I am thinking of taking in a 1987 Tintop Samurai in trade for my 95 Grand Cherokee.But I dont know much about samurais and I was wondering if any of the problems it has are major.Her is its description as sent to me
106,000 miles
 This past two months new timing belt, head gasket, brake work, and muffler.  It does have a leak in the front right seal. The front right wheel will need one new lug nut because it was loose with previous owner and the hole bored out.  It is on 4 lug nuts now, but if you want to off road you would want to get a lug nut that will fit it.   The seats have tears in it, but the carpet that snaps into the floor is all there, the original 4wd instructions are also there.  The hood is painted black but not a pro job.    The outside has some dents, on the roof mainly.  It has a alpine deck and infinity speakers 6 1/2inch.  There is no back seat.  4WD works.  I had the AC recharged a month ago, but it is not super cold like new cars.  I have receipts for all the work I have done.  Previous owner did work themselves mainly. It is tagged and inspected. 

If anybody knows about what I would be looking at in cost of repairs it would help, and are there any particular trouble spots to look for?

Could somebody give an estimate on about what this one is worth at least.I have no idea because I dont see alot of Tintops in Texas

Any help at all guys?

WOW no help at all. In my area I would say that little bugger is worth about 2500-3000. It looks to have a small Spring over or larger spring under lift on it from the pictures. Look at the rear door as most are pushed in. Also drive it, a Samurai is a love it or hate it vehicle. With the stock 1.3l they are not powerhouses. Test it on the freeway, and off road if you can. Having said all that they are very fun vehicles to own(I have 2) just not everyones cup of tea.

Samurais are easy to repair and parts are available at nearly all of the major auto parts stores.

Other than pressing the outer races (something most auto repair places can do for you at a price of $10.00) on the wheel bearings, it's all easily fixable with a set of metric sockets, a torque wrench and a copy of the Samurai Factory Service Manual (FSM).

Where do you download the fsm?  try Ack's FAQ. The link is in my signature.

Also, if you buy it (I would in a SECOND!), consider replacing the transfer case shifter sheet as the one currently in the transfer case is probably on the verge of disintegration unless it was recently replaced. it's a 12- 20 buck part.  links to instructions on how to do this are....  well, just do a search for shifter sheet on just about any of the Samurai forums (like here at ZukiWorld) and you'll get good info!   

Thanksfor the advice guys.It does have a SPOA type of lift on it and the backdoor isnt pushed in.Im leaning to trading my Grand Cherokee for it.Other than its lack or power which doesnt bother me (I dont need to go ove 60 anyway) is there any reason why this would be a poor choice as a daily driver?

TinTops are highly prized and would probably sell for 2500 here in California. It would make a great daily driver with a few mods to improve  performance. Do you have strict smog requirements in Texas? I would say if it passes smog test, snatch it up. It will be a lot cheaper to maintian than the Jeep. Better MPG also.

It has a valid inspection sticker so I assume it would pass.What are some of the cheaper things I could do to improve performance.Also what kind of MPG should I expect the owner says it gets 20mpg but I would think it should be higher than that?

20 is about right for the 1.3. As far a cheap things go how cheap is cheap? are you looking for better off road or on road performance?

Cheap as in just a few hundred dollars. I would like it to have the best possible performance on and offroad while still being able to be my practical daily driver.I found the weber carbs and some 3" leaf springs but I couldnt find a whole lot else.When adding lift and bigger tires is it necessary to regear like with jeeps and how much MPGs could I expect to lose with modifications.ANd also it doesnt have a back seat and all the other tin tops Ive seen dont have one either so did they never have them?

They had seats, a lot of people take them out though. You will have to re gear for any bigger tires because of the lack of horsepower. There are many companies that make transfercase gears for a good price. I would start with gears and lockers for offroad. Personally I would not waste my time with a weber, just not my taste, but save money for a engine swap. I really enjoy the 16v 1.6 in mine and I have heard good things about the 2.0 swap as well.

This is really off the subject, but I noticed in the picture the Samurai has a black hood. My 91 also has a black hood and I have seem many this way. Are these hood replacements? or something Suzuki just did?
Tell me, why the black hood? Inquiring minds want to know.

he said in the post he did it.  looks like spray cans

This is really off the subject, but I noticed in the picture the Samurai has a black hood. My 91 also has a black hood and I have seem many this way. Are these hood replacements? or something Suzuki just did?
Tell me, why the black hood? Inquiring minds want to know.

most aftermarket body panels come with a black primer, he probably rattle canned it with black paint just so it doesnt rust throught the primer since primer is porous

In the rainy part of CA that live in a tin top is the best thing you could ever get!  I wish i could of found one when i was in search of my sami.  A TT in that condition would go for $3000+ in my neck of the woods.

Where are the 6.5" speakers mounted at?  Did some one cram them where the old 4 inchers went or put them in the door?

Very nice rig you got there!


Amilla