Not too long ago, more than a few of us would have found it surprising if the crystal ball of car valuations pointed to a Suzuki Samurai closing in on $10,000 on eBay. But in recent years, many collector car pundits have pointed to vintage SUVs as being the next generation of collector cars, and not of the likes of the classic Bronco and Blazer. 80s models like this beautifully-kept 1986 Samurai are absolutely escalating in value, especially as next-generation car collectors realize how few are left in good condition. Find this Samurai listed here on eBay with exactly the kind of seller you hope to find, as he’s owned it for 15 years and clearly sweated the details.
As I was writing this post, bidding jumped from $8,200 to $9,700, so get in there if you plan on waving your paddle. The seller has clearly enjoyed his time with this very capable 4×4-in-miniature, as the Samurai was always celebrated for its off-road prowess despite its diminutive size. You could get them as a soft-top or the harder to find tin-top model with a fixed roof, but the off-roadability remained the same. This example has been lovingly cared for and clearly not taken too far off the pavement, as its body is in super nice shape and the interior looks like it hasn’t been up to its doors in the middle of a stream any time recently. The dash isn’t cracked and aside from a steering wheel wrap, everything looks tidy. The listing does note the seats have been recovered and a fold-down windshield installed.
Check it out with the windshield folded down and the doors removed – how cool is that? I had forgotten just how stripped down you could make these things, and the windshield must be an aftermarket job given the seller refers to it as one of the only changes from stock. The body is in incredible shape, and this is often a weak spot for the fragile Japanese sheet metal. The seller notes he upgraded to 15-inch wheels and tires and had to cut the front bumper accordingly for the tires not to rub. This is a minor grievance, and the upsized wheels and tires is both an aesthetic improvement and helpful for any light off-roading the next owner may do. No suspension modifications are mentioned in the listing, a rarity for a Samurai at this juncture.
The back seat shows off the re-done upholstery, and it looks quite nice. Under the hood, the seller swapped out the original 1.3L engine for the more powerful 1.6L, and it’s been recently rebuilt “…with new parts and machined from bottom to top by a professional machine/engine shop at a cost close to $4,000.” The Samurai was purchased 15 years ago with just over 50,000 miles on it, and the seller has only added a little over 10,000 in the time he’s owned it. The Samurai clearly has been in the care of loving owners since new who have spared it from a life of brutality off-road, and it makes perfect sense to me to see a specimen like this commanding strong bids.
And right out of the gate, it’s me. Oh, please, this absolutely tears it, and bolsters what I say all along ( whether you agree or not, that’s ok), people are idiots. FIVE FIGURES for the poorest 4×4 ever made? Come on, people, where were you in 1986? In diapers? Aside from the worst rollover of any vehicle, look what’s already been replaced, and only 50K miles? Again many may think I’m FOS, but sometimes, I do know what I’m talking about. I have a friend that bought a new one, it was a poor vehicle from the get-go. Doors like tissue paper, rode terrible, hollered on the highway, no heat, and sorely needed a 5 speed. 1st motor threw a rod @15K, Suzuki replaced the motor, and 10K later, that one did the same thing, the dealer refused to replace the 2nd motor, claiming they couldn’t find one anyway? Really? It was already 4 years old, and began to rust terribly, she parked it behind a garage. Probably still sitting there. And someone is willing to pay 5 figures for one? Cukoo, cukoo ( spinning finger around ear) This just gets better and better.
Don’t worry. There are plenty of people of there that think whatever you think is interesting/cool/desirable is stupid, too.
I think a lot of the problem had to do with American drivers driving it, well, like American drivers. I routinely see people in Jeep Wranglers on the highway going 80 to 90 miles an hour. Im sure young drivers tried that with this too. That’s not what this was built for.
There was also a lot of question about that Consumer Reports rollover story. Suzuki in fact sued the Consumer Union over it and CU admitted it did not intend to imply that the vehicle rolled over easily in normal driving conditions.
If you don’t try to drive it like a Mazda Miata on Solo II Sunday and respect its limitations it’s fine.
I agree, except the 80 mph part, I don’t think these would do 80 mph, but you’re right. ALL 4×4’s were scrutinized, I think it’s why Jeep came out with the YJ, and why we can’t buy WW2 Jeeps packed in cosmolene either ( for $75 bucks, still stacked in a warehouse in Phoenix somewhere, I’m sure) because someone who was unfamiliar with them killed or hurt themselves, and the ambulance chasers had great results. It’s also why there’s a disclaimer on new bicycles” Warning, always use a light at night, because motorists can’t see you”,,,
“hollered on the highway”? Now was that Deep Purple or was it Steppenwolf? . .
Blackfoot?
Maybe it was, “CONSUMMERS UNION MONKEYED WITH THEIR TEST COURSE UNTIL I ROLLED OVER!!!”
“
Back in the day, I was loaned a brand-new Samurai for a week. I picked it up, drove it home, and let the rattly, slow, uncomfortable little beast sit until it was time to return it. Believe me, they were NEVER “this nice.”
In its defense, it seemed to be well put together, with price-appropriate trim. I wouldn’t know about durability, though I must admit nothing fell off or quit during the time I had it.
Maybe — maybe — I’d hitch one to the back of a motorhome. It probably beats walking….
In general, I don’t like to comment unless I have something nice to say. But there are exceptions, and the Samurai is one.
Suzuki actually went on to make some nice vehicles. My nephew had a Vitara and an XL7, both nice cars. The “Sidekick/ Tracker”, kind of the replacement for these, was a much better unit. And the Suzuki powered Geo Metro, I’ve seen go 200K easy, until the body fell off. You had to start somewhere, I suppose, and the Samari was Suzukis 1st stab at it.
True on all counts. Vitara/XL7 and Sidekick were HUGE steps up in style, comfort, on- and off-road performance and general desirability. The Swift GTi was a rocket sled, loads more fun than the Suzuki-built Geo Metro Turbo. So there’s no doubt they learned fast, and learned well.
But I always think of the billboards that were put up when Suzuki first started exporting motorcycles to the U.S.: “Look Out! Suzuki Are Here!”
Here’s my take. They are cool. The dealership where I worked took a Suzuki franchise. My dad suggested I buy one of these. Instead I bought a ragged out 81 CJ7. But, I’m sorry I missed out on the experience.
You bought these without a top. They came in with a cardboard top, and they sold with a dealer installed top option. But you could literally buy one with the cardboard roof and drive away.
I drove a ton of them. They were somewhat underpowered, but nimble, and with a manual were fun to drive. They were tiny. And they were cheap! I think you could get out the door for $5K. That’s ridiculous. So they filled a great transportation void of fun, cheap convertibles. In my opinion, the rollover stuff was hype. It was a narrow, tippy 4×4. You just had to drive it for what it was. Believe me, there were times on skinny fire roads in the mountains that I would have preferred it to the jeep.
A few years ago I thought I would get one, since I missed the fun the first time around. Forget it. I guess there weren’t many survivors, and a rabid fan base distorts the value. It’s the same with Jeep CJs. Objectively a primitive vehicle with a few redeeming qualities, but people love them.
If this had a BIN at $5K, I would drive the 2 hours to Apopka and never think twice. But for the money it will sell for, I’ll pass.
I was in college when these arrived and a lot of these were bought by cash strapped co-eds. And why not, they were fun, cheap, and good on gas. I liked the hard top, but i bought a 2 year old CJ with 7k miles for 7 grand. Fun times all around.
These things were such a POS that you couldnt buy insurance for them in NY state.Unstable and unreliable. Other than that they were ok. A great way to comitt hari-kari. Good luck and stay safe,
Cheers
GPC
My brother bought a new ’88 from the dealer well into ’89 at a greatly reduced price…he daily drove it for 7 or 8 years without issue. It was reliable and great on fuel and even pulled his little utility trailer. Nothing wrong with these if you respect them and their intended use.
Tippy? You bet, especially when driven with the intention of rolling it on a course designed for that purpose.
I kinda think some of these responders are like a bunch people that make remarks based on what they “heard” back in the day. If you ever really owned one and drove one, they were underpowered but great 4 x 4’s with awesome off-road capabilities and extremely reliable. They were just a copy of a jeep in smaller size…and actually quite good.
Welcome to Barn Finds, best “armchair” motorheads in the business,, :)
These cars got a bad rap because they were cheap, cute and sold well to young drivers who then drove them like they were sports cars, a very dangerous thing to do in a short wheelbase high center of gravity vehicle. As a result a lot them wound up upside down and wrapped around poles. I owned and drove one in Africa for the 3 years logging plenty of off road miles (actually a Suzuki Escudo known as the Sidekick/Geo tracker in the US) but similar. Operated as an 4WD off road vehicle should be they were reliable and sure footed as well as easy to maintain.
In Greece they are called Jeep’s. So on the island of Rhodes I thought I getting a Jeep with my new wife back in 1990. But to my surprise it was a samurai!! I tell you it was not bad going off road up in the mountains. On the highway .. man that Suzuki was not happy. Otherwise they are fun to drive. Just don’t make any real sharp turns!😂
I almost rented one in Greece a few years ago, on the island of Ikaria. They are called the Suzuki Jimny there and in most other markets. They are still being made and are in their fourth generation. This is the second generation and it was produced from 1981-98 – longer in some markets like India.
I know of a 1990 model, 5spd with a plastic hardtop with the original lady owner and 40k miles on it. The removable hard plastic top has never been off and it is rust free kept in a garage. Mint. Been trying to buy it. What’s it worth? No accidents, by 1990 they were better appointed interiors.
I bought a 3 year old Samarai in 1989; it was super cheap, and great value. drove it for 4 years and never had a problem; extremely reliable. Routinely drove it between Seattle and Vancouver Canada on the freeway. Loud and harsh ride, but had so much fun with it. Was obviously aware of the Potential tipping Issue, so drive accordingly. One of the cars I regret selling. Wanted to upgrade to a real car and got a Honda Accord. I would buy another.
I owned an 88 model year. I would love to have it back! Had it for 5 years when it was stolen. It’s only downfall was on the highway. Under-geared for highway driving for sure! I drove it from the Great Lakes to the west coast. It was the ideal vehicle for twisty tight mountain trails. It would go where the bigger vehicles couldn’t. It never got stuck. Mine never broke down. I even had the displeasure of sleeping in it a few times. I have owned a YJ a TJ and a JKU. I would still rather have the old Zook over any of the Jeeps. Better built and less troubles.
the smaller the better for these (personal off rd transportation/exploration) and these fit the bill.
Stability in side gradients (fuel slosh too, but I think by the time these came it wuz efi’ed)) approach/departure angles and (no need if small enuff) articulation has importance too.
I like the Zuk hrd tops more but the vert could B fun. Local fella goes where I do w/the ’66 bronk has totally redone 2 of these (SAS, 2L motor, BL, SL, etc) for he/daughter that is outrageous (off rd dedicated). I can still daily, mall crawl w/mine but his is a billy goat. U watch it and it seems like a lill fly crawin upa wall. He could bring it out to Moab or anywhere (big bucks tho) & we’re just in the Berkshires…
Wear a kidney belt?
Wear a kidney belt.
Buddy of mine had one . Had 500,000 kms before the body fell off the engine. And the engine had 5psi less than new. Nothing beats maintenance!!
The 1.3L was worked to death in these. A 1.6 is definitely a step up. The ultimate swap people do with these is a 1.9L VW TDI. Tons of torque for rock crawling and it makes them highway friendly.
After all these years Suzuki still makes the Samari. It’s called a Jimney and they have a real following in Europe and in the UK offering cheap reliable off-road transportation.
My wife and I have owned three Samurai’s over the years and they are an amazing little 4WD. Use them for what they were intended for and you be amazed at their capabilities, quality and simplicity.
Think of them as a very refined Jeep CJ5, which incidentally were also very rollover prone, much like the Bronco II or any short, high center of gravity vehicle. Duhh! The Consumers Report hit job really destroyed the Suzuki brand in the U.S. and their sales went to nothing because the Samurai actually was selling better than the contemporary Wrangler and Suzuki actually sold 2 Samurais for every Wrangler in 1987. However, once CR reported its test results, sales dropped to nothing and the year after the report was released, Automotive News reports less than 2000 Samurai’s were sold. CR also singled out the Isuzu Trooper too, they pulled out of the U.S. market in 2008. Suzuki pulled out in 2012, although they are still selling vehicles worldwide. Because of Consumer Reports rigged tests, the average American driver’s stupidity and too many greedy lawyers, it was our loss. Suzuki makes still makes great vehicles, but regrettably we can’t buy them here anymore. Read more about that here:
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-90s-scandal-consumer-reports-hopes-you-forgot-about/
We currently own a 1988 Samurai soft top that is actually nicer than this one. It had less that 50,000 miles on it when we bought it six years ago. It had spent most of it’s life behind a motorhome and I use it for that too. Original everything, engine, paint, interior, even the carpet. I detailed it, buffed it out, put on a new Bestop and bigger BFG Trail Terrains on chrome mod wheels on Old Man Emu 2″ springs lift kit with longer shackles in front. I have 2″ hitch receivers mounted front and rear so I can pull or push a trailer or mount my winch on ether end.
It can go almost anywhere, actually it will go places big 4WD’s can’t go. With 62″ track width (on mine with bigger tires) and a 80″wheelbase, it is actually narrow enough to go on trails the side by side $20K ORV’s can’t go!
On April 21, 2007, the Chilean duo of Gonzalo Bravo and Eduardo Canales drove their modified Suzuki Samurai (SJ413) up Ojos del Salado to an altitude of 6,688 m (21,942 ft), setting a new record for the highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle, surpassing the previous record of 6,646 m (21,804 ft) set by a Jeep!
We also own a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara with 43,000 miles that is also a no nonsense 4WD. It also goes almost anywhere and handles like a sports car. We also tow it behind our motorhome, especially when we need air conditioned comfort.
As you can see I am a big fan of Suzukis!
Here’s some pics of our Sammy on Pismo Beach, California.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7DHqu3LZtmvi1yW57
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6S2HzA7nRtELN2r66
I have owned 2 samurais , 2 trackers and loved them all
Treated all of them
Like garbage
Beat them all
Hated the samurais on the highway but loved them on the trails and winter driving and parking in montreal , canada
I needed bigger because of work and kids but still smile and giggle when i see these little buggers
For a vehicle that many here don’t seem to be fans of there have been a lot of comments. I traded a Ford EXP for one of these in November of 1986. Straight trade, I think the title said $4999. Kept it for 22 years and put 84000 miles on it. Sold it for 3800 Never broke down. All I did was change oil, tuned it up around 60,000 miles and replace the top probably 3 times. I did replace the distributor cap but I think I cracked it when I replaced the points and condenser it had.
It was a roller skate with a motor, but it was far better than many of you have commented. Granted, we used it on the road. I bought it in VA but it ran great in the sand when I moved to FL. It ran well in the mountains of TN when I moved there, and it performed well in LA when I moved there.
But some comments are very true. Don’t try to drive it faster than 55 MPH unless you were tailgating a truck (not recommended). It was a bit rough to ride for long miles in but my kids were very sad when I sold it (with no airbags, my wife refused to let any of them drive it). The guy who bought it put a Ford 289 V8 in it and some better tires. I saw it once he finished it but never again. I don’t miss it much but it was much more stable than the hard tops were. The weight distribution was different on those.
There are definitely some add ons to the one listed. No way you could hear anything from those speakers in the back that they show. Those were useless. I hung mine from the roll bar and could still barely hear them, even with the soft top on. Quiet the car was not.
This one went for a paltry $9900. There’s a lot more rust free ones from $2K to $8K here in the Southwest. Here’s a few more for a lot more $$. These are just the ones over $10K.
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/d/lake-havasu-city-1991-suzuki-samuri-jl/7181177519.html
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/d/englewood-suzuki-samurai-v6/7178010697.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/san-clemente-1986-suzuki-samurai/7179989756.html
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/d/fallbrook-1986-suzuki-samurai-long/7181233717.html
https://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/d/wann-1987-suzuki-samurai/7172596274.html