North Carolina Man Builds Eclectic Garage of Fun-Sized Cars

From a Civic Si to a Daihatsu Hijet, this car enthusiast's collection has something for every mood.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:36pm

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An abstract, colorful image created with a slow shutter speed and panning motion, blurring a Daihatsu Hijet kei truck into sweeping streaks of vibrant hues, conveying a sense of speed and movement.A playful kei truck darts through the streets, capturing the joyful energy of Derek's eclectic automotive collection.Houston Today

Derek, a North Carolina resident, has assembled an impressive garage filled with a diverse array of fun-sized vehicles, including a 2025 Honda Civic Si, a 1996 Mazda Miata, a 1997 Daihatsu Hijet, and a 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. His passion for automobiles started in childhood and has evolved over the years, leading him to embrace both electric and internal combustion engine cars.

Why it matters

Derek's collection showcases the enduring appeal of compact, driver-focused vehicles, even in an era of increasing SUV and EV dominance. His story highlights how enthusiasts can find joy in a wide range of automotive experiences, from the performance-oriented Civic Si to the quirky Daihatsu Hijet kei truck.

The details

Derek's automotive journey began with a fascination for RC cars, which eventually led him to acquire full-size vehicles. His current garage includes a 2025 Honda Civic Si, which he has modified with a tune to address the rev hang and power output. He also owns a 1996 Mazda Miata that he inherited from his stepfather, a 1997 Daihatsu Hijet kei truck that he imported from Japan, and a 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid that serves as the family's practical daily driver.

  • Derek acquired the Civic Si in November 2024.
  • He has owned the Miata since 2019, when he purchased it from his stepfather.
  • The Daihatsu Hijet kei truck was recently imported from Japan and added to Derek's collection.

The players

Derek

A North Carolina resident and car enthusiast who has assembled an eclectic garage of fun-sized vehicles.

Derek's Stepfather

The previous owner of the 1996 Mazda Miata, who purchased the car in 1999 and maintained it for over 20 years.

Honda

The manufacturer of the Civic Si and CR-V Hybrid models in Derek's collection.

Mazda

The manufacturer of the Miata, a beloved sports car that has been a part of Derek's life for over 25 years.

Daihatsu

The Japanese automaker behind the Hijet kei truck, a unique addition to Derek's garage.

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What they’re saying

“The shifter is in the exact right spot, and the gears snap into place very crisply. You can aggressively hammer through the gears, and it never feels like it wants to fight you.”

— Derek

“The first time I hit a curve and felt the LSD do its thing as I powered out of the turn, it was one of those moments you immediately recognize something is way better than you are used to.”

— Derek

The takeaway

Derek's diverse garage showcases the enduring appeal of compact, driver-focused vehicles, even in an era of increasing SUV and EV dominance. His story highlights how enthusiasts can find joy in a wide range of automotive experiences, from the performance-oriented Civic Si to the quirky Daihatsu Hijet kei truck.