2007 — 2021
0.66L (KF-DET) - Turbocharged Performance trim
Petrol
Check this by listening for any high-pitched whine or metallic rattle during acceleration, as the small KF-DET turbochargers can show wear depending on the frequency of previous oil changes.
While driving on a slightly uneven surface, pay attention to the steering and suspension; these workhorses have been known to exhibit play in the steering rack or worn bushings after years of urban delivery use.
Perform a cold start check; watch the exhaust for signs of blue or heavy white smoke, which can be an indicator that the valve stem seals or turbo oil seals may be reaching the end of their design life.
Inspect the cabin heater and cooling system by switching the aircon to hot and cold; these kei-vans often have long coolant hoses running to the front, and checking for leaks or 'sludge' in the radiator reservoir is wise.
Usually marks the second major timing chain check and a critical point for a full cooling system flush.
A common point where peripheral sensors like the oxygen sensor (O2) or mass airflow sensor might start providing lazy readings.
Considered a significant milestone where suspension struts and engine mounts may require replacement to maintain the van's nimble handling.
Prioritise high-quality full synthetic engine oil changes every 5,000km to protect the sensitive turbocharger.
Regularly inspect the air filter, as the rear-mid engine placement can expose the intake to more road dust than a standard front-engine car.
Keep a close eye on your coolant levels; because these engines are small and work hard, maintaining the integrity of the cooling system is vital.
Ensure the sliding door rollers are cleaned and lightly greased periodically to keep them operating smoothly.
Monitor spark plug health, as the KF-DET engine prefers the correct iridium-tipped plugs to maintain efficient combustion.
Estimated repair costs if issues arise
If this component needs attention in the future, the estimated cost in NZ is higher due to parts sourcing from Japan. It involves replacing the entire unit if internal seals fail.
Depending on the car's history, you might eventually need to budget for new shocks and control arm bushings to restore that factory-fresh handling.
Due to the unique pipework in the Hijet, replacing the thermostat and coolant hoses is a prudent piece of future budget planning to prevent overheating.
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Disclaimer: This report is generated with the assistance of AI analysis based on verified automotive data. While we strive for 100% accuracy, enthusiasts should always conduct physical inspections and consult service records. View Full Disclaimer