I've owned and driven an 87' Samurai since I bought it new in 1987. I daily drove it until around 8 years ago, including hauling my kids around in it. It currently has 3" inches of lift, 30 inch tires, lower geared TC, tracker power steering, and many more mods. I've logged over 300k miles of mixed on and off road driving and never felt unsafe. While I no longer daily drive it, it still sees a lot of on and off road use. I will probably never part with it. Having owned compact and full size 4wd trucks, Chevy Blazers, a Nissan Xterra, Jeep Wranglers, Cherokees and Grand Cherokees, the Samurai is still my go to off road explorer.

Yep...I would have bought a Jimny too...(went for a Renegade instead) but a Jimny would be in my garage right now if it was sold in the US.

The Subaru Forester is perfect for what YOU need it for.

I'm falling madly in love with the samurai. I need one 😂

Having both would be a dream, I love those little Suzukis. We had a couple on a farm I used to work on, they go everywhere, but yeah not much space inside!

What I like about your channel is that your vehicle isn't a pure off road machine. I just recently bought a Forester. It is our daily driver but I've already started exploring the BC coastal mountains with it and I enjoy your videos for inspiration and tips.

Love seeing this channel grow!! Always appreciate the amount of effort you put into your vids. Keep it up!

The key to the Samurais is that you have to swap in a VW TDI diesel motor. I had one and it was awesome. I easily cruised at over 75 with 35” tires and got ridiculous fuel mileage.

I daily drove my samurai for 2 years. 120 miles a day on the freeway, 5 days a week. The only complaint I ever had was that it needed a bit more power. Beyond that, it was my dream rig. After I built it up into a rock crawler (see my channel) I really missed having a stocker. It drove better and was amazing offroad. Sooo, I sold it and bought another, specifically to set up for overlanding.

The Suzuki Jimny would be an excellent 4x4 in Costa Rica, we also have Suzuki dealerships here. I bought a 2019 Suzuki Ertiga (1400cc) for the asphalt roads and gives me plenty of mileage, very quiet, excellent engineering.

NOOooooo! Stay Subaru! I really love the mods and adventures on your channel. I am slowly prepping my Crosstrek for overlanding, and rather stay within reasonable means and budget.

Ive owned 6 Subaru's, my first took me around Australia before the blacktop. After a few detour brands I have just taken ownership of the 2019 Suzuki Jimny. I agree its far better than the Samuri you had in the clip but it is the best fun to drive for me - old school. Cars nowadays are so soft that people have forgotten how to drive around corners or generally control a car. Love your channel, consider yourself fortunate you can travel to those remote places. In OZ the greenies have closed off most trails and forests.

Always great, your videos are such an inspiration thank you!

My dad had a Samurai when I was a kid. This was back in the early-mid 90s so the truck was less than 10 years old at the time. I learned to drive stick in it and thought it was the coolest thing. However my dad taught me a phrase that applied to it, which I still use today: "it's so slow it cant get out if it's own way!"

I love old Zuks, did my first exploring in central Oregon in a sidekick. But a Subaru is perfect for exploring most Oregon backroads.

Suzuki Grand Vitara is more up you Alley. Has the brake force distribution that works as a locker, lifts available and is much more hwy friendly. But the Subaru is also a good choice. Good luck with your mods.

I am born and raised in Iceland where we do snow wheeling in the winter. My dad had two of these, first a short wheel base model, modified with a B20 Volvo engine. Had 33" tires underneath and that thing moved because it was so light. Then he bought a long wheel base model, kept the original engine but tinkered with the exhaust a bit. Started off with 33" tires and then moved on to 35" tires. We really could keep up with the larger trucks on larger tires. The shorter wheel base model came in at about 950kgs ready for a trip, the longer wheel base model weighed in at about 1200kg ready for a trip. That was their main feature, being so light when the other trucks were nearing or over 2 tons. Now we run a Tacoma on 44" tires... :)

Get an early 90s Suzuki Sidekick. Plenty of room for gear. I love mine.

I like that you pursue alternatives to what everyone else is driving. You've made me look twice at my Ford Freestyle. Kicking myself I didn't get the AWD model.

Great choice, I own a 2018 4runner My wife a crosstrek ,our first reasons for those vehicles is their reliability is Hard to beat , and of course they Are great off/ soft roading. Great job On your videos. Keep them coming.

i love this because i have done similar. i had an older forester however the cost, effort and time needed to make it remotely close for many of the tracks was inhibitive however it was a great daily. i somewhat regrettably sold it for a larger 4x4 as i needed the towing capacity for work, however once again the cost involved with a larger vehicle was inhibitive and i couldn't take it places i used to take the forester out of fear of it being too big. i ended up restoring a Suzuki samurai as my little weekend fun bush basher and do not regret it one bit. however i could never daily drive it.

No, I wouldn’t unsubscribe. I just got back from doing the Old Dale Road out in Joshua Tree today and realize that I also want a 4x4 with bigger tires. I had to turn around bc my 2017 Forester was getting beat up and I didn’t want to break the CVT. I’ll just have to stay off the tougher roads until that day comes. Good videos as always, my dude.

The new jimny’s are sweet as !!

Love it!!! In my experience: A Subaru, then modded and learned is quite capable then really becomes a gateway vehicle. ;) You've done a lot and will do a lot in the roo, and you'll (likely) eventually end up with a body on frame 4x4. No-harm no-foul, it's just part of the natural evolution. You gain things and lose things through the process of learning vehicles, capabilities, driving techniques and reading trails. Roos are great ways to get on this path! I still own and love my Superu (though sadly it's neglected in the back yard (for now ;) ) and it's seen me thorough a lot, A LOT of adventures, terrain, and off-road driving and learning. Ultimately it was just limited and limiting and became the wrong platform for what I wanted to do (Also going from N Az to S Ut, compounded those concerns). I wouldn't give it up or forget/lose those experiences because it opened so many doors and experiences. I still miss the MPGs but again, pros-cons, give-and-take, gains and losses...moving out of the Lockhart Basin Trail capable FT AWD, DR roo wasn't a bad move it's now just a bit unfair to it's (pun realized and appreciated) Legacy ( ;) ) has sadly stalled lately. Keep on keepin' on with the forester, until when/if you evolve beyond it's capabilities. There's no knocking a modded roo for what they are and can do (and they do amaze and awe), it's just honest acceptance they are ultimately limited by comparison to other vehicles and are just not the appropriate platform for other trails, conditions and terrain (which ultimately adventuring Roo drivers may naturally want to explore).

2nd Gen Suzuki Grand Vitara! Low Range ✅ Locking Central Diff ✅ Easily mount a winch (Ladder Frame) ✅ Full sized rear-mounted spare ✅ Traction control, ABS, Airbags... etc. I've been driving a 2007 with 2" lift, and AT tires for 2 years now and pretty much unstoppable off road.

Awesome rig Sir

Drive wtvr you like, I personally got a 4th gen 4Runner and follow bc of the awesome places you explore. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to find them 😆

so cool to watch love this car

Add minivan seats that fold flat, add a 9" (22.5cm) storage box, and you have a 6' 3" ( nearly 2 meters) space to sleep. I'm 6 feet, room for me. Also never put anyone in the back. As a volunteer fireman for 8 years, I worked 2 fatal single vehicle (drunk off ,poor steering mantenance) accidents on these. There aren't a dozen of them in the whole county, and 2 of them are mine!

a samurai! love it!

I love them both. The subie overall would be way more comfortable on long trips though the sami better on ruff terrain. To bad you couldn't have both. I wouldn't give up my subie either. Cheers

Cool little rig!!! We just finished up a two week western trip in my wife’s Jeep JLU I’ve gotta say It’s grown on me a lot. We’ve completed two 5000 mile road trips in my Tacoma. I really enjoy all the different rigs which is how I ended up on your channel. I like Toyota Land-cruisers as well.

Love this car! My family owned one way back in the day 😎 however, that being said my Forester is a do it all daily driver family car. Would love a2nd car

i would love an old samurai like that as a second vehicle i also wish the new ones where stateside at the right price i think they would fly off the lot

Love this! I think you should have a whole “not a Jeep” test drive series for overlanding. The JDM fire truck was awesome also. You should get the CRV gang and Dahlenadv to give you a walk around of their rigs and mods. Keep showing alternative rides. I don’t care what you drive, but I was excited by the title screen. My current project is a 96 Geo Tracker. It has a few advantages over the older Samurai and are surprisingly cheaper and easier to find un-modified. Mine still needs a lot of work, but I only recently committed to it after selling my giant Quigley 4x4 van. Keep the videos coming.

Pretty soon here Subaru is going to be offering you a new rig for your adventures! You are the best Subaru evangelist out there. I want one now because of you!

What a sweet find,but your validations are good.

Get a Disco!!! They got the worst reputation but I’m telling you, they can be extremely reliable in some cases more than any Toyota or Jeep, just keep an eye on them like a regular other car and they will repaid you back with reliability! Mine has been with me for 13 years men and never let me down, off rossing hard, deep water mud rocks you named, she has take it without a single hick up... cheers brother! Loving your Subaru, and that samurai is a true warrior! Silimar to the defender 90s

Very nice Suzuki, I would love to have one in Canada.

You are 100% right about saving on upgrades by buying a samurai. Downside is you certainly won't want to go any distance in that thing.

Dated a girl that had a, if I remember correctly, 1989 soft top model. Very fun. But not a good road trip vehicle and her's was stock. Good decision to stick with the Forester.

Love the samurai

What a coincidence we were talking about my Jimny just two weeks ago, I think you should definitely get the samurai. It'll be a little tight but it'll be so much more capable and just as fuel efficient.

Oh man! I was disappointed. That Samurai was awesome! I just bought a 98 4runner myself for overland travel and daily driving. Not as comfortable a road car as a forester but it will be great on the trails. I do think your Subaru looks pretty awesome.

Side kick and Chevy tracker same truck. Also 1st gen Kia Sportage is a rear 4x4 body on frame and a transfer case. Here in Michigan there are all rust buckets.

Love your channel, my wife has a Forrester and I have a JK. We like them both in there unique way. For the amount of Offroading you do you might really enjoy a JK.

As a college senior, I bought a 1988 Sami brand new. I LOVED that little truck. I tried to get it's unmodified little butt stuck many times, unsuccessfully. Vehicle focus changed, but I missed it the day after it was traded (for a Swift GT). I had a chance to buy a nice Sami recently, and as romantic as it seemed, some critical thinking ruled it out. It was loads of fun as a young adult, but now just doesn't fit.

Those old samurais are super capable my buddy had one back in the day and he was getting over stuff just as much as the bigger 4x4s your only challenge will be space of course since they are so tiny

That would had been an awesome project damn cool 😎

Love your channel! I found it on Primal-Outdoors channel. They're both my area of interest! BTW, I think I live about 3-4 miles north of you! We live in an excellent locale!

I love compact 4x4s. I'd love to have one someday. I also dig it when people take sedans and convert them to off-roaders (coolest 4x4 I ever saw was an El Camino). I have a 2007 Kia Sorento, and while parts are increasingly harder to find and a dearth of aftermarket support, it's been pretty decent. Some have been able to use (suspension) components from other vehicles, and mod accessories as well.

Loved this video Donald! A modern Jimny would be sooooo appropriate for the USA right now! It’s too bad they aren’t sold here anymore. If you get the chance, a Lexus GX 460 with the 6 speed automatic makes a compelling choice. I talked my buddy into buying one (instead of a Jeep Wrangler JK) and he absolutely loves it. I think we got very similar MPG’s in Utah (although he’s 100% stock), which was about 19-20 mpg hwy doing 85mph. A major improvement over GX470 (which only has a 5 speed auto). Another great thing is it has a 24 gallon gas tank. That’s some serious range!

I’ve logged over 100k miles daily driving samurais, then again I’m not a puss. Lol.

I found a little Mitsubishi Montero (2 seat version) that could easily have been tricked out like this...but a trusted mechanic told me I'd regret it, so I passed. It would have been awesome if reliable.

This is kinda why I want one of the old Subaru Leone hatchbacks from the 80s. It's just as unsafe as the samurai but at least it's a Subaru haha

Love it....

Nice video.Before puting a lot of money in subaru consider this.If you have a lot of km in the old subaru. maybe it s prefaramble to exchange it, with a used forester newer and lower miles and then starting building it... If you don t expect any expensive fixs in what you have, then go ahead and buy what ever you want to put on.Be well you and family!

I have to say few things about thist video. 1) Jimny / Samurai is pretty good in offroad. Its lightweight and drive train make good job. I love these litle 4X4s. In some situations they are much better that big ones proper offroad vehicles. And so its Forester in some conditions. 2) You scared shit out of me when I was starting to feel that you are going to sell Forester. Its one of reasons why I started to watch your channel. :) Stay with Subaru, Its maybe more challenging to keep up with big propper offroads but this makes it fun to do and watch. :)

I say just enjoy what you have! No need to do all the mods on your Forester either. Just keep having fun with what you have now.

Wow that’s awesome........what a upgrade I think that you will love that Suzuki. I’ve never owned one but I did own a raider which is the same size. It was awesome 4x4 loved it. But they are very simple that’s good and bad but fun to. Not power house but reliable though.

I bought a jeep liberty renegade 2005 so far it's been a good investment!

You scared me there for a moment. I love the Samurai, but I know you would not like it. They are great for off road use but really lack in on road performance/safety. If you are seriously looking for a affordable off road vehicle I would look for a clean XJ Cherokee or ZJ 1st gen Grand Cherokees. Still can find some good deals on them and they are good performers out of the box. Mileage will suffer some, usually 16-20 mpg. I had a 1995 Grand Cherokee v8 with a 2" budget boost and 31" tires. Would go anywhere I wanted it to go. A dream to drive on and off road. Had it 9 years with nearly 0 problems. Will get you a 2 speed TC someday, George.

My first car. I loved it. But it sucked on long trips. Awesome off-road and around town.

I , too, have a Subaru (Outback). I wanted to go off-roading in it, but I didn't feel like to modding it. So last year, I was strongly thinking of getting a Samurai. But like you said in your video, they are old, unsafe, and uncommon. I went with a Jeep Wrangler TJ instead because their price point is just a little bit higher than a 'good' Samurai in SoCal, with a lot more to offer.

I really don't understand why Subaru does not make an off-road capable Forester trim. Raised even more, offroad tires, much more lower transmission range, rear and center lockers and under body protective plates. They should show that a unibody construction vehicle can be made for off road duty, with high wheel travel in off-road mode. I think people like you would pay for it and it will enhance the overall brand image, even for lower trims, even if most people (like me!) will get the less capable trims.

I Love my New Jimny :D Im planing a overlandtrip in Iceland Next Year! And I going to Sleep inside the Car. It is possible if you not too tall.

Dannnng kinda wished you got the samurai!! Loved the video tho! I would love to see you build up the Forester with everything on that list 👌

One rig to rule them all! (couldn't help myself) LOL Wise move. I think you may have had some buyers remorse even though that Samurai is about perfect in what it is. I just landed a job in Salem and can't wait to check out your playground. Man it is something else out there. I felt like it was Subaru / Toyota mother country. Keep the Foz!

I have one, but I traded out the drive train to Mercedes G wagon. 4 cylinder diesel, with AC. I built it to tow behind my RV, not a daily driver. The grandkids love driving it all over the farm. The only Standard most have ever driven.

I assume you found that in Eugene/springfield area, I may drive down and check it out. What a great beater for places I don't want to take my $$$$$ truck. No big deal if it goes on it's side, upright it and keep on truckin.

Sammys have all the luxury amenities that is a Willys Jeep.

Another great video. Donald you really go over and beyond. Your cinematography and editing are top notch. I'm glad you're not getting rid of the Forester. If you did I would have contemplated unsubscribing.

Cool Talking Heads/Once in a Lifetime reference.

You forgot to mention the samurai you could take the doors off and the top off and it's a really cool little rig. On those warm days

here in Chile, sowth America, the manual versions of subarus came with a dual range gearbox, until 2011 model year aprox.

The Samurai is a fun truck if it's on a farm or for short distances on road. Beyond that, it's so draining to drive. Having said that, if Consumer Reports hadn't decided they were going to turn this into their poster child for why everyone needs CR... Suzuki's automotive history in the US would be so different. I watched the testing they performed on the Samurai and how much they ignored their own test requirements to achieve a tip.

Heck yeah Sami time

OMG! I’d love you MORE if you went with the Suzuki! I need to own one of these! As long as you know the limits, it could be an option. 😉 Shame we don’t get the current Jimny here - we rented one for a week in Iceland 2 years ago - I’d own one in a heartbeat if we could get them here!!! Stay safe man, wherever the road takes you. Love the channel, especially the cooking segments!

I wouldn't exchange a Subaru for that Samurai either. Fortunately, Suzuki is selling the new Jimny here in our country, and that's the car I'm looking at to go overlanding.

Other cars will continue to tempt us but the Forester will still fit our needs.

More gear reviews and mods to the subie!

I'd take the Zuk just for the stick. So fun to drive. 😁

A good friend of mine once had one of those little buggers. Now I must say that I prefer Toyotas but..... off road, that little thing was a mountain goat. You also rarely had to use the restroom cuz everything already everything had already been either compacted or bounced out.

You had my heart racing there! I was thinking about if I made the right choice with my SHS Forester. The Jimny looks so nice and stuff. But thats about it. Yea its smaller and more capable offroad. But you give up SO much comfort. And the absolute dealbreaker for me on the jimny was its roof load. With only 30kg thats the weight of a Rhino Rack carrier alone. I mean yes, an offroad junkie wouldnt care. I wouldnt neither if the only roads I would be using were gravelpaths with no one else. But having more than 30kg up there is just a ticking bomb. Not because the accident rate with 40kg is a bit higher, but because your insurance company will laugh at you. Negligent driving, no need for them to pay. You might even end up in jail when something happens. Thats why its a clear "no" from me. If I have such small space inside, I want to use the roof exessively. Edit: Also the crash test rating for the new Jimny is .. terrible. I freaking love my Forester, its a lightweight tank with amazing safety stuff in it. Glad you stay with the Subaru! (I really want them to make a 4x4 Subaru, a man can dream)

You should look into an xterra for affordable 4X4 , I really like mine. I bought an 07 with 129k miles for a spare vehicle with 4X4. Its so much fun someone in my family drives it every day. We have newer cars but this one is fun!

I would unsubscribe if you ditched your subaru! Just get to modding that thing! Its a lot of fun. Great video as always!

Haha, I couldn't wait to see that thing out in the field, but I think you made a good decision. Jason

These are so cool, but I worry about how many I see that have flipped

I have a 2012 ford focus titanium 1.6 ecoboost and a 1.6 16v Suzuki Vitara g16b (which is basically a geo tracker in the us). When I switch from the focus to the vitara, I feel like I am driving a carriege. I live in Romania, btw, and I like your video.

Those old Samurai are neat; my dad had one, but you're not wrong about the on road safety deficits. If you're serious at all (and I suspect you aren't), you should look into and older 4Runner Limited. They're available all over Craigslist in your (our) area for reasonable prices, come with a center locking diff, and have a pile of aftermarket parts readily available. They have Toyota reliability, a lot of nice modern features (the Limited trim package is packed) and you'll fid some of your wishlist is less expensive for a 4Runner and might be found used... but you know, I don't think you're really looking to trade out. You're a Subi guy. :)

I’ve always loved the Samurai’s or “Sierra” as we call them in Australia, but like yourself the safety side has always kept me away. The Subaru’s are fantastic in terms of safety and for their capability I think are perfect for a small overlander. I think I may have gone too far with my own build and should have stuck to an overland setup rather than a more extreme offroad setup like I have.

Good choice , Stay with the Forrester

That's not a tin top, it's a hard top ;)

had an 86 , great gearing. youll get used to solid axels.

Little suckers will go ANYWHERE, but with little space. Would be fun to see one set up for overlanding.....

My only concern is the 4 cylinder and manual transmission. The 97-01 XJ is a good choice. It will tick all those boxes and some you didn't put on the list, like able to sleep inside. AC, PS, air bags, OBD2, 4.0 6 cylinder power, very upgradeable and mostly come with a lot done already.

How do you explain the binding of your AWD system?

You just need that torq locker.

Anytime I hear people mention creature comforts in a car, I always take my old Bug for a ride to remind myself that the joy is in the drive.

PARTS... I wonder what the availability is for a vehicle that old? Something to consider. And yes, I'd still watch your channel... you're a down-to-earth honest guy and you make great videos!