1988 Suzuki

JC51 Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

JS4JC51C0J4227553

Gasoline

For sale is a 1988 Suzuki Samurai we have owned since 2004. We have logged 16,000 fun miles over that period, mostly in the summer with the top off. It is always stored inside. This tough little SUV is made with Body-on-Frame construction, incredibly well built. Real 4x4: solid axles front and rear, two speed transfer case. The frame is factory coated with some tough stuff, and is rust free. A small Jeep-like vehicle, build like a tank. Because of collector / enthusiast interest, parts are readily available (in my experience). Best I can tell, and while we've owned it, never wrecked. These cool little vehicles are getting hard to find, especially in original, unmolested condition. This is an original survivor. My reason for selling: my son drove it to high school, needed different vehicle for the long trip to college, so no one drives it anymore. Performance This vehicle runs and starts great. It is not real powerful (something like 65 hp), so 55 to 65 MPH is about as fast as it goes. Not recommended for interstate driving. Clutch, transmission, brakes, 4x4 are all in good functional condition. The steering and brakes are manual, not power. Equipment 1.3L 4 cylinder engine, carbureted. 5 speed manual transmission, 2-hi / 4-hi / 4-lo transfer case. Aftermarket stereo works well, aftermarket tach installed by A pillar. Factory airconditioning, but it hasn't worked since we've owned it. Factory jack and owner's manual. Condition This vehicle has original paint, except for places that were touched up. Not show quality paint, faded on the hood, typical scratches and flaws. Top is in good shape, except for a hole above the roll bar (see photo). Nearly rust free: very clean underneath, solid floors. Only known rust is the rocker panels, which are covered by plastic trim pieces along the bottom of the car. Seats are vinyl, and the front two seats are cracked and covered. The rear seat is in pretty good shape. Original felt carpet installed...a few years ago we removed the seats and carpet for inspection, floor was solid, but paint worn under the feet area, and we coated the floor with spray in bed liner. Tires are >50%. The glass is all in good condition, the manual window lifts work well. The door panels aren't great, could be replaced. A significant issue with the vehicle is that is consumes coolant, not a lot but some over time (like a quart per month), I suspect a head gasket issue, but don't know. Terms NOTE: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TITLE. The vehicle has a 5 digit odometer, so when it passed 100,000 miles, the odo just shows the last 5 digits. In Indiana, the title is flagged "exceeds mechanical limits". I am not interested in cheating anyone, I have provided all info I could think of. Please forward any questions. Buy with confidence: if you buy this, and come to get it and are not satisfied, I'll return your downpayment less the Ebay fees. Low risk to the buyer. A $500 downpayment is required within 5 days of purchase. I can hold the vehicle for up to 30 days (after downpayment). I can deliver the vehicle up to a couple of hundred miles, for $1 per mile. Contact me if you are interested. Check my feedback score, bid with confidence. God bless, thanks for looking.