1988 Suzuki Samurai

I decided on a Samurai based on much looking of other economy 4x4's. Gas prices were too high even in 2007 for my Blazer. It is a great little daily driver and is very fun, but you should know what you are getting and be willing to either do a little work to get it exactly like you want it or wait for one that has been "done". I bought mine for $1200 knowing that it would need quite a bit of work. My review above reflects some work.

The short wheel base makes a stock Sami a rough, I mean rough, ride. However, softer shocks and running the tires at a lower pressure are cheap and immediate improvements. Do a seat overhaul or replacement and the Sami is as comfortable on the highway as any other economy car.

Being of driving age in the mid-1980's, I remember the flack about Samurai's and rollover, thanks to the outright deception of a magazine about their safety back in the late 80's (Suzuki settled with the magazine for an undisclosed amount for damages caused by the false information...there is a 10 minute video that discusses the settlement...very interesting). My sami with a 2" lift is less "top heavy" than my Blazer. If you remember the rollover business, forget about it. Drive it with care as you would any SUV and it will remain upright.

Because of their nature, Sami's are run in salty/wet conditions, will have roof leaks from time to time, and have areas that love to trap moisture. Be sure to ask for additional pictures of areas, such as underneath the rocker panel trim (black strip along bottom of doors), rear bed corners, fender wells, and underneath the battery compartment. With regard to the rocker panels and bed corners, the seller may need to remove some parts to get those pictures, but you NEED to see the damage here (and there will be some) and it is not difficult to do (i.e. there are three screws holding the cover for the passenger side bed corner). If the seller refuses to post such pics, you may consider moving on or accepting a worst case scenario. Also, I would ask for a pic of the bed with the back seat out, especially if the back seat looks like it has seen water. Obviously, if you can see it in person, like I did with mine, it is much better.

It ain't an Escalade, but it sure is fun and good on gas.

super fun truck a must for all offroad toy buyers. Goes up hills great! It goes through other stuff people can not crawl over.

This car is a good off-roader and fun to drive on-road. I find it easier to find parking spots. The gas mileage is good. The styling is great. I would rather drive my 88 SSamurai than almost anything else. The only thing is I'm glad I have my other car for long trips and Freeway trips. Driving in LA though-- I think I wouldn't trade it for anything (except a car worth way more so I could sell it and buy another Samurai-- They sell lots of accessories for it!!)