Year guide

1997 Suzuki Carry

Specs, price, wheels and what to check

A 1997 Carry is a late DC51T (2WD) or DD51T (4WD): the same body as 1991–1998 trucks, with the newer wheel bolt pattern and amber front corner lamps.

Engine657cc

4WD codeDD51T

Hauls772 lb

Wheel bolts4 × 100

You can import and own one

It turned 25 in 2022, so US import is allowed. Road use depends on your state. Check your state ↓

A white 1990s Suzuki Carry kei truck parked on a wet Main Street in Brattleboro, Vermont — A 1991–1998 Carry, the same body as a 1997, on Main Street in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Which year is it?

Is it really a 1997? Check before you buy

Find the frame number

The frame number starts with DC51T (2WD) or DD51T (4WD). The export certificate shows the build month, which sets its 25-year date.

What changed

How a 1997 Carry differs from older ones

4 × 100 mm wheel bolts: From July 1995. Wheels from 1995–1999 Carrys swap over; wheels from older ones may not.
Amber front corner lamps: Also from July 1995: the lens of the front corner lamps went from white to amber.
Front disc brakes on every truck: Suzuki made them standard in September 1993.
The last years of this body: The wider 1999 Carry (DA52T) came in January 1999, so a 1997 is the narrow 4.6-ft body.

Service

1997 Carry service notes

Suzuki's US-English manual is hard to find, so these come from engine guides and parts sellers. Check your truck's manual if you have it.

What they say	1997 Carry
Timing belt	About every 62,000 miles (100,000 km). Some fail sooner, so don't wait if there's no receipt.
Engine oil	About 3 quarts. Change every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 months, sooner for dusty farm work.

Sources: F6A engine guide (mymotorlist.com), a Carry maintenance guide (samuraitrucks), Oiwa Garage parts listings. Not Suzuki data.

All 1993 Carry service notes →

Price

How much is a 1997 Suzuki Carry worth?

US dealers listed 1997 Carry 4WD trucks at $6,400 to $8,995.

Bought in Japan, a 1997 costs far less: about $2,500 before shipping, the 25% import tax, port fees and a broker. Low miles, a dump bed and A/C add to the price.

Real 1997 Carry prices

1997 Carry DD51T 4WDAsking · 42,875 miles · Monroe, Washington$8,995
1997 CarryAsking · Miami, Florida$7,995
1997 Carry 4WDAsking · via Classic.com$7,750
1997 CarryAsking · Houston, Texas$6,400
1997 Carry 4WDExporter price in Japan · 54,560 miles · JDM Export$2,541

Seen in search results Nov. 8, 2026. Asking prices, not sales. Not offers or guarantees. We’re not paid by any dealer.

See all Carry prices and where we found them →

Before you buy

What to check on a 1997 Carry

This truck is 29 years old. Ask for receipts, then check these.

Your 1997 Carry checklistTick each check at the seller.

1Model codeAsk the seller to show you the model code on the truck and on the export certificate. They should match. DD51T = 4WD, DC51T = 2WD. Don't pay 4WD money for a 2WD truck.
2Rust underneathFrame near the rear axle, cab corners, the floor under the mats and the bed corners.
3OverheatingAn engine that runs hot can warp its head. Watch the temperature gauge.
4Timing beltNo receipt means it's due.
54WD and axle lockMake sure the dash switch locks the front axle and the low range engages.
6Noise at speedOwners say 4-speed trucks are loud above 45 mph. Drive it on a fast road before you buy.

Your ticks are saved on this phone only. Take it, or a printout, to the seller.

From importers, parts sellers and owner reports. Not Suzuki data.

Owners

What 1997 Carry owners say

2 stories from YouTube comments, told in our words.

Owner of a 1997 Carry dumpYouTube comment · see the original ↗

Pros and cons

Pros: dump bed, very clean, low miles, 4WD high and low range with a locking axle. Cons: only a 4-speed, a very low first gear, loud above 45 mph and no A/C.

Carry ownerYouTube comment · see the original ↗

Upgrades

Added central locking and power mirrors: cheap add-ons that make the truck much nicer to live with.

Can you drive a Suzuki Carry in your state?

TapClick the blue button. Your answer shows up right here.

Questions

1997 Carry questions

What wheels fit a 1997 Suzuki Carry?

Wheels with a 4 × 100 mm bolt pattern. Suzuki used it from July 1995, so wheels from 1995–1999 Carrys fit.

Is a 1997 Carry 4x4?

The DD51T is. DC51T trucks are 2WD. Many 4WD trucks have a low range and a dash switch that locks the front axle.

How much is a 1997 Suzuki Carry worth?

US dealers ask about $6,400 to $9,000. In Japan, before shipping and import costs, they sell for about $2,500.

What engine is in a 1997 Carry?

Suzuki's 657cc 3-cylinder F6A.

Is a 1997 or 1999 Carry better?

A 1999 is the wider, newer DA52T body with more cab room. A 1997 is the narrower DC51T/DD51T, with lots of parts available.

Can I import a 1997 Carry?

Yes. Every 1997 Carry passed 25 years old in 2022. Road registration still depends on your state.

Next step

Found a 1997 Carry you like? Two checks before you pay.

Make sure you can plate it where you live, then take the checklist to the seller.

Check my state ↑Use the checklist ↑