I wish the US didn't have restrictive regulations on importing used cars not approved for US roads. There's a 25 year exemption for antique vehicles, so despite what the DOT and EPA claim, the regulations have the net effect of forcing people in the US to drive less safe, less fuel efficient and more polluting vehicles that are also less comfortable, less reliable and more difficult to maintain. The regulations are nothing but protectionism for automotive manufacturers and dealers.
I get so sad when I see modern Kei Vans cause like...... People will be doing 95 at 3.5k revs when my Bravo is doing 95 turning 7.5k I would literally have no need for another vehicle if I could just get a modern Mini Truck / Van
For the record, the Subaru and Suzuki both have options for round or square head lights. Also carburetor or fuel ejection is available in both. My 1999 Subaru Sambar has square lights with fuel injection and my 1996 Suzuki Carry has round lights with Carb. There are a half dozen different makes of these and there are good reasons to get any of them.
Lets compare two style of kei truck from two different generations. Holy batrobin they are different. For all who dont know in 1999 all kei trucks swapped style due to goverment regulations
My 2001 Subaru Sambar compares more favorably to the 2000 Suzuki, the 660 cc engine has EFI and a supercharger. The truck is equipped with big factory yellow fog lights, "flat" headlights, A/C, a driver's air bag, antilock brakes and an extra tall cab with overhead storage bin. In addition, a 2" lift and 14" wheels have been added. The only thing mine lacks is the rare differential lock, which is priceless when off-roading. I really like the older round headlights, but the ones I have make a whole lot of light, so can't complain. A caution: A two inch lift looks pretty cool, and gets one a lot more domestic tire choices, but will result in premature failure of CV boots due to over-articulation. It also yields premature CV joint failures. This I know from experience. Axel assemblies are a cinch to replace, both front and rear, but they are expensive, relative to how fast they fail. Don't waste time putting used axels on a two inch lifted truck without adding new CV boots. Older, stiff, used axel boots will fail in a big hurry.
Very useful. It looks like the Subaru has gotten more 'aftermarket love' than the Suzuki. And the intake snorkle and high exhaust exit are really cool.
You can do an actual suspension lift on the Suzuki instead of a body lift. People have been doing it for years. Can't do a suspension lift on the Subaru without it eating CV axles.
These aren't the same generation though. Find two of the same year and they're 90% the same minus engine location. Plus some of your points are just available options.
I know that fuel injection improves efficiency and driveability, but creates complexity if you’re a hobby mechanic. In your experience, does the 4 cylinder seem to be inherently smoother than the three? I’m shopping for a Kei truck, so any info is appreciated!
I think a 3 cylinder is inherently easier to balance as the pistons are all moving at different times. In a 4 cyl the outer 2 and inner 2 pistons are moving the same but opposing directions.
Unlikely to have issues but hard to fix, vs temperamental but you can fix it with a hammer and a shoelace. Carb vs EFI is a tough call for maintenance. I prefer EFI because I do a lot of highway miles in well connected cities. If I lived in the middle of nowhere - I might think differently!
What the heck are the years of these trucks Big guy? This seems like apples to oranges? It would be like comparing that F250 you own to a crappy Rivian.
@@turnbullgarage88did you use 1” adapter/spacers that went from the 4x100 hub to the wheels you chose? I also read that you could use 4x4 (4x101.6 I think) wheel and wobble nuts which give you up to +-2mm. I’m installing a 2” body lift and would love to know what backspacing on rim, tire size, and spacer thickness you used. Thanks!
I bought a used 2” lift for a full size truck and used the spacers from that. I also made some custom spacers and did the steering extension myself. Basically I cobbled it together.
@@turnbullgarage88 - My 4Runner is the first vehicle I ever had with heated seats. I'm going to reupholster the seats in my 1996 Hijet mini truck and was planning to add heated seats because it's a cheap and easy upgrade. Then I thought, the engine will probably heat the seats making electric heated seats superfluous. I'll drive the Hijet in cold weather to see, but I'll probably add the heated seats.
I wish the US didn't have restrictive regulations on importing used cars not approved for US roads. There's a 25 year exemption for antique vehicles, so despite what the DOT and EPA claim, the regulations have the net effect of forcing people in the US to drive less safe, less fuel efficient and more polluting vehicles that are also less comfortable, less reliable and more difficult to maintain. The regulations are nothing but protectionism for automotive manufacturers and dealers.
It is 15 years old up here in Canada, after that we are good to go.
I get so sad when I see modern Kei Vans cause like...... People will be doing 95 at 3.5k revs when my Bravo is doing 95 turning 7.5k
I would literally have no need for another vehicle if I could just get a modern Mini Truck / Van
I love the simplicity and durability, good price, way better than today's trucks.
For the record, the Subaru and Suzuki both have options for round or square head lights. Also carburetor or fuel ejection is available in both. My 1999 Subaru Sambar has square lights with fuel injection and my 1996 Suzuki Carry has round lights with Carb. There are a half dozen different makes of these and there are good reasons to get any of them.
I ended up with a Subaru Sambar and I’m glad I did, classic style, easy access for engine, plenty of cab room. Just wish it was solid axle
There is more room in the cab.
Lets compare two style of kei truck from two different generations. Holy batrobin they are different. For all who dont know in 1999 all kei trucks swapped style due to goverment regulations
It was just. Fun video. Some is still true but yes, it is apples to oranges.
My 2001 Subaru Sambar compares more favorably to the 2000 Suzuki, the 660 cc engine has EFI and a supercharger. The truck is equipped with big factory yellow fog lights, "flat" headlights, A/C, a driver's air bag, antilock brakes and an extra tall cab with overhead storage bin. In addition, a 2" lift and 14" wheels have been added. The only thing mine lacks is the rare differential lock, which is priceless when off-roading. I really like the older round headlights, but the ones I have make a whole lot of light, so can't complain.
A caution: A two inch lift looks pretty cool, and gets one a lot more domestic tire choices, but will result in premature failure of CV boots due to over-articulation. It also yields premature CV joint failures. This I know from experience. Axel assemblies are a cinch to replace, both front and rear, but they are expensive, relative to how fast they fail. Don't waste time putting used axels on a two inch lifted truck without adding new CV boots. Older, stiff, used axel boots will fail in a big hurry.
Yes, Sambar’s don’t like aggressive suspension lifts. That is why I did a body lift.
4 cylinder alone would make me choose the Subaru for the smoother experience.
52 55 inch 😊 it different model Suzuki newer model after 1999 mini change rules 😊
Very useful. It looks like the Subaru has gotten more 'aftermarket love' than the Suzuki. And the intake snorkle and high exhaust exit are really cool.
Yea that is my baby. Suzuki was a project I sold some time ago.
I was told once "Suzuki's turn heads but Subarus drop panties" do with that what you you will
You can do an actual suspension lift on the Suzuki instead of a body lift. People have been doing it for years.
Can't do a suspension lift on the Subaru without it eating CV axles.
You got that right. I’ve seen some Suzuki Carry’s with some sick suspension lifts!
These aren't the same generation though. Find two of the same year and they're 90% the same minus engine location. Plus some of your points are just available options.
Was meant to be just fun, nothing serious. Fully understood 8 years difference.
As a 6'6" 430lb driver my major factor would be cabin dimensions.
You won’t fit, plain and simple. I am 5’7” and the Suzuki is tight with the seat all the way back.
Thanks for the video. What year is that Subaru, and where did you get that bumper?
It is a 1992. Bumper is for a jeep YJ, $169 on Ebay. A bit of modifying to make it fit.
sweet video man can't wait till we get those newer kei trucks
wait till you see a DA63T! those trucks are way nicer interior wise.
Suzuki D63T the best
I know that fuel injection improves efficiency and driveability, but creates complexity if you’re a hobby mechanic. In your experience, does the 4 cylinder seem to be inherently smoother than the three? I’m shopping for a Kei truck, so any info is appreciated!
I think a 3 cylinder is inherently easier to balance as the pistons are all moving at different times. In a 4 cyl the outer 2 and inner 2 pistons are moving the same but opposing directions.
Unlikely to have issues but hard to fix, vs temperamental but you can fix it with a hammer and a shoelace. Carb vs EFI is a tough call for maintenance. I prefer EFI because I do a lot of highway miles in well connected cities. If I lived in the middle of nowhere - I might think differently!
Ummm checking the oil in the Suzuki is done from the RHS. Advantage Suzuki
The Sambar has more cab room than any other Kei truck.
@@mightyangelopenbook8555 yes that is very true.
What about parts replacement availability?
I've not had an issue getting parts for either vehicle. Both can take time and are expensive.
What mods/parts do I need to make a 2000 sambar road legal in BC?
All I am aware of is daytime running lights. May have to modify headlights too, not positive on that
I was seeking more data compensation like cab size break down numbers wheel base and ride comfy. If you got one let me know
I did this video as a bit of a joke but I might do an actual true comparison video as I have another Suzuki in my fleet again.
Meh, what are the years of these two trucks? Big spread here.
1992 and 2000, not huge but fully understand that has an impact.
Thanks!
What the heck are the years of these trucks Big guy? This seems like apples to oranges? It would be like comparing that F250 you own to a crappy Rivian.
It isn't my F250. Description of video has years of vehicles in it and yes, it is apples to oranges. Vid is meant to be fun and not important.
Oh ok. I thought it was an official review from the two companies. I just rewatched it, and it was kind of funny. Haha.
What a gorgeous set of trucks! Could you please tell me what wheels are on the Sambar? Also tire specs please, thank you!
Wheels are 12x7 ITP wheels with adapters. Tires are 23x8x12 Mongrel wheels.
@@turnbullgarage88did you use 1” adapter/spacers that went from the 4x100 hub to the wheels you chose? I also read that you could use 4x4 (4x101.6 I think) wheel and wobble nuts which give you up to +-2mm. I’m installing a 2” body lift and would love to know what backspacing on rim, tire size, and spacer thickness you used. Thanks!
@@KenMFNCason I did use 1" spacers. Adapters actually as they change the bolt pattern to 4 X 110
Where did you get the front bumper on the Sambar?
Jeep YJ off of EBay. Had to modify it though.
Whats your Sambar wheel and tire specs and brands?
ITP wheels and Mongrel tires, 23x8r12
Where did you get your 2" body lift for the Subaru?
I bought a used 2” lift for a full size truck and used the spacers from that. I also made some custom spacers and did the steering extension myself. Basically I cobbled it together.
Hawaiian JM trucks has a set you can buy on their website
Where did you get the bullbar from, loo,s so sick! @turnbull
Ebay, for a Jeep YJ
I really like that F250 you had in your last video! Can you take us through the ins and outs of that please?!👍🏼
You clown Matt.
A comment for the algorithm gods
I prefer the Honda Acty!
I had a guy come by with one of those. Yes, they are quite nice!
Heated seats.. Suzuki. lol
Surprisingly the seats don’t get warm from engine underneath.
@@turnbullgarage88 - My 4Runner is the first vehicle I ever had with heated seats. I'm going to reupholster the seats in my 1996 Hijet mini truck and was planning to add heated seats because it's a cheap and easy upgrade. Then I thought, the engine will probably heat the seats making electric heated seats superfluous. I'll drive the Hijet in cold weather to see, but I'll probably add the heated seats.
@@Liberty4Ever Not sure if my Suzuki Carry seats get warm from engine, I have not felt it yet.
@@turnbullgarage88 Try doing 70 with a passenger. All I'll say is - pick a cold day unless you don't like them very much.
@@inthestudy Ha! I bet.
Man the bumper on the sambar is beautiful, any details? I’d love to add one to mine
Thanks. It is for a Jeep YJ. Fair bit of custom work needed but if you have a welder and you’re handy you can do it.