People are divided into two camps, typically: pay a little for a project and spend the next several years outlaying cash and time to bring it up to drivable condition, or pay a lot and begin using the car immediately. In the case of this 1988 Suzuki Samurai, you’ll be in the latter category if you decided to make a run at this low-mileage example that’s listed here on craigslist for $21,000. Wearing original paint, factory decals, and showing just over 33,000 miles, it likely is one of the best ones left. Considering how many have been modified or ruined by rust, that’s no small feat.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find. Now, I’m sure some of will think the seller is nuts for asking this, but I’m not so sure. 1980s and 1990s era SUVs have been on the rise for some time and they haven’t become any easier to find in the meantime. The Samurai, Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, Isuzu Trooper, and others like them in this billygoat-reliable category are all somewhat hard to find in preserved condition, and while they still exist in places like California and the southwest, for those of us living in rust-belt areas, we haven’t seen a Suzuki this nice in ages. The seller has added some larger tires but the Samurai otherwise remains stock.
The interiors were cheap affairs, but functional. Even if you found a Samurai with some needs, it’s not entirely difficult to restore the interior. Fortunately, that’s not an issue here, as the brittle dash plastics remain in excellent condition and the steering wheel shows virtually no signs of wear. The seller does note that the stereo system has been updated, so it has one additional alteration beyond the larger rubber. The soft top is said to be in excellent shape and the seller claims there are no running issues, with the Samurai firing right up and running smooth. The one thing that’s missing in the description, however, is an accounting of recent maintenance.
Something is off with these seats – the headrests certainly aren’t factory, and the upholstery isn’t like most of the Samurais I see come up for grabs. There is one other truck on Bring A Trailer with a similar vertical pattern, but the back seats should have a horizontal line going across the upper and lower cushions. I’m guessing the seats were re-done, and an upholstery shop took some creative liberties. The Suzuki is powered by 1.3L four-cylinder engine producing 63 horsepower and 74 lb.-ft. of torque, but the low mileage hopefully ensures most of those horses haven’t gone missing over time. Would you pay top dollar for a preserved Suzuki like this one?
I had a chance to drive one of these back around 1990 or 91. As a young guy in his early 20’s I had a blast with it. It was just fun to run around town with. Felt like it could go anywhere. As far as modern day traffic going 65 ( well let’s face it, more like 80) on the highway, I’m not so sure. But I’d still love to have one some day. This one looks terrific. I’d keep it stock.
In rough cosmetic shape, these are great buys as off roading alternatives to a high buck UTV. More comfortable, safer, and don’t need to be towed to a trail.
The asking price seems a bit high but you know what they say, “Go find another one in this condition.”
Weren’t these once going for $9,999 new ?
Owned one when I lived in Greece in ’94- one of my favorite vehicles over my life. Simple, reliable, fun to drive and perfect on the crowded and not so great roads in Greece.
FYI… I paid $5999 for a 1987 Samurai Well I traded in a Ford EXP straight up for the 1987 Samurai in November 1986. I sold it in 2010 with 66,000 miles on it for the exact same $5999. Still had the original tires on it. And about 8,000 of the miles were from tows while moving in the late 80’s and during the 90s. The buyer pulled the 4 cylinder out and put in a small block Ford V8 and recovered all the interior with marine vinyl. I haven’t seen that Suzuki in 10 years. This one makes me wonder what happened to it. Never saw one with this type interior or back seat style.
My Two Cents: Most of the super-low mileage survivor cars showing up on BaT are very expensive. At least until you realize you could never restore a project car for the same money to the same condition – and I’m not even including the headaches with finding non-existing parts/decals/special trim. The problem, IMHO, is that the cars are so good you have to admit you can’t really risk using them except for shows – and make sure you bring a security guard with you in case you have to leave the vehicle for a moment. Those cars have now become more art than an object of utility.
My experience with my bils and a buddies is all the mechanicals are great quality except the engine. Those appear to be weak. My buddy took the engine and 5 speed from his turbo Volvo and replaced the original units. Has a divorced transfer case so 2wd engine/transmission swaps are easy. It became reliable AND FAST! .