The Cool Runner” — 1997 Honda Acty SDX V-HA4
There’s a reason kei truck collectors keep circling back to the Honda Acty, and this SDX V-HA4 shows exactly why. With just 67,497 original miles, a factory air conditioning system that still blows cold, and Honda’s legendary Realtime 4WD system underneath, this Acty isn’t just another import — it’s a genuinely usable, genuinely charming little workhorse that’s ready to earn its keep on day one. We’re calling this one The Cool Runner, and once you feel that A/C kick on during a summer job, you’ll understand why.
A Kei Truck Built for Real Work
The Acty SDX trim was Honda’s answer to buyers who wanted more than a bare-bones farm truck — and it shows. This example comes loaded with faux leather seat covers for a touch of comfort in the cab, a cargo area light for early-morning or late-night loading, and drop-down sides on all three edges of the 350kg-rated cargo bed, making it easy to load lumber, landscaping materials, tools, or pallets from any angle. The factory air conditioning and heat system means this truck isn’t limited to fair-weather use — it’s genuinely comfortable to drive year-round, which is more than can be said for a lot of kei trucks on the market today.
E07A Power Meets Realtime 4WD
Under the cab sits Honda’s E07A engine, a 660cc inline-three gasoline unit famous among kei truck enthusiasts for its smooth power delivery and long-term reliability when properly maintained. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, this Acty gives the driver full control over power delivery — ideal for navigating tight job sites, farm paths, or narrow urban alleys where a kei truck’s compact footprint really shines.
What sets this Acty apart from many other mini trucks on the market is Honda’s Realtime 4WD system. Unlike traditional part-time 4WD setups that require manual engagement, Realtime 4WD automatically routes power to all four wheels the moment the system detects wheel slip — no driver input needed. That means smoother operation on gravel, mud, light snow, or uneven terrain, with none of the fuss of manually locking in and out of 4WD modes.
Clean Title, Ready to Register
This Acty arrives with a clean title and complete import documentation, so there are no surprises when it’s time to get it registered and on the road (or off it) in your state. We handle the import paperwork so you can focus on putting this truck to work.
Quick Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | 1997 |
| Make / Model | Honda Acty SDX |
| Chassis Code | V-HA4 |
| Engine Code | E07A |
| Displacement | 660cc Inline-Three |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Drivetrain | Realtime 4WD |
| Mileage | 67,497 Miles |
| Cargo Bed | Drop-Down Sides (3-way), Cargo Light |
| Load Capacity | 350kg |
| Wheels | OEM |
| Interior | Faux Leather Seat Covers |
| Climate Control | Air Conditioning & Heat |
| Title Status | Clean Title, Import Documents Included |
How the Acty SDX Stacks Up
| Feature | Honda Acty SDX (V-HA4) | Suzuki Carry (Standard) | Daihatsu Hijet (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 660cc E07A Inline-Three | 660cc Inline-Three | 660cc Inline-Three |
| Drivetrain Option | Realtime 4WD (automatic engagement) | Part-Time 4WD (manual engagement) | Part-Time 4WD (manual engagement) |
| Climate Control | A/C & Heat (factory) | Varies by trim | Varies by trim |
| Interior Trim | Faux Leather Seat Covers | Cloth (standard) | Cloth (standard) |
| Cargo Bed Access | 3-Side Drop-Down | Typically Rear/Side Drop | Typically Rear/Side Drop |
| Cargo Lighting | Included | Rarely Standard | Rarely Standard |
Realtime 4WD is one of Honda’s standout engineering features from this era — it’s a genuine differentiator for buyers who want off-pavement capability without extra driver workload.
Ideal Use Cases
- Farm and ranch work — hauling feed, tools, and equipment across uneven terrain with confident 4WD traction
- Landscaping and property maintenance — drop-down bed sides make loading mulch, soil, and equipment fast and easy
- Small business and job-site hauling — 350kg capacity handles tools, materials, and supplies with room to spare
- Off-road and overlanding builds — a proven platform for kei truck camper conversions and adventure rigs
- Daily around-town utility driving — compact enough for tight spaces, comfortable enough for real commuting with working A/C
- Collector and enthusiast ownership — a well-optioned, low-mile SDX trim example that’s increasingly hard to find
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this kei truck street legal?
Legality and registration requirements vary significantly by state. This Acty comes with a clean title and full import documentation to support your registration process, but we always recommend confirming specific requirements with your local DMV before purchase.
What does “Realtime 4WD” mean, and how is it different from regular 4WD?
Realtime 4WD is Honda’s automatic all-wheel-drive system. Rather than requiring the driver to manually engage 4WD, it senses wheel slip and automatically sends power to all four wheels as needed, then disengages when it’s not required. It’s a more seamless, driver-friendly system than traditional part-time 4WD.
Does the air conditioning actually work?
Yes — this Acty’s A/C and heat system is fully functional, which is a meaningful bonus on kei trucks of this era, as A/C systems are one of the more common items to need servicing after import.
What’s the load capacity of the cargo bed?
This Acty is rated for 350kg, with drop-down sides on multiple edges of the bed for easier loading and unloading.
Can I test drive or inspect this truck in person?
We’d be glad to help set that up — please visit our contact page to reach our team and arrange a time.
Do you offer financing or shipping?
For details on financing options, shipping, and delivery to your area, please visit our contact page and our team will walk you through the available options.
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