Suzuki Samurai problems
The Suzuki Jimny (Japanese: スズキ・ジムニー, Suzuki Jimunī) is a series of four-wheel drive off-road mini SUVs, manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Suzuki since 1970.
Originally belonging to the kei class, Japan's light automobile tax/legal class, the company continues to market a kei-compliant version for the Japanese and global markets as the Jimny, as well as versions that exceed kei-class limitations. Suzuki has marketed 2.85 million Jimnys in 194 countries through September 2018.
History
The history of Suzuki four-wheel drive cars began in the latter half of the 1960s, when Suzuki bought a Steyr-Puch Haflinger to study with the intent of building a kei-class off-road vehicle. A better opportunity presented itself in 1968, when Suzuki was able to buy bankrupt Japanese automaker Hope Motor Company, which had introduced a small off-road vehicle called the HopeStar ON360. The tiny Hope company had been unable to enter series production, and only about 45 were manufactured. The first Suzuki-branded four-wheel drive, the LJ10 (Light Jeep 10), was introduced in 1970. The LJ10 had a 359-cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, in-line two-cylinder engine. The liquid-cooled LJ20 was introduced in 1972 with the cooling changed due to newly enacted emission regulations, and it gained 3 hp. In 1975, Suzuki complemented the LJ20 with the LJ50, which had a larger 539 cc, two-stroke, in-line three-cylinder engine and bigger differentials. This was originally targeted at the Australian market, but more exports soon followed.
The Jimny8/LJ80 was an updated version of the LJ50 with an 800 cc, four-stroke, in-line four-cylinder engine, followed by the Jimny 1000/SJ410 and Jimny 1300/SJ413. An updated version of the SJ413 became known as the Samurai and was the first Suzuki officially marketed in the US. The series from SJ410 to SJ413 was known as the Sierra in Australia, and remained the Jimny in some markets.
The new Jimny was released in 1998, and now bears the same name in all markets. The 1998 release used the G13BB EFI engine, replaced by the M13AA EFI engine in 2001 and the M13AA variable valve timing engine in 2005, in conjunction with a minor interior redesign.
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Suzuki Samurai model years
Common Suzuki Samurai problems
The Suzuki Samurai is known for its off-road capability and affordability, but it has also been associated with several common problems. These issues range from engine-related problems to electrical issues, and from rust and corrosion to safety concerns.
One of the most common engine-related problems with the Suzuki Samurai is a lack of power, which can be caused by dirty air filters, clogged fuel injectors, or faulty ignition system components. This issue can lead to increased oil consumption and reduced engine performance.
Fuel economy issues are also common with the Suzuki Samurai, with some owners reporting poor fuel efficiency and a fuel smell. These issues can be caused by low tire pressure, engine timing problems, or a faulty fuel system.
Electrical problems are another common issue with the Suzuki Samurai, with some owners reporting starting problems and lighting issues. These issues can be caused by a faulty battery, starter, alternator, or wiring.
Rust and corrosion are also common problems with the Suzuki Samurai, particularly on the body and frame. This issue can lead to reduced structural integrity and reduced vehicle performance.
Safety concerns have also been associated with the Suzuki Samurai, with some owners reporting issues with rollover and stability.
In summary, the Suzuki Samurai is a capable off-road vehicle that has been associated with several common problems, including engine-related issues, fuel economy problems, electrical issues, rust and corrosion, and safety concerns. To prevent or fix these issues, it's important to keep your Suzuki Samurai well-maintained and to address any issues as soon as they arise. Regularly changing the oil and air filters, keeping the tires properly inflated, and checking the battery and electrical connections can go a long way in preventing these issues.
Is a Suzuki Samurai reliable?
The Samurai is a very capable, long-lasting, dependable, off-road vehicle. This is why it is still popular and has high resale values. But as a daily car, it's slow, noisy, and uncomfortable. The ride was firmer in 1986-88 models.
How many miles per gallon does a Suzuki Samurai get?
Based on data from 29 vehicles, 676 fuel-ups and 120,136 miles of driving, the 1987 Suzuki Samurai gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.44 with a 0.31 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 68 outliers (9.14%) removed.
Why was the Suzuki Samurai discontinued?
The Suzuki Samurai, which was actually a Suzuki Jimny, was unfairly labeled as dangerous and prone to rollovers, leading to slumping sales and its discontinuation in the U.S. The Jimny, which is still being produced today, is sold in almost 200 countries except the United States.
How fast do Suzuki samurais go?
Reaching 60 mph requires 18.7 seconds, and the Samurai tops out at a mere 77 mph in fourth gear. Fifth gear, as indicated by the Samurai's 42.2- second top-gear time from 50 to 70 mph, is useful for little more than maintaining modest speeds on level roads.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Suzuki Samurai years
We have researched Suzuki problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Suzuki Samurai cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Suzuki Samurai model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Suzuki Samurai model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Suzuki Samurai years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Suzuki Samurai car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Suzuki Samurai , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Suzuki Samurai vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Samurai model years
A total of 16 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Samurai model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Samurai model years
There were a total of 17 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 48 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Suzuki Samurai . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Suzuki Samurai vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Suzuki Samurai 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-27
- Date Complaint: 2003-10-02
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE FAILURE. *LA
Suzuki Samurai 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-31
- Date Complaint: 2003-02-14
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THERE WAS A PETITION FOR A 98 SUZUKI SAMURAI. *DT *JB
Suzuki Samurai 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-12
- Date Complaint: 2001-07-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51C4J4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BRIDGESTONE, P205/70R15, DOT UNKNOWN, REPLACEMENT TIRE, MILAGE UNKNOWN ON A 1988, SUZUKI, SAMURAI. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HEARD A NOISE. THEN, VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL, SPUN AROUND 180 DEGREES AND HIT A TREE. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN. NO INJURIES. REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION, A 2 1/2 FEET LONG PIECE OF TREAD CAME OFF, TIRE WAS NOT FLAT. *AK TREAD SEPARATION CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE, CONVERTIBLE TOP AND REAR TIRE, DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK/NECK PAIN. NLM
Suzuki Samurai 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-01-16
- VIN: JS3JC51C8K4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING 55MPH HEARD A NOISE. VEHICLE STARTED TO SHIMMY. PULLED VEHICLE OVER & CHECKED ON TIRES. NOTICED LEFT FRONT TIRE, A SPARE, HAD LOST ITS TREAD. TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED SUZUKI SAMAURI JEEP FIRESTONE, SF405, P205/70R15, DOT ELYTCKK508. *AK *JB
Suzuki Samurai 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2000-10-04
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREAD SEPERATED (TIRESIZE: P205/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/75R15 )
Suzuki Samurai 1987
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-13
- Date Complaint: 2000-09-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51V5H4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE LEFT REAR TIRE DELAMINATED AND WRAPPED AROUND THE AXEL, CAUSING THE CAR TO GO OUT OF CONTROL... CAUSING US TO GO OUT INTO THE DESERT AND ROLL OVER... I WAS INJURED, MY HUSBAND ONLY SUFFERED A BRUISE, I RECEIVED SEVER TRAUMA TO MY HEAD, CAUSING ME TO NEED EYE SURGERY WITHIN A YEAR TO REGAIN VISION. *AK( DOT NUMBER: EJYT TIRE SIZE: P205/70R15 )
Suzuki Samurai 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-09
- Date Complaint: 2000-07-11
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51VXG4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON FREEWAY 101 THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT THAT WAS IN THE WAY. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE MADE A SLIGHT TURN TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, AND ALL OF SUDDEN VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, HITTING AN EMBANKMENT, THEN HIT A WALL, THEN VEHICLE STOOD UP. *AK *ML
Suzuki Samurai 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-04
- Date Complaint: 2000-01-27
- VIN: JACDJ58V4V7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER APPLIES BRAKES THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. *AK
Suzuki Samurai 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-07-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER SUDDENLY APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER CAUSING HER SERIOUS INJURY. *YC
Suzuki Samurai 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-01
- Date Complaint: 1999-03-14
- VIN: JS4JC51C7G4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WANTED INFORMATION ON HOW EASILY THE SAMURAI TIPS OVER...
Suzuki Samurai 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-10-23
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE POOR DESIGN OF THE DOOR HANDLES RESULTED IN THREE BROKEN HANDLES (TWO INSIDE AND ONE OUTSIDE).
Suzuki Samurai 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-08
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT RETAINING BOLT SNAPPED OFF TWICE. *AK
Suzuki Samurai 1988
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-04
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-03
- VIN: JS4JC51C7J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT RETRACT THE BELT, AND WILL NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER IN CASE OF A VEHICLE COLLISION. *AK
Suzuki Samurai 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-06-16
- VIN: JSKJC51C4K4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECEIVED ARECALL NOTICE FOR SEAT BELT BUCKLES. AFTER RECALL WORK WAS DONE, SEAT BELTS NOW ARE WORST. CHILD ALMOST FLEW OUT OF SEAT BECAUSE OF REPLACEMENT BUCKLES. *AK
Suzuki Samurai 1990
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-10
- Date Complaint: 1997-04-16
- VIN: JS4JC31C6L4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
Recalls Suzuki Samurai
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Suzuki Samurai.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Suzuki Samurai 1988
- Report Received Date: 1995-05-24
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
- Model: Suzuki Samurai 1989
- Report Received Date: 1995-05-24
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
- Model: Suzuki Samurai 1991
- Report Received Date: 1995-05-24
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
- Model: Suzuki Samurai 1990
- Report Received Date: 1995-05-24
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Latest negative Suzuki Samurai car reviews
Latest positive Suzuki Samurai car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1992
I hope this message finds you well! I just wanted to share that I've had this item for 2 years now and I haven't had any issues with it at all. It's been a great investment for me!
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Vehicle year: 1994
I bought this truck 12 years ago with only 22 miles on it. It has been a reliable companion ever since, with a whopping 240,000 miles on the clock and still running like a dream. While the body has started to rust after all these years, I have not encountered any major problems. With regular oil changes every 3,000 miles, I still get an impressive 30 miles to the gallon. Over the years, I have towed my 18-foot boat during the summers and my snowmobiles during the winters without any issues. This vehicle truly is in a league of its own. It's a testament to the quality of the product that good things come in small packages.
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Vehicle year: 1994
I hope this message finds you well! I just wanted to share that I've had this item for 2 years now and I haven't had any issues with it at all. It's been a great investment for me!
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Vehicle year: 1991
It's a great 4x4! It can tackle all the rocks that I've climbed, and it's lightweight and small, so it can do a lot more than an Excursion or Suburban.
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Vehicle year: 1990
This mini SUV is fantastic! It can go anywhere on the road and off-road too. Plus, it's a breeze to park.
Are you having problems with your Suzuki Samurai?
Buck Reichert 2024-11-02
Vehicle year: 1991
I once bought a Samurai for $500 when I was a young Marine, thinking it was a great deal. However, it turned out to be a disappointing purchase. The vehicle ran rough, had no power, leaked oil from everywhere, and the clutch was out of alignment. Additionally, it barely fit me inside, despite my height of 6 feet. I had previously owned a 94 Tracker (same as Suzuki Sidekick) which was a great vehicle, but unfortunately, the Samurai did not live up to my expectations. The only positive thing I can say is that I was able to trade it in for my 96 Jeep Cherokee and got my full $500 back.
Mathias Bailey 2024-08-22
Vehicle year: 1992
I once bought a Samurai for $500 when I was a young Marine, thinking it was a great deal. However, it turned out to be a disappointing purchase. The vehicle ran rough, had no power, leaked oil from everywhere, and the clutch was out of alignment. Additionally, it barely fit me inside, despite my height of 6 feet. On the bright side, I was able to trade it in for my 96 Jeep Cherokee and got my full $500 back.
Mitchell Ledner 2024-01-22
Vehicle year: 1994
I once bought a Samurai for $500 when I was a young Marine, thinking it was a great deal. However, it turned out to be a disappointing purchase. The vehicle ran rough, had no power, leaked oil from everywhere, and the clutch was out of alignment. Additionally, it barely fit me inside, despite my height of 6 feet. I had previously owned a 94 Tracker (same as Suzuki Sidekick) which was a great vehicle, but unfortunately, the Samurai did not live up to my expectations. The only positive thing I can say is that I was able to trade it in for my 96 Jeep Cherokee and got my full $500 back.
Luis Funk 2024-01-18
Vehicle year: 1990
I once bought a Samurai for $500 when I was a young Marine, thinking it was a great deal. However, it turned out to be a disappointing purchase. The vehicle ran rough, had no power, leaked oil from everywhere, and the clutch was out of alignment. Additionally, it barely fit me inside, despite my height of 6 feet. I had previously owned a 94 Tracker (same as Suzuki Sidekick) which was a great vehicle, but unfortunately, the Samurai did not live up to my expectations. The only positive thing I can say is that I was able to trade it in for my 96 Jeep Cherokee and got my full $500 back.