Suzuki Samurai (SJ413) as a Daily Driver 😱 | How Bad is it Really? 😍or💩?

Daily driving a classic car can be a love-hate kind of deal. I've been daily driving classic cars since I can remember and my current daily driver is a 1988 Suzuki Samurai or SJ413 as they are known here.
In this video I share the pros and cons of daily driving a classic 1980's Suzuki Samurai.
How to support the channel:
www.buymeacoffee.com/ADVbiket...
Email me at [e-mail]
#suzukisamurai #SJ413 #SuzukiSJ

[@Nellie-H]

I've been driving a LJ-80. A predecessor of the Samurai. These Suzuki's are the most honest, basic universal cars bringing you from A to B. Off Road if needed. 800cc four banger engine. 39 hp. I wish I'd still have it.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Oh wow, I've never seen an LJ80 in real life. They look amazing!

[@The88Nomad]

Simply incredible! I am just watching a random car review and my guy suddenly stops his car because a giraffe is crossing the road! One day, I hope to do the same by doing my daily drive through the bush in Somalia. I hope to see the wild animals there: Somali giraffe, zebras, hyenas, ostriches, cheetahs and etc..

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. I am very fortunate where I live. You must go and find them :)

[@user-ij3gs1hi8r]

I live in Greece and my dad bought one used back in 90s he drove the hell out of it mainly because he was a big hunting fan he would go hunting everyday but even with all that hardcore off roading he only managed to damage the hight gear transfer case in the early 2000s. After some time he left it sitting now it has been sitting in our back yard for almost 20 years im 17 btw the reason was that due to having children he had to buy a brand new safer and more reliable car which in his case was a nissan almera n16 2006 very good car . The sad thing about all this is that i didnt get to have any memories of sitting in the suzuki or just seeing it drive and for that reason once i have enough money to spear im planning on doing a full restoration on the little suzuki samurai.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Wow, you have to get that Suzuki to drive! It is amazing that he kept it for so long, even though it is not driving. I hope you get the chance to save it.

[@giannisapostolopoulos4647]

Exw kiegw ena re file kai prospa8w na to kanw na doulepsei to bourdelo

[@GasGearsGames]

I daily drove my samurai for about 3 years going to work, 112 mile round trip every day. Had the r12 ac but that went flat so I stopped driving it, (needs to be converted now). I have 3 of them, 2 soft tops and a hard top. I live in a place where it gets well into 120 degrees f in the summer so having AC is a must. My samurai is in amazing shape, its been garaged its life for the most part has 0 rust and I mean zero! Mostly stock soft top, has had the radio and speakers changed and had some metal door cards installed, and I've changed the leaky oil seals. Has 165000 miles on it, just needs the AC converted to the new system and its good to hit the road again. I think they are fun daily drivers and I had no problems keeping up with traffic at 75 80 mph. Some times I tow a tiny trailer from the hardware store or some 4x4 and a cooler on the weekend. Love the Suzuki line up, have 3 samurais, 2 swift GTs, and like 12 of the 1.0 liter engine swifts.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Nice man. I would love AC in this one. We also get 45 degrees C in summer here. Wow, sounds like you are a huge Zook fan. Rust free examples are getting scarce.

[@FOXeye95]

A friend of mine has one that wants to trade up for my patrol 260, it's a sj410 with a vitara 1.6 8v carb swap and 5speed. Reckon is a good idea? My patrol already has arb but other than that stock

[@JH-lo9ut]

AC is not a must if you can fold down the windshield.

[@sozekeysersoze]

I have been daily driving my Samurai for 19 years now. It was my first car.. now I have 4 of them. I may have a problem

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I think you do... and I know the feeling. I am looking for my third Merc W123 now.

[@moatazal-nood5378]

😂 i have one too and its 10 years since i bought it and boy its the only thing that i love no matter what cost and trouble so i may have a problem too😂

[@GreaseAndGravel]

LOL, I hear you!@@moatazal-nood5378

[@edwardhoward4708]

That is a high-quality problem.

[@ciklope0]

Greetings from Colombia. I have a samurai and I think it is one of those cars that becomes part of the family... when I drive it I feel a feeling of security and reliability that no other vehicle gives me. Congratulations on an excellent video.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thank you for the kind words. I smile every time I get into this Samurai and it has never let me down.

[@clooperman3745]

@@GreaseAndGravel Wish l had kept mine, had a LWB SJ413 with the removable hard top (without windows). lt was modified with front and rear ARB lockers, 2" body lift, heavy duty half shafts, power steering, 6.5 to 1 low range gears and 30" tyres, there was no rust as it was rust proofed from new. l added some soundproofing which made a big difference and 60mph on the motorway it was quite civilised.

[@andrewwilson3054]

You got a pet giraffe in your back yard. I always look at the landscape surroundings in your videos, love that area. Great little car, all you need and simple, no electronics to battle with.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

The simplicity is what I like most about the Suzuki. Yeah, we are very fortunate. A giraffe had breakfast from a Knob Thorn right next to the house this morning.

[@BigRigsLongWeekend]

Great video man! Keep up the good work.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks man!!

[@jmj5150]

If I lived in the Mad Max Thunderdome desert like you do I would drive the Suzuki Samurai daily too..

[@GreaseAndGravel]

LOL, it is the only thing that will survive out here

[@Zuksoffroad]

I talk from building over 1000 customers Suzukis. It’s a crappy cheap car but it is also a blank canvas. You make this car with the right suspension,engine, gearing and you have a safe, capable economical Dd.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for the comment. I am so glad I found your channel. Some awesome useful stuff on there. I will be watching all of it. Cheers

[@dannysrigid]

Wife and I both daily drove our Suzuki X90s for years. She drove 80 miles one way, I was about half of that. Hers finally ate a piston @ about 200K miles. We now have 4 of them that we use off road only (dunes and trail riding).

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Wow, that sounds awesome! I just love mine

[@thetruenorthreviews]

Great video mate thanks for sharing! would be great to see a video of the throttle/clutch pedals while driving it as well to see how they go! cheers

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks man, I appreciate the positive comment. I'll see if I can make a plan :)

[@jamiegovett2371]

Nice video, I too have a suzuki 1990 sierra that I daily drive, owned for 15 years/300,000km, I also own a 200 series Land cruiser, prefer to drive the sierra as more fun to drive down here in Australia.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Wow, 300 000km! That is amazing. We've had this one in the family since 2007. Thanks for watching. The LC200 is one of my dream vehicles (along with the 76).

[@nirmalharindran4746]

Driving the long chase version of suzuki samurai.. known in India as the Maruti Gypsy.. it does bring a smile on my face everytime I sit on the Driving seat..

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Every time! I agree :)

[@garymatten]

I love it mate, am looking for another one now in Western Australia. Am i correct in reading yours has 589,000kms??? If so thats very impressive!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Howzit! Nah, mine is at 58 900km (but could be 158 900km too). They really are awesome little vehicles. Damn, I really want to make a trip to WA someday. I just love arid areas.

[@mafiozozpruszkowa9419]

What a nice guy you are 👍🏼

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thank you sir

[@MFGoffroadteam]

looove this suzuki!! We love 4x4 adventures too with our suzuki jimny and mitsubishi Pajero! We love to put our content on KZbin like you❤

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for watching. You must make more videos! I've subscribed. We also have a 2010 Jimny like yours. Awesome little cars.

[@MFGoffroadteam]

@@GreaseAndGravel oggi yesss thank you so much!!!

[@captainrex4794]

I daily drive a 1987 Jeep Cherokee, and recently a 1987 Jeep Comanche as the Cherokee is in the shop. I take pride in driving it but I for-go safety and comfort. I'd love a new w Gladiator. Super neat to see someone else daily driving an older rig!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I just love older cars. So much more character. Pity we never got the Comanche over here. Those older Cherokees were great. Anyting with a solid front axle :)

[@Mraudiophyl]

I daily drive aa1986 Suzuki Samurai tin top, with a 1.6l 8v out of a tracker. I love it. 😊

[@GreaseAndGravel]

They are just awesome!!

[@darwinstubbie860]

I had one of these in Australia as my weekend vehicle. Perfect for runninig along the Beaches of Stradtbroke Island. After 5 years I sold it for. $2500, something I still regret.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I am glad you mentioned this, because I've nearly sold it twice and I know I will regret it. I also won't find one in this good conditions again.

[@artudionepal]

Hey we are from Nepal and We are driving both Samurai and Jimny

[@petergbrics7260]

Great videao,thanks a lot.Greetings from Hungary 🇭🇺. If SA gets to dangerous,move to Hungary.

[@johnog8358]

I'd love to see the fix small issues video!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, John! I've been so busy, will have filmed valve clearance and shifter bushing replacement. I will try to post it early next year :)

[@johnog8358]

No problem , definitely will be a good video! that's exactly the issues I have at the moment all those things haha

[@richardvalitalo3670]

"Use your head as a safety feature" LOL

[@GreaseAndGravel]

🤣 I really believe that is one of the benefits of driving a classic car (or any motorcycle). It make you a safer driver/rider exactly because you don't have all the other safety features...

[@buddynewman8949]

have a 1987 suzuki samurai tintiop, the samurai has been the simplest, most reliable vehicle aI have ever owned, street legal, will do 60 mph all day on the interstate, will climb walls in 4 wheel drive, always starts, very easy to work on, great truck, still have it after 25 years.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I've almost sold it twice, but glad I didn't. All these comments will help me keep it forever. It really is an amazing little vehicle and mine is in near perfect condition. I love it for all the same reasons as you.

[@mannyrosado9887]

Ours is a 1988 that my best friend gave me in 2018 and it’s my daily since then, it has cross Texas, Louisiana, DC, and now Kingston Canada and it’s amazingly fun to drive; slow, yes, spartan, you bet, but very few things in the road can give you more smiles per gallon. Did I said it’s super reliable?!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I agree, I smile EVERY time I drive it :)

[@herbie53opf]

I daily my Samurai since 6 years. Great car

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Nice!! It really is an awesome car

[@valerierayburn813]

Here in the USA top speed and most with a manual transmission make the problematic, transplanting a larger motor and automatic is possible and done fairly often. I’ve taken 1,000 mile trips usually 300 or so miles a day on 2 lane roads and my back didn’t like it much Lol!!!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

LOL, yeah. I hear you. Max practical cruising speed is around 60 mph, so progress is slow. And it is loud inside. For in-town it is perfect though.

[@chancefugitt4329]

My Dad daily drove mine from 1987 until he passed way in 2011.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thank you for sharing. My dad also drove this one daily until he had to move to a smaller place. We need to hang on to these. Peace.

[@dennisgunn4673]

The only thing better than a Sami is two Sami’s. They are my favorite vehicles to drive.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I agree, they really are awesome little vehicles!

[@Ktm083-pu9lj]

I beg too differ 3 is way better 😂.I might stop at ten but 20 is better 😂😂

[@GreaseAndGravel]

LOL, yes. I have a Gen3 Jimny too. But before I get another Sami, I want a W123 Merc again. Too many awesome old cars, so little time and money ;)

[@dannysrigid]

No Samis here, we're an X90 family, we have 4.

[@raaz377]

Hi, Need your guidance to know pipe in engine silencer chamber which is connected with Air filter hose.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Hi, how can I help? Do you need to know the dimensions of the pipe? Or where to buy it? I can measure it for you.

[@Mattrattmattratt]

bros got the vibe of a Suzuki samurai 🤙

[@GreaseAndGravel]

thanks for watching👊🏼

[@jirajira2872]

simple. good transportation for me

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I agree. The simpler the better!

[@djkenny1202]

I like them. Always had interest. I cannot imagine dropping over $2500 for a good stock one. I see people selling these are total Crack smoking prices. Its a massive compromise vehicle that should be cheap and rugged.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I paid $3500 for mine and I believe this Suzuki will outlast most modern cars that cost $35000.

[@djkenny1202]

@@GreaseAndGravel what area? Too many wrecks here for $2500.

[@jerry-cw9yw]

easy rig to build from parts up....

[@djkenny1202]

@@GreaseAndGravel I wanted a VW Vert, or Samurai. After seeing what I could get for $3000, I went 2000 Cabrio in beautiful garaged shape. The Samurai’s were a mess, here.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

South Africa@@djkenny1202 Many wrecks here too for $4000

[@jameswu9363]

I still daily drive my 87 Samurai, but mine has AC.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Lucky! They never came out with AC over here.

[@didojohnjosegarces3746]

I hope this car model can be reproduced again, hopefully in 5 doors.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Me too! The new Jimny 5-door just arrived in SA, but I like the old stuff far more.

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle]

Samurai Jimny Sierra best ca in the world 😊

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I agree!

[@reneguay1347]

I drive a 1976 trans am and a 1991 samurai

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Nice combo! I am in the process of acquiring a 1984 Mercedes 280E to compliment the Zook

[@pelleGshore]

Does anyone knows if it is possibile to install some kind of device to support a rooftop tent?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Is it a hardtop? I would not try it on this one with the fibre glass roof. I suspect you'd have to mount bars to the chassis from the outside somehow. Rooftop tents are too heavy in my opinion, but I've seen them on the Gen3 and 4 Jimnys

[@pelleGshore]

Yes, the one i would like to buy in the next days is a hardtop and the mount bars are already installed but actually i don't know if it's a good idea trust the old roof of this Sj410 (1989) 😂 On jimnys i know it's possibile and they are great! Thanks for the answer buddy!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@pelleGshore I'd not risk it. Mostly for safety but also the integrity of the body. Enjoy to Samurai!! they are just awesome. Cheers bro

[@RealTalkWithMitch]

I got an 1988 Suzuki Samurai (Sierra in Australia). Thats my daily driver, my 1990 80 series costs too much as a daily aftere Covid :) I love it, its got aircon. Tin top, but is not comfortable thats for sure, but thats simple stuff I can slowly change. Reliable, tough and easy to use. Perfect daily car if you live in an area like me (rural Australia)

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Sounds amazing. Wish I had AC as it gets in the 40s here in summer (Rural South Africa). I do the same. My 3.4 V6 Prado is too heavy for everyday driving.

[@RealTalkWithMitch]

@@GreaseAndGravel Yea, im in Northern Australia so we get the same weather heat wise. The aircon is an aftermarket mod. Costs a fair bit but if you can find a wrecked one with it already youd get it cheap

[@GreaseAndGravel]

They never had AC here, so I'd have to go aftermarket too@@RealTalkWithMitch What unit did you use?

[@Idopainting]

how tall are you whats the head room like?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I am 183cm and there’s more than enough headroom

[@grahamwoodage3515]

My son's 186 tall. Loads of headroom. Daily driver in Peru for the past 14 years. Unstoppable off road. Extremely reliable 400000kms on the clock

[@tirouspsss]

10km / 1L = 10L / 100km.. that is waaaay too much for an engine that size. I get ~6.5L / 100km from my 1.3L 1997 Toyota Starlet.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Is the Starlet not fuel injected?

[@garymatten]

Remember its also a boxy 4wd with a transfer case and the aerodynamics of a brick :)

[@GreaseAndGravel]

100%@@garymatten You can't compare it to a hatchback

[@adrianruncan7642]

I have Suzuki Samurai 1.3i 🤗👍👏

[@fa-kw7hv]

👍👍👍❤🇵🇰.

[@w.loczykij5354]

Who would steal such a car... NATIVES ????

[@GreaseAndGravel]

IDK, but I also know it won't be difficult

[@stevejones1318]

Seef African accent is the worst.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for the feedback! Did you compare it to all the other accents? If I had such time on my hands I'd publish a video every day. The stuff people spend their time on these days...

[@pauliej4208]

Shirley he's joking. And yes, I did call him Shirley.

[@neliland]

I love your accent 🤣✨