Mitsubishi Minicab
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a compact commercial vehicle that doesn’t compromise on capability? The Mitsubishi Minicab might be exactly what your business needs. This Japanese kei truck has been quietly serving commercial users since 1966, offering impressive practicality in a surprisingly small package. It’s the vehicle for people who need genuine utility without the bulk or running costs of a full-sized van.

From first glance, the Minicab stands apart from typical small vans. Its upright stance and functional design prioritise space over style, which is exactly what you want in a working vehicle. The cabin feels purpose built rather than car derived, giving you confidence that it can handle whatever your business throws at it. While competitors like the Honda Acty or Suzuki Carry offer similar concepts, the Minicab has earned its reputation through decades of reliable service.

Driving the Minicab is a refreshingly honest experience. The engines are tuned for efficiency and longevity rather than performance, making every journey feel economical. It handles predictably and safely, giving you confidence when carrying loads or navigating tight spaces. The ride is firm but controlled, designed to cope with varying loads without feeling unsettled. It’s a vehicle that aims to make every working day more efficient, no matter how demanding the task.

How Does the Mitsubishi Minicab Drive?

The Mitsubishi Minicab is designed for efficiency and reliability, not outright speed. The range includes various engine options from a 657cc three cylinder 3G83 unit to a 659cc four cylinder 4A30 engine. The three cylinder variant produces modest power but delivers exceptional fuel economy, often achieving nearly 50mpg even when working hard. With a top speed of around 55mph, it’s perfectly suited to urban delivery work and local commercial use.

Where the Minicab truly excels is in its working character. The steering is light and precise at low speeds, making tight manoeuvres and parking effortless. The four speed manual gearbox provides adequate ratios for both city work and occasional highway use. The suspension setup with four link rear and fully adjustable front ensures it handles loads confidently while maintaining reasonable ride comfort. This makes it a dependable partner for businesses that need consistent, economical transport day after day.

Inside the Mitsubishi Minicab: Comfort & Features

Step inside and the Minicab reveals its commercial focus immediately. The cabin is functional rather than luxurious, with hard wearing materials designed to withstand daily use. The dashboard is straightforward and uncluttered, putting essential controls within easy reach. The seats provide adequate support for typical working days, though they’re clearly built for durability rather than long distance comfort. Storage solutions are practical, with useful cubbyholes for paperwork and personal items.

The driving position is upright and commanding, giving excellent visibility in all directions. This proves invaluable when manoeuvring in tight spaces or checking for pedestrians around job sites. Road noise is well controlled for such a compact vehicle, making conversation possible without raising your voice. Standard equipment focuses on essentials rather than luxury features, reflecting the Minicab’s no nonsense approach to commercial transport. The interior may lack refinement, but it delivers everything needed for efficient working.

The Mitsubishi Minicab succeeds brilliantly at being exactly what it sets out to be: an honest, efficient working vehicle. It delivers outstanding fuel economy, impressive reliability, and useful load carrying ability in a compact, manageable package. The trade off is limited passenger comfort and modest performance, but these aren’t significant drawbacks for its intended commercial role. This isn’t a vehicle for those seeking driving excitement or luxury features. Its purpose is to provide dependable, economical transport for businesses that need to move goods efficiently. For tradespeople, small delivery services, or anyone requiring a compact commercial vehicle, the Minicab offers exceptional value. If your priority is getting the job done reliably and economically, the Minicab deserves serious consideration.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Mitsubishi Minicab?

As a purpose built commercial vehicle, the Minicab delivers excellent running costs that can significantly benefit your business bottom line. The efficient engines consistently deliver real world fuel economy in the mid to high 40s MPG, meaning fewer fuel stops and lower monthly bills. Insurance costs are typically reasonable due to the vehicle’s conservative performance and strong safety record. Parts availability is good through specialist importers, though costs can be higher than for mainstream European alternatives.

The main advantage lies in the Minicab’s legendary reliability and longevity. These vehicles routinely cover high mileages with minimal maintenance when properly serviced. The simple mechanical layout means repairs are generally straightforward and affordable. When considering car finance options, the strong residual values and low depreciation make monthly payments manageable for most small businesses. Overall, the Minicab represents excellent value for money over its working life.

Is the Mitsubishi Minicab Practical for Everyday Use?

For a compact commercial vehicle, the Mitsubishi Minicab offers impressive load carrying capability. The cargo area provides nearly two cubic metres of space, easily accommodating tools, equipment, or small deliveries. The low loading height makes it simple to load heavy items without straining your back. The rear doors open wide for excellent access, while the optional side loading door adds further convenience for frequent stops.

Where the Minicab shows its limitations is in passenger accommodation. The cab is designed primarily for one or two people, with limited comfort for longer journeys. However, this focus on commercial use means maximum space is dedicated to cargo rather than passengers. For small businesses, tradespeople, or delivery services, this represents the ideal compromise. Its compact dimensions make it incredibly easy to park and manoeuvre compared to larger used Mitsubishi cars, yet it offers genuinely useful carrying capacity.

The Mitsubishi Minicab stands out in the compact commercial vehicle market by offering genuine working capability without unnecessary complexity. It combines decades of proven reliability with outstanding fuel economy and practical load carrying ability. While it may not offer the refinement of some alternatives, it excels in the areas that matter most for commercial users.

You choose the Minicab because you need a vehicle that works as hard as you do. Its honest approach to commercial transport, combined with excellent running costs and impressive durability, makes it an ideal business partner. If you’re looking for a compact commercial vehicle that prioritises function over form, the Minicab represents outstanding value, especially when considering cars under £10,000 options.