations are based on age rather than distance. Most experienced automotive or performance shops should be able to work on kei trucks given their relative simplicity, which typically includes a simple three- or four-cylinder 660cc engine. President Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on all foreign auto imports starting April 2. Before Trump signed the new tariff into law, there was a pre-existing 25% tariff on kei truck imports, so consumers looking to export one of these vehicles from Japan now face a 50% tariff. "The tariffs just represent one part of our [Oiwa Garage] larger economic landscape that we navigate. Our primary goal is to deliver transparent, competitive value to our customers. We try not to compete on price and focus on value. With that said, the tariffs introduce a new dynamic into our business model, so we've worked on building stronger relationships with our suppliers and streamlining the logistics," Zotos said. "We focus on what's practical and not political, and that's just based on market data." Zotos adds that the tariffs also allow his company to investigate additional domestic manufacturing opportunities. It wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility to assume that companies like Oiwa Garage, who specialize in vehicle imports, would be entirely shocked by Trump's new tariffs. However, Zotos noted that he's not over-leveraged in either kei truck or kei truck parts imports, which he operates as separate businesses. Still, he feels that anytime there are new regulations, the market always takes time to see how things will develop, and buyers may be more cautious initially. Regardless of market conditions, we hope that kei trucks continue to find homes stateside and that more people recognize just how practical they can be for many uses. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
11 Classic Cars To Stay Away From Buying
Buying a classic car is a lot easier than it used to be. Gone are the days when you had to rely on word of mouth or gut instinct to make good use of your hard-earned money. Consider This: Find Out: Now, you can easily look up any car's history online by inputting its vehicle identification number on sites like Kelley Blue Book or Carvana. You can also use these sites to compare and research different makes and models of classic cars. Despite this, many classic car owners suffer buyer's remorse after purchasing a vehicle that costs them thousands of dollars — if not more — in repairs, maintenance and hidden issues. For those who also take out a high-interest loan to finance their purchase, buying the wrong car can lead to even more regret or financial hardship. Considering how expensive classic cars can be, it's important to be informed before getting a loan or making a cash purchase. Here are 11 classic cars to steer clear of due to performance or reliability issues and limited trade-in or resale value. According to Stamatis Zotos, a professional mechanic and owner of a car rental company, the Maserati Biturbo (1982 to 1988) is one classic vehicle to stay away from buying. Although this car might appeal to the more budget-conscious collector, it has a poor reputation when it comes to build quality and reliability issues. It also has a history of turbo failures and electrical issues, making it expensive to maintain and repair. When it was first launched in 1970 in the UK, the Triumph Stag was a great addition to international car shows. In those days, it was also in high demand among auto enthusiasts and collectors, which led to inflated prices. Unfortunately, the Triumph Stag hasn't performed well over time. Over the years, it's become known for its mechanical unreliability, which primarily arises from having an engine that frequently overheats. 'Although it has a distinct look and is initially appealing…' added Zotos, 'the original 3.0-liter V8 had chronic overheating issues, often leading to head gasket failures and other costly repairs.' Discover More: The Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic American muscle car, and those made between 1976 and 1981 are considered classics. Unfortunately, vehicles from these particular years have seen their share of problems. Andy Saari, a master automotive technician at Nexedge Technician, suggested avoiding these classic cars. 'These vehicles suffered from poor build quality, lackluster engines and were heavily impacted by the implementation of tighter emission regulations,' he said. All of these issues have impacted the Chevrolet Camaro's overall value, especially in comparison to earlier or later models. Expensive repairs and maintenance also cut into any investment or resale value the vehicle might have had. While recent models of the Porsche 911 are in high demand, Saari suggested staying away from earlier models — those built around 1969 or earlier — due to their array of shortcomings. 'The 911's short wheelbase and rear-engine layout led to a tendency for sudden oversteer, making them tricky to handle at high speeds,' said Saari. These earlier models also tend to suffer from rust and related damage, which can make them expensive to restore. A classic American car from 1975 to 1980, the AMC Pacer was a cool car back in its day, but it's likely not worth the investment now. This is largely due to its many structural flaws, issues with steering and limited power and performance. 'The Pacer is more comprehensive than a tank,' said Peter Niebling, dealer principal at Redlands Mazda. But it's also very heavy and highly prone to rust. 'Let's be honest — they'd make terrible rides to own now,' said Niebling. Built between the years 1960 and 1969, the Chevy Corvair is one classic car that might have been a cool new ride to have in the past, but isn't worth the cost now. 'The Corvair seems neat with its rear-engine design,' said Niebling. 'But handling those things couldn't have been more sketchy.' Not only that, but owning a Corvair today can be very expensive. Getting the right parts for repair purposes can be tricky and expensive, according to Niebling. A UK sports car from 1974 to 1981, the Triumph TR7 might look cool, but it probably isn't worth the cost of upkeep. Niebling said, 'The TR7 looked slick when it first dropped. But it turned out to be unreliable, with many electrical issues and stuff breaking down. Good luck finding replacement parts, too.' While the Triumph TR7 might have met the safety standards of its time, it does suffer from certain safety issues like poor brakes. This isn't uncommon for an older classic car, but it can put a serious dent in your return on investment. Built between 1980 and 1985, the Cadillac Eldorado has had a mixed reputation over the years. In particular, the early models of this classic luxury car have experienced their share of issues. Sari warned, 'These models faced various mechanical issues, including engine and transmission problems.' This combined with changing consumer preferences and a decrease in demand has caused the value of these vehicles to plummet. The Ford Mustang II is hit-and-miss when it comes to investment value. Produced between 1974 and 1986, this classic lacks in power when compared to similar vehicles. 'This model lacked the performance and appeal of its predecessors, leaving it overshadowed and underappreciated,' said Saari. As a result, the overall market value is relatively low compared to what you're getting. The Jensen Interceptor (1966 to 1976) has its charm, but it's also prone to rust issues, according to Zotos. Not only that but it has high fuel consumption, which makes it impractical — and expensive — for everyday use. Last but not least is the Cadillac Seville, which was produced from 1976 to 1980. Zotos explained, 'These models are notorious for their Oldsmobile-sourced 350 diesel engine, which was prone to failure.' Overall demand for these vehicles has also diminished, further reducing resale value. More From GOBankingRatesHow Paychecks Would Look in Each State If Trump Dropped Federal Income Tax9 Things the Middle Class Should Consider Downsizing To Save on Monthly Expenses This article originally appeared on 11 Classic Cars To Stay Away From Buying
