The Suzuki Samurai - Part 3 of the "Little Weirdos" 4x4 Series

Better Than New

00:00 - OPEN - Little Weirdos 4x4 Edition Special - PART 3

Today is the third episode of our month-long Little Weirdo’s 4x4 Edition podcast special here on Better Than New - featuring four small, fun-to-drive and affordable used 4x4 SUVs from the 80s and 90s.

01:10 - INTRO - 1986-1995 Suzuki Samurai 4x4

This week’s “Little Weirdo” small 4x4 is the Suzuki Samurai, which was introduced to America in 1985 as a 1986 model year vehicle and was sold here through 1995

01:50 - The Numbers Don't Matter

The Suzuki Samurai's horsepower, torque and acceleration numbers are well below modern SUVs, but take one drive off-road in the Samurai and none that matters.

04:50 - Serious Off-Road Capability

The Samurai is very compact and light, yet it still features a rugged, body-on-frame design and a 2-speed transfer case with 2WD high, 4WD high and 4WD low, so it’s considered to be a “real” 4WD vehicle by off-road enthusiasts.

06:30 - The Altitude Record

In 2007, a team of Chilean drivers used a modified Suzuki Samurai to set a Guinness world altitude record of 21,804 feet on a dormant volcano in the Andes mountains - a record that stood for more than a dozen years.

07:30 - Primitive, But Better Over Time

While small and crude, Suzuki continued to slowly improve the Samurai over its 9-year US run.

09:00 - Beginning Of The End - The Consumer Reports Rollover Story

Even though the Samurai had performed well in Consumer Reports initial handling tests, apparently a staff member of the magazine later rolled a Samurai while driving. Because of that, the magazine's editors decided to try to replicate the same conditions to determine if the Samurai was actually more inclined to roll compared to similar vehicles.

11:15 - Is The Samurai Really The Rollover King?

High ground clearance 4x4s with a short wheelbase, a high center of gravity and tall off-road tires will always be inclined to roll over easier than say, a low-slung sports car with a low center of gravity.

13:35 - What Should You Look For?

• Condition is the most important thing to consider
• Available with a Soft-top or Hardtop
• Low miles, minimal owners, no rebuilt or salvage title
• Buy one in stock condition
• Make sure it has the back bench seat

18:10 - How Much Should You Pay?

• Under $5000 - Not very many good Samurai's in this low price range, but you might get lucky
• $5000 to $7500 - Good solid examples can be found in this range, but with some minor issues
• $7500 to $10,000 - This is the price range where I would expect to find great examples, excellent value and the best deals
• $10,000 to $12,500 - You should easily be able to find a great Samurai in this range without too much effort.
• $12,500-$15,000 or more - At this price or higher, you might want to consider other options, so make sure a Samurai is really what you want to buy before paying this much.

20:55 - Conclusion

That wraps up this week’s Little Weirdo’s 4x4 Edition episode on the Suzuki Samurai. Another excellent, small 4x4 SUV from the 80s and 90s that’s provides Jeep-like off-road prowess with a relatively inexpensive price.

RELEVANT LINKS:

5-Door Jimny Coming in 2023 - https://www.drive.com.au/news/2023-suzuki-jimny-five-door-wagon-official/