KEI Truck Test Drive: Subaru Sambar, is it the "Demon" of Kei Trucks?

KEI Truck Test Drive: Subaru Sambar, is it the "Demon" of Kei Trucks?
I borrow Francis, 1992 Subaru Sambar and take it on a test drive! I am in for an awakening from this truck.
Thanks for watching and subscribe for more!
Hafa Adai=Hello

[@1dash133]

I own a 1994 Sambar. It's got A/C that still works amazingly well. No climate control, so I turn it on when I'm hot and turn it off when I'm cold. I love my A/C! 4WD, 5-speed with an extra-Low gear (that makes it like a 6-speed), plus differential lock. With a curb weight of only 1600 lbs., it's pretty much "unstuckable" for any of the roadway conditions that I will likely ever encounter - even with standard street tires. And mine is a supercharged model. While the engine only puts out about 57 HP, that's 25% more available horses than the regular carbureted model. For 95% of my in-town driving, the extra power is unnecessary. But when needed, the additional burst of power is a luxury that is nice to have. The funny thing is that I use the truck as much as a work table as for anything else. I have limited garage space, so most of my shelves and benches are full. The one clean, flat space that is always open is my truck bed. Rails folded down, it is the perfect height for working on quickie projects.

[@livingthislife]

@@1dash133 Sambar💥👍🏾

[@wexflex9140]

If you get a supercharged version you need to make a comparison. Great video.

[@Polecat54941]

I have the van version of this k4 and love it every time I go out in it, Glad to see your steering wheel on the correct side of the truck :)

[@livingthislife]

I need to try one of the kei vans👌🏾

[@michaelduong3852]

yes please do an off road comparison! would be very interesting to see! love your vids so far! keep up the great work!

[@livingthislife]

Thank you for watching, we really appreciate feedback! I know we need to tryout the 4x4 systems on these trucks. The sambar really got me!

[@mrs1180]

First lets unbolt the rear differential on Marvin’s Suzuki Carry and pull it with that Sambar. 👍🏽

[@livingthislife]

@@mrs1180 sorry Marv🤣🤣🤣👌🏾

[@drain_001]

After a ton of research I just put a deposit down on importing a Sambar... mainly because of this video. Thank you :)

[@livingthislife]

Thanks for watching...enjoy that beast🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@EcclecticNerd]

Good lil review and walkaround, that interior is super clean looking! Planning on getting one of these when I move to Japan. Really gonna try and get the supercharged version if possible, cuz the idea of a supercharger noises on a lil 660 cc motor is way too entertaining to pass up.

[@livingthislife]

Good choice then add an exhaust..it will have a nice rumble👍🏾

[@TOKYOSMITH]

Cool. Japanese car enthusiasts call Subaru Sambar, "Porsche on the farm roads" because of the rear engine rear wheel drive layout. Honda Acty is called "NSX on the farm roads" because it's MR.

[@livingthislife]

Lol...i didnt know that but makes lots of sense....the Daihatsu should be called the Lexus of Kei trucks🤙🏾

[@TOKYOSMITH]

@@livingthislife LOL

[@islander2005]

I always thought that kei vehicles were limited to 3 cylinders, I guess not. Thanks for the vid Ers!

[@livingthislife]

I thought so too but kei vehicles are limited on displacement at 660cc...maybe someone will make a 8 cylinder kei🤣🤣

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

*Quick Tip* I know it should be easy to reach, but to make it easier to roll down the manual passenger window, cut a piece of PVC pipe to the correct length to reach the crank and there you go. It is easy to store behind the seat or wherever. My Pop used to have a piece cut out for his Ford pickup back in the day. Thank you for the video! Just subscribed. Peace

[@livingthislife]

Thanks for the sub. I had a ford truck and would have to stretch to roll down the window...that would be perfect.

[@ChrisfromGeorgia]

@@livingthislife Right on! Glad to help. I really like your videos on Kei trucks. They are very informative! Peace

[@glennoc8585]

I had an 88 model for fetching building goods. Went really well but only 550cc two cylinder.

[@livingthislife]

Whoa 2 cylinder...amazing what these things can do👍🏾

[@lowcatalina6638]

Great video! I want one

[@herbprivetts8448]

Watching your vids, my choice was a 1993 Suzuki Carry. Had it about a year, but New York is , well they don’t like these trucks. Had to register in Vermont. Nice channel.

[@JunaWaAmin]

Oh shit,...this is Guam! Hey! Håfa Adai! Wow! I knew your accent sounded so homely.

[@livingthislife]

Hafa Adai🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@robertelmo7736]

In process of getting me a dump Sambar, can't wait!

[@livingthislife]

Great choice...powerful kei truck👍🏾🤙🏾

[@thomas1699]

I understand that the reason for other Makers using the 3 cylinder Engine is because it has a longer stroke and therefore, a little more torque. (What truck doesn't need more torque?)

[@rc-huina8221]

Nice video car👍🤗

[@GoliathAngelus]

Nice!! I know only the older model. I thought Subaru doesn t use the name Sambar anymore. I can imagine how much fun you have in this micro truck

[@1dash133]

While it remains branded and sold by Subaru as their Sambar line, Daihatsu (now a subsidiary of Toyota) has been manufacturing the truck since 2012.

[@jeffsayers5986]

I just stumbled on your videos ,I love them thank you . I have a Mazda cx30 but I want to buy a Kei truck for a fun hobby . I’m leaning towards the Honda . What alloy wheels fit the Honda ,they look great with bigger wheels. I will keep watching cheers Jeff in Australia.

[@Gupadodo]

What a sweet ride! Seems like a beast for on the road driving...even though I couldn't use it for that I almost want one more than a Suzuki. And they supercharged some of these too...that's crazy haha! Thanks for sharing!

[@floydthedroid5935]

You got yourself a subscriber bud

[@livingthislife]

Thank you sir👍🏾👍🏾

[@project5783]

beautiful SAMBAR

[@tylaranderson8559]

Really like your reviews. I was bitten by the Kei truck bug awhile back . Now I'm looking at getting a Kei van but I am 6 ft 3 you mentioned on the Subaru truck is had a taller cab do you know if their Vans are also a bit taller then the Honda ?

[@livingthislife]

I'm not sure about the van cab height...I'm going to assume that it is because manufacturers usually use the same truck cabs for vans.

[@poppyneese1811]

👍👍👍👍👍REVIEW!!!

[@daatmanik]

Hi, thanks for this great video, I want to ask you what about the heath in a daily use, I live in a beach area and a I'd like to know if one kei wo A/C will be a nice choise or definetly I must go for an A/C equipped. Thanks.

[@livingthislife]

The A/C in the trucks don't really get that cold and since you're in a beach area I don't think you need it....I rarely use my a/c...the cab stays cool with windows rolled down

[@petermorrow3931]

Lol. Do you know if they make this one in an extra cab? Shoot how hard is it to find a supercharged one. That would be awesome!!!!

[@livingthislife]

Not sure about an xtra cab but it does take some hunting for a supecharged one...with covid its even harder because it seems like no one selling on auction in Japan these days.

[@lur3950]

Where can I buy 1 of this?

[@kingazhar1212]

Do you have the video where tou take all the trucks on off road track??

[@Dolcerae]

How tall are you? Just trying to gauge how much room i would have inside a kei truck.

[@livingthislife]

5-11"

[@davidyoder8116]

Question I am leaning more towards sazuki carry , but after watching this video, I'm exploring for more options , I like the gear options, debating in my mind , which is for me , Looking for farm use, example from hauling a round bale to pulling hay implements down the road???? Do you have any video on the difference between the subaru,,, and carry?

[@livingthislife]

You can't go wrong with either. The advantage that the Subaru has is for higher speeds only, for hauling and general use they are about the same.

[@davidyoder8116]

Thanks One more question are the parts on subaru sambar as readily available as the Suzuki carry, Because in my book it makes a big difference.

[@livingthislife]

@@davidyoder8116 This is where the suzuki has the advantage...to me suzuki has more parts available and aftermarket too.

[@dustyjordan460]

Hey, it's Guam! I currently live on Guam and have been wanting a kei van. I live down south though and I've been wondering how they would handle the hills down there? Would you recommend one model over the others for better performance on steep hills?

[@livingthislife]

A Subaru van would have the most HP because it's 4cyl and should perform better for hills. Most kei vans are ok on the southern hills.

[@redneckem1]

Where did you find the Rain guards? Would love some on my 93 sambar

[@livingthislife]

It came with the truck when we bought it👍🏾

[@1dash133]

Door Visor Rain Guard for Subaru Sambar Truck KS3 KS4 _ available from Fast-East web vendor. I purchased this product for my 1994 Sambar KS4. Pricey, but fits well. Have been using it for 1 year so far, no problems.

[@papa606]

Do a hi deck van part- pick up part van

[@livingthislife]

I want one of those.

[@Jordan-bj7jd]

Aloha, cousin. I'm looking to import one of these Where is the best place?

[@SCUZZYFM]

i know duncan imports in virginia has a ton of kei trucks in stock

[@koolbugz]

how fast was 5th gear? my daihatsu liberno with turbo hauls butt the wheel starts shimming around 110 but cleans up around 120 i think it can go to 130 but i havent done it yet

[@livingthislife]

Not sure about the 110 mph for these 🤣

[@koolbugz]

@@livingthislife 110 km is almost 70 mph 120 km is about 75mph and 130 is around 80 mph my little van hauls butt to bad it shakes like a recovering alcoholic

[@1dash133]

​@@livingthislife Pretty sure he was talking about KPH. The top speed of the supercharged Sambar is reported to be 85mph, but speed over 70mph is not recommended because of the chance of throwing a rod. On my supercharged 1994 Sambar, I generally try to stay under 65mph (70mph just for occasional passing of other cars) and no more than 60mph for longer drives of over half-an-hour. Note: The vast majority of my rides are in town, less than 5 miles. If I had to commute daily over long distances, I'd invest in an oil cooler.

[@97warlock]

way t0o expensive now since so much timwe has past & people began seeing it as a collector item. This mini truck wouldnt be even looked at twice in the 90s.

[@livingthislife]

It's one of those things...when you see it you want to own it👍🏾

[@97warlock]

@@livingthislife I just saw one......5 minutes ago in Port CFharlotte going down Placida road ........5 minutes ago. Yes it looked weirdly cool

[@papa606]

Are you under the 25 year import law or 20 like we are in the states with 25 year law

[@livingthislife]

25 year rule....really wish it was 20 I would be looking for an r34👍🏾👍🏾

[@pizzaboi2822]

Would you think this truck would be ok for a daily driver to work from Dededo to big navy?

[@livingthislife]

If your comfortable doing mechanical work...you can use it as a daily...keep it mind that the truck is over 20yrs old🤙🏾

[@pizzaboi2822]

How bad is the maintenance? Is it more frequent oil changes. For reference, I used to have a 97 tacoma that was ok, frequent oil changes and replacing parts occasionally.

[@amauta5]

Is there a version where it comes with AC?

[@livingthislife]

Yes

[@5time824]

Easy on that clutch kid 🧒

[@livingthislife]

🤣

[@lilredwagon5311]

I'd look to getting one of these mini trucks but it seems to be too complicated to get one from an importer...

[@livingthislife]

I made a vid regarding using a Japanese importer....search my videos...it's a good start. A reputable importer will answer all your questions and help your through the whole process, until the vehicle arrives at your port. The main thing is to have all your questions answered.

[@lilredwagon5311]

@@livingthislife problem is though...I'm smack dab in the middle of the US...in the Dakotas to be exact...one dealership says I would have to set up shipping the little truck from their dealership in VA to me...but i dont know how to do that haha! Sounds a bit more different from when I bought my brand new nissan frontier from an out of state nissan dealership

[@livingthislife]

@@lilredwagon5311 Yep you are far from Japan...no doubt. It can be done, ive shipped a car from the east coast to my port on Guam. I know there are minitruck dealers throughout the US....just find a reasonable transporter..ive used jandstransport.com before👍🏾

[@lilredwagon5311]

@@livingthislife thank you sir! I've kinda been looking at lightly used efficient vehicles to compliment my midsized truck haha! Has to be a manual transmission haha!

[@outdatedgear5036]

Sir, im on Guam to. My dad just bought one, do you work on these?

[@livingthislife]

Just the basics...there is a Guam Kei Car facebook group if you need resources on the island🤙🏾

[@outdatedgear5036]

Living This Life thank you. Keep up the good reviews.

[@livingthislife]

@@outdatedgear5036 i checked out your channel...you should make music for youtube videos..send me something and ill use it on a video

[@outdatedgear5036]

Living This Life awesome! Yes that can happen. Could you pm me your email?

[@livingthislife]

@@outdatedgear5036 i dont know how to pm thru youtube but if you go to my channel and click on ABOUT you can find my instagram its 1erskin then you can message me

[@davidramirez8205]

Question, does a 1991 Subaru samber have the ability to drift?

[@livingthislife]

All cars can drift💥💥💥🤙🏾

[@1dash133]

Because the balanced front-rear weighting and light overall weight, the Sambar is easy to drift ... but it is kind of ridiculous to do so. After all, it is a 25+ year old vehicle, that's intended for utility and not for sport. But if you've got money to burn and have a safe place to play, go for it!