Hi, I'm a college student, and i'm considering buying an 87 samurai.
this would be my first car, would it be a good starter even for a girl?
it only has about 70,000 miles on it, and sounds in pretty good shape, should i worry about minor small rust spots?

thanks

For a first vehicle I would look more for a Tracker or Sidekick, look for a later model with the 1.6L 16V engine with fuel injection.

If you're mechanically inclined, it's a great first car - if you're going to be depending on someone else to do the maintenance, it might not be such a good choice.

They are simple cars and quite reliable if properly maintained, they do lack the "comforts" of more modern vehicles such as a/c, and whilst I would not hesitate to buy one for my college girl, if she were going to college near home, she's chosen a college a long distance away, and since dad can't come running if the car doesn't start, I would be looking at something a little newer.

okay thanks for your help

Another concern in a college environment is security.  You can't leave ANYTHING in a soft top Samurai or Tracker/Sidekick.  There is no security in a vehicle that zips shut and can't be locked up.  If you go for one, it would be best to get a hard top model.