by In the world of cars, there are many “forbidden fruits,” and for Americans, one of them is Japanese kei cars. These tiny cars are very popular in Japan but were never sold new in the US, so every such find generates great interest.
Japanese kei car Daihatsu Mira with manual transmission
This particular car is a Daihatsu Mira in the TR-XX Avanzato R version. It is listed at an auction in San Diego, California, and is likely to attract drivers tired of large and heavy vehicles.
Unlike many kei cars of that time, which had three-cylinder engines, the fourth generation Mira became the first Daihatsu kei car with a four-cylinder engine. Its displacement is only 659 cc, and its power is just 63 hp and 100 Nm of torque. However, this engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, promising plenty of driving enjoyment.
Minor modifications and original condition
The auction description states that the car has received some updates: a turbo timer, a new Pioneer head unit, Kenwood rear speakers, and an artificial wood insert on the dashboard. However, apart from these upgrades, the car remains largely original. The odometer shows just over 121,100 km, which is approximately 75,200 miles.
TR-XX Avanzato R version: sporty character
The TR-XX Avanzato R version was one of the best in the Mira lineup and featured a standard aerodynamic body kit. This includes a more aggressive front bumper, a hood scoop, a rear window spoiler, and another spoiler on the tailgate.
This car looks cute and has a character that almost all modern cars lack. It brings a smile to your face even before you turn the ignition key. Such kei cars rarely appear on the American market, and a clean, higher-spec example with a manual transmission could quickly disappear if bidding becomes active.
This car is a perfect example of how simplicity and lightness can provide true driving enjoyment. In an era of giant SUVs and electric vehicles weighing over two tons, such small but charismatic cars remind us of pure emotions and the connection to the road. The Daihatsu Mira TR-XX Avanzato R is not just a means of transportation but a true collector’s item that can give its owner a unique experience and a wealth of positive impressions, especially on winding country roads.
