The Subaru Sambar Van: Better Than The Truck? Which Kei Is Better!?

[@timbrown9731]

One thing Subaru has always excelled at is… packaging if you look at all their sedans their cars they really good at designing interiors with pretty darn good ergonomics..

[@flandrble]

except this is just a badge engineered car, Subaru didn't make any of it :D

[@ws6619]

Yeah, give me a break. Then folks shouldn't be allowed to drive their 1969 Camaros on the road either due to 'safety' concerns

[@gobeklipepe]

Family in Honduras absolutely love Subaru’s. They drive the baja and old school foresters. Didn’t know Subaru was in Honduras. They say Subaru is better than Toyota 😳 cheaper to.

[@AlienDSM]

As another Catracho with a WRX I have never seen any Subarus there whenever I'm visiting family. But I'm glad it is praised over there.

[@gobeklipepe]

@@AlienDSM They live in the mountains and also have the old outbacks. I never seen them either but they apparently are there. They love the ease of maintenance and the do-all vibes they have.

[@michaelmartin2276]

Their is a guy who drives a Sanbar truck who works at Harbor Freight in Elizabeth City, NC. This little van has more usable space than many pickup beds !

[@michaelmartin2276]

Hey how about getting a Subaru Lawnmower ! Be cool to see one and what it's all about.

[@TheCyleRitchie]

That's why they want to ban them.

[@SquareDealAppliance]

I own an appliance store. Yes, you CAN put a washer and dryer in the back, and still have room for a hand truck and a tool bucket.

[@ralphbuschman8141]

Yes a 4 wheel drive supercharged van is where I want to be next vehicle.

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

As a city slicker my vote is with the van.

[@MrPoppyDuck]

What a cool van! Would love to have something like that over my 9 year old Outback. More room and no CVT. So that is a vote for the van over the truck. 😊

[@xVern]

Funny enough, you can get it with a CVT if you really wanted to haha

[@DaveStrickland-w9f]

I would like the Van. With a wife in a wheelchair I need something I can travel with her or just to doctor's offices. But a 97 in Buffalo NY w no garage. However my 2010 Impreza W Is 14 and very minor rust but it's washed weekly. Great videos Thank You for teaching me about my car. I'm a 70 "s gear head this is a very different experience but fun.

[@charlesperry1051]

I like the van. I may have to start looking for one.

[@Qui_Gon_Ben]

Dang I just saw one of these for sale on FB marketplace like 15min ago.

[@andymeyer9876]

How much?

[@grockamicr5897]

love the videos, thanks for all the hard work you put in to making them👍

[@angelmejias6730]

I take the van all day!

[@ws_m]

I have to agree with your Robert, one of each is the way to go!

[@timotaneous3300]

Fyi, I'm a Sambarian because of you, period! Enjoy all your videos on these Kei Vehicles. So glad that you feature them when others bring them to you since you've sold the 2 you had. I imported my 98 Subaru Sambar 5spd 4x4 with AC in April of 23 here in TX and it's street legal with insurance and TX plates. Best little trucks. Keep these videos coming! Kei Truck Life

[@CompComp]

That's vans pretty sweet. I love the compartment under the floor. And the wife says a back seat is a requirement on all our vehicles. So I guess I know which I'm getting XP

[@davidmahan4160]

Excellent video. Personally, I'd rather have a van. But I think you should buy both, as they give you such versatility.

[@danielmejorado6098]

I'm getting one of these next year. And I'm going to get the KEI van RV Camper version. :)

[@djhogan9399]

I like both , if I had to choose just one I would go with the Van

[@HavokStrifeX]

The van is definitely a secret party wagon, so gotta go with the sheer versatility there.

[@jesseprice984]

I'm getting both.I've been thinking about one or the other but I'm decided on both you can find alot of them for a good price.

[@PleiadesPower]

I had to drive one of these 1500+ miles for a friend to his home in 2000 and man what conversation vehicle at the traffic lights, parking lots and gas stations it was!

[@richroj]

I really love that Sambar van Mr. Subaru. I've never seen one before just like the truck you had on before. I'll take it any day along with my 2 Foresters that I own. I would prefer an automatic trans as I've never driven a standard trans before. thanks again 👍👍

[@Doribi117]

I would love to get my hands on a sanbar truck and van, love me all things Subaru

[@mickeybrumfield764]

I like the versatility of the van.

[@SquareDealAppliance]

You are correct. The answer is to buy one of each. Currently very much enjoying my (nice) '97 KV3 Super, with air, double sunroof, and AT3 (not ECVT), and getting rather close to having my (beater) '94 KS4 Super, with air and MT5+1 ready to be my winter driver.

[@jeffwolf8018]

These k trucks are incredible. However I'm buying a brand new extended Chevy Express Cargo van with a 400 small block, this week.. this particular van that I found is a true unicorn.. extended barn doors with a V8 and a side sliding door.. I suspect that thing probably gets 10 times the mileage that I'm going to be getting what is monster engine. That takes 8 quarts at an oil change..

[@tj_gsomething_]

I think you found Topdon's first flaw.

[@mrj-charles6383]

I spend a lot of time in the Phillippines and these are common to see there. You can get the crew cab model. Then you will have the extra leg room you want. There is a Phillipine version called PhilTruck/ Those usually are better for offroad use since most sit higher. . Or you could buy the next size up one.

[@bryanhenderson8807]

The way I found out about these vehicles was, a few months ago, on my way to work, I drive by a used car lot that has a tiny Honda van. So I look it up and found out it is a kei van. I understand they have 40 horse power. I think they would be fun to drive, except I have 0 experience driving a stick shift. Great video. BTW, Subaru was my first 4wd car. I had a 1989 GL wagon. It was real good at driving in the snow. They were highly rated as a ski team vehicle.

[@markstrrator8375]

The van is cute, but my 08 Outback MT is just the perfect car for my lifestyle (bikes, canoes, kayaks, lawn equipment, etc)! I really appreciate all the excellent video's you produce that help me keep it tip-top!

[@enhancedutility266]

That's cool You're roughly my size so now I got something to compare if I ever get one of these little Vans

[@937wigger]

I’ve been wanting to get one of these vans forever.

[@afacereonline]

That's the SDX trim and they did come with SC engines too. SDX is the utilitarian version, hence the rear bench and vinyl seats; the only drawback is the integrated headrests which do not allow for the seats backs to fold back flat and clear the rears for the "bed" setting, and generally the front passenger seat does not slide back either. Also most SDX models do have a 350kg capacity like trucks do and early models had a stiffer suspension and a 10mm height advantage over the base and Dias models

[@QuesoBlancoChurroCompany]

I’ve had a 1998 Sambar classic van for one year now and it’s the best kei I think you could own. I’m going to sell my Sambar truck since I don’t drive it much anymore

[@ramalho]

Hands down, the van 100%

[@estorey1465]

Van for sure, its so cool!

[@davidvaillancourt972]

That van would work so perfectly for me! Where can I get one?!

[@thezfunk]

Mayberry Minitrucks. My buddy bought a truck from them and they were great. They have vans too.

[@AngelaGarcia-es4ku]

@@thezfunk Dalton Pike LLC, Cleveland, Ohio. They have tons of them. I test drove 1 last year

[@jeffhayes1223]

I like both the truck and van. The one point that makes me like the van a little bit more is the adjustability of the front seats. I am 6'3" and I need more space for my legs. Is the van awd? Thanks for another great video!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes. Push button AWD/4WD

[@edt459]

Hands down, the van is a winner.

[@grockamicr5897]

love the van

[@Gabe20m]

I would probably buy both the subaru samber kei van and truck

[@jf4872]

Mine is a 1990 Sambar Try XS Supercharge 5 speed, AC, EMPI, Hi-roof

[@wendymontie5660]

Van! Thanks for this video!

[@aaronhendrickson7524]

You have the gauge pod I designed and produce! That's so awesome to see in your Sambar! How do you like it?

[@JenniLudes]

Love the truck, but gotta go with the van. If I could get one (either, actually) from a reputable source for a reasonable price, yeah, I'm all over that!

[@martykong3592]

:) WOW and THANKS MUCH for sharing! I would LOVE to have 1! :) Are they hard to find here in US and someone like you to work on it in the PNWest? ALL the BEST, and Cheers!

[@shuba097]

I would want the truck!! I really love the sambar trucks! However due to where I live it seems like they can only be farm use but the van have a weird legal loophole where they can be legally driven on streets

[@darylSKYTZOwillis]

I prefer the van. Safer more interior space and seating for 4. They also look great with the VW Van conversion kit.

[@tj_gsomething_]

Truck +1 vote

[@michealrobinson]

I'd go truck for sure but the van is still really cool!

[@songfta]

Van over truck any day - especially if you're a person who lives an active outdoor lifestyle (read: skier or cyclist). That covered space in the rear is the bee's knees.

[@emv143]

IF both was offered in NA (Canada) in LHD instead of RHD...van wins hands down.

[@robertandersson8116]

I had a Subaru Columbuss 4wd 1.0 liters many years ago

[@fatrobdouble]

I think you know right away if the truck or the van suits you better. For me, the van makes more sense but depending on what you're carrying and how much of it, the truck might make more sense.

[@pistoncount]

Quick question please…. Who are you using to source your Sambars ? Thank you and keep up the great content!!!!

[@jd3497]

My next K truck will be a Daihatsu Jumbo or another Sambar with the dump bed and fuel injection.

[@ElectricBlakeGames]

dear mr subaru, recently i purchased a KS Tools 914.3820 3/8 locking flex extendable ratchet. the ratchet head appears to be made by TONE Tools Japan despite being a German company. If not its an exact clone. please let me know if you have any information regarding this.

[@MrSubaru1387]

It’s likely manufactured in Taiwan. Most TONE tools are Taiwanese made, not Japanese.

[@802Garage]

I know I want one, just so torn on if I want a truck or van.

[@davidmanos619]

I have a 1993 KS4, now i want a supercharged 4WD Van

[@pd8505]

VAN🥇

[@supremeflagship8965]

If I was the CEO of Subaru, I would... 1. Make a full size (Mercedes Benz Sprinter size) version of Subaru Sambar van. 2. Put a EZ36 engine on it. 3. Sell them all over the world. 4. Make money.

[@henryk8253]

Underrated comment.

[@mcdingus9840]

I’m voting van

[@toddmininger3932]

I like them both, but if I had to choose, the van would be much more practical for me. I could haul some things or I could have my dogs in it. Of course, we own a full size truck, so hauling things isn't as important.

[@regwragg9195]

AWESOME VIDEO!! ID BUY A VAN!

[@AAANDN1]

I want both !

[@indyrock8148]

The Van 😊

[@BigSlickRick75]

VAN for sure

[@jessietomich8043]

I've been searching for these and it seems hard to get a reasonable price to get one shipped to where I live in Colorado. There are plenty of cheap options if your within driving distance of a port. I really want a van or truck with 4x4 and then I was going to tinker with maybe an after market turbo or trying to see what pistons and crank options could be carried over from like a motorcycle.

[@treefrogs2894]

In the Caribbean we have a lot of those truck. The unknowns as Suzuki carrier. I lost a very dear friend with one of those vans head-on collision. Not much speed about 40 mph. Maybe less he was hit by a bus he was killed died in the hospital. He had a bakery used to do a lot of delivery from the bakery. His mom and his dad used to run the bakery. They still run the bakery you got no idea how dangerous that van you going to love them when you get in a head-on collision? Hopefully that is not happening but any Caribbean? A lot of people die with those Van. Look up Suzuki carry in the United States at least I saw them upstate New York a 2 on the Farm

[@CaptainFaptain]

@MrSubaru1387 I am currently looking at a key van and I was curious how much do you think is a good price for one? I am looking at a 1998 Suzuki Every van just not sure its a fair price.

[@EricRaduazzo]

Why didn’t they bring this Subaru van or the truck to America and why don’t they make it anymore or does Subaru makes the van but its not brought here?

[@MrSubaru1387]

The van and truck are still made today in Japan. Never sold to US market.

[@moonshadowdrifting]

Tough... I now imagine a canopy to fit to the van, which would give you options!!!

[@awsomedude0698]

van all the way

[@hollydixon8826]

Van hands down.

[@CodeKyoko]

What is the narrowest dimension of the rear opening? Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in there?

[@nealgold8442]

Great video and very informative.

[@miken8150]

Love both but I would prefer the van since it’s entirely enclosed. My main concern with the van is the lack of headrests and seatbelts in the rear. But you don’t buy one as a family vehicle so… 😁

[@MrSubaru1387]

The Dias has seats with headrests and I believe seat belts.

[@OldWorldLad]

If you're between the truck and van, remember that the truck is a 25% customs charge on the sale price when importing it (excluding shipping, so just the cost of the truck itself). The van? 2.5%. Yep, thats 2.5% for the exact same vehicle (more or less). So if youre looking at two that are close in price (price + shipping) then that tax difference should be considered.

[@edwardgreenjr167]

I have a '91 Dias II Van. RWD, supercharged, manual. I'm in the upstate SC and may need to bring it to you if I still have this issue after some routine maint: Recently it starts and drives fine for about a mile or so then it suddenly looses power with the engine light on. I can pull over, start it back up, and drive some more before it does it again. I haven't had the chance to work on it recently, but I was going to give it a big once over (plugs wires, waterpump, etc). If you heard of anything similar I'd greatly appreciate any insight.

[@JimmyNewCakes]

Might be a fuel tank vacuum issue. Experiences this on my truck. Was able to drive it with the gas cap off to get me the 100 miles home, but never actually found the root cause. Only happened to me in freezing weather.

[@bessieyoung69]

I had a 03 Honda Element (RIP 😢) that was doing that for a long time. It was going into limp mode because of a sensor that kept going bad in the oil pump. I want to say it was a high pressure oil sensor? Stupid 3 dollar part, had to replace it 2x because the first mechanic didn't know anything about them and failed to put a new o ring in when he replaced it. Not sure if you have the same issue, but it caused me plenty of hell until I found out what it was that was causing the problem.

[@happyhome41]

Quite the advertisement. Where would one purchase one ? Checking on line, they were apparently produced through 2012, never imported directly, and in the used market, the youngest I see is 1997. Hmmm.

[@MrSubaru1387]

They’re still in production. Been making them since the 1960s if I recall correctly. As long as it’s 25 years old or older you can import them from Japan.

[@happyhome41]

@@MrSubaru1387 That explains the 1997 limitation in the For Sale signs. THANK YOU

[@MattaKY5064]

I would personally lean more toward the van, but either seem great. I guess it boils down to what it would be used for. Perfect city vehicles! Or farm!

[@reallywittycatchyname]

Can you touch on the 250 KG load you’d mentioned? That’s driver and passengers/cargo?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Rear cargo weight.

[@reallywittycatchyname]

Thank you

[@jakegackle7398]

Get a truck that looks great cosmetically, but doesn't have the powertrain you want. Then get the van with the powertrain you want. Swap the powertrain. While you already have that van there, swap over those A/C vents you want. You win. ;)

[@maxnoe3079]

I believe I would rather have the van than the truck.

[@ryanmilton]

What wheels are those! 🤩

[@bonozil]

Thanks great video, love it

[@jrock-xs9vp]

Cool ass van

[@kryotic4177]

hey i’m newer to the channel and i just got a 2008 impreza outback sport with 248,000 miles, im trying to recondition it and getting in good working order but apparently it’s the year with the most issues and i’d love if anyone can point me in the right direction for what to look into and maybe a checklist of stuff to look into

[@RMartin631]

I'd like to get rid of my 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic 5.3 for one of the mini vehicles but for one issue. I'm concerned about getting parts for the mini vehicles. Can anyone tell me how hard parts are to get for the mini vehicles? A Subaru PU would be ideal for my uses and we already have a 2018 Impreza Base 5 door.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Can still get all the parts from Japan. Pretty easy to acquire in the internet age.

[@FarrellMcGovern]

The van wins, hands down, for me. But I would be looking to turn it into a camper. Also, don't be quick to accuse the banning of the Kei vehicles on nannyism..as they say, follow the money. The US car manufacturers are upset by the Kei cars coming into the US. Although they don't have vehicles that fit into that exact niche, it does cut into their smaller truck and SUV market. So they are lobbying States to ban them to win back and protect their market share.

[@Darthvolvo]

Van. You have the Duramax for truck stuff.

[@SpecialKeiz]

I think it's time for me to get another van.🤔

[@what1865]

funny how theyre trying to ban kei trucks in the states, when stuff like the honda fit is allowed to be sold

[@mushieslushie]

Well a fit has crumple zones and airbags, so I'm not sure that is really apples to apples.

[@jf4872]

@@mushieslushie That is just it. You can't compare a vehicle that is 25 years or older to a newer vehicle. Small does not mean unsafe. That is not a valid reason for a state. The feds allow importation of hem and that is all that should matter.

[@ralphbuschman8141]

Van every time for me . I wonder how much is lost with no supercharger.

[@poorboyrally]

Can i fit a sheet of plywood in the back of the van?

[@pjlesso7058]

Hi should i buy a subaru legacy outback 2012 with EE20 with 160000 miles on it ?

[@Jflux69]

How much does the used car dealers influence them.

[@Mark-ul1hz]

Do you like the new 2025 van for usa

[@vincentsantamaria484]

The van is nice but I need to haul nasty stuff so I am going to get the truck. I would like A/C and EFI.

[@jomangeee9180]

I need an outback head gasket done, how do I get in touch with you?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Where are you located?

[@jomangeee9180]

@@MrSubaru1387 i am buying the car from Taylor SC,

[@johnbanket7000]

How do you shift that thing with your left hand if you're a righty?