Suzuki Samurai for the trip?

[cnote]

Long time lurker, First time poster!

Alright so here's the thing. My dad and I are taking a full USA trip in about a year (after I graduate).
The plan is to roughly plan the route and just see a bunch of great stuff on the way. :sombrero:
So, we really both wanna do it open vehicle, but can't decide how.
I personally love samurai's, and want to do the trip in one.
Dad love bikes, and he really wants to do the trip on motorcycles (which I'm not totally opposed to)

But that's not the point... I just found a samurai in my neighborhood for a decent price, and wanna know
what you sammy freaks think.

1) Is a samurai a reliable and fun car to use for the trip?

2) Would bikes be better? Or just personal preference?

3) What do you think of the sammy?















Owner stated the obvious. The bed pan is rusted through in spots (doesn't bug me) not great appearance.. so what?

What I was happy to find out is how well he claims it runs.
Engine is great
Tranny is good and so are ALL gears.
Also claims transfer case is in great shape.

Oh yeah. I know it is missing a tailgate and a passenger side window. Are those difficult/expensive to find?

So what do you guys think? Worth the buy and restore? Or is it beyond my capabilities?

Mods - if any of this is super wrong im so sorry. Like i said first timer. I mean no harm :smiley_drive:

 

[Herbie]

Here's my thing about long distance travel: Fatigue becomes a factor. A significant factor. The harder you have to work piloting the vehicle, the harder the trip is over the long haul. You get tired. You make mistakes. You get irritated.

That leads me to my concern about that Samurai - Wind noise, buffeting, having to shout just to carry on a conversation, etc. will all be something you'll have to ENDURE. It will not be enjoyable. I did a few long-haul trips in a convertible when I was younger, and even 3-4 hours at highway speed was tiring. 6-8 hours with the top down was exhausting. With a Sammy like that, where you won't be able to tame the environment, I think would be very difficult to do an "around the USA" tour.

Oddly enough, Motorcycles might be more comfortable. The helmet gives you some protection from wind. A good radio will let you communicate with your dad without having to shout. Bikes are physical to ride, but while you're cruising at speed only minimal input is needed. You won't be any more exposed to the elements on a bike than you would be in that Sammy...

 

[cnote]

Thanks for the quick reply Herbie.
On that note I will definitely consider both sides. However, even for more short distance hauls and overlanding what do you think of the samurai? Does it appear to be in good condition or are there apparent issues I'm just overlooking with the vehicle, besides the fatigue and annoyance.

 

[Riptide]

Depends on what your definition of "adventure" is. Anybody can drive a posh Land Cruiser around the USA. And most of the time, your backsides will appreciate that. But doing it in a Sami, or on a couple of bikes? Now THAT'S an adventure...

I have both of these vehicles. And what I dream about is exploring in my Sami.

However, two people in a Sami would be a challenge. Think of long stretches of road, where one of you is trying to sleep while the other drives. A place to put your stuff (although if your dad wants to do it on bikes, he must be pretty pared down to begin with). Plus, the redundancy of a second vehicle can be mighty helpful.

One last thought: our dads don't stay with us forever. If his dream is to do it on bikes, I would honor his dream. You sound young enough to have a hell of alot more trips in front of you.

 

[k9lestat]

i am from statesboro ill pm you with some local stuff ive seen.

 

[WagoneerSX4]

Herbie is definitely correct. Do both of you really have the experience in the bank to pilot motorcycles across the country? Have you ever been riding when you were REALLY tires. And by tires I don't mean sleepy on your way home from work, I mean physically tired on your 14th day of riding. You may love casual riding, but long distance travel on a bike isn't for everybody. You start mis-shifting, having back fatigue, leg cramps, hand cramps, sore neck, etc. Have you ever ridden long distance and at freeway speeds in pouring rain? I'd move up slowly to such a long trip on motorcycles.

Same thing with vehicles. The seats in sammy's are junk and would need to be upgraded for such a long trip. And the soft tops leak, and are noisy, and you have a severe lack of power for highway driving and you constantly have to plan ahead to climb hills or keep up with traffic. All that stuff adds to the fatigue factor again.

I would do both in a heartbeat, but I'm young and naive and am still able to bullhead my way through the pain. Your father might be a different story depending on his age and physical ability.

 

[Somecallmetimm]

Go with the Zuk

Slide in some Neon seats, throw on a soft top and aggressive 235/75/15 tires and ride. it'll be uncomfortable, loud, gutless and a TON of fun!

It's hard to overlook the added bonus of having a top if you want it, removable doors (easy mod), the ability to take turns driving.

 

[Hondaslayer]

So, who's going to kill who first?

Around the USA trip? Do you plan on offroad / back country routes? If so, the zuki' might work (I'd look for a Jeep since Suzuki dealers are far and few between)

Highway? Something more modern and fuel efficient (Honda wagon)

Convertible a must? BMW 3 series convertible. Comfy for long hauls, top goes down, decent on fuel (comparatively) good dealer network though it will be spendier when it breaks down.

 

[k9lestat]

pm sent

 

[cnote]

Thanks for all responding so quickly guys! After reading all of your views I think dad really wants to it on bikes so we will probably go that way. And I would have to sell my beauty of a truck to get the zuk (92 f150 xlt edition) Dx

To clarify, dad and I are both physically fit and plan to train for the distance over the next year and a half. Also, we are trying our best to avoid interstates. We both really wanna just get away and experience some cool cultures on the way! We feel like back roads and occasional dirt would be best. Probably in bikes but obviously open to suggestions.

Also riptide you had a great point! Its always been his dream to go on bikes so I'd love to do that for him! (I'm 16 btw)

Dad and I are totally cool with minimal stuff on the trip and plan on packing really lightly and probably doing a decent amount if camping especially once out west. Also we have the time aloted (~2 months) to not have to endure bad riding conditions all the time if itstarts pouring we should have plenty of time to simply pull over and get some coffee to wait it out. Of course we can always just keep riding the storm out when were bored.

Also jeepmudder and riptide, love your idea of an adventure. Comfort is for normal people and is just an added bonus on a trip

 

[mapper]

Also jeepmudder and riptide, love your idea of an adventure. Comfort is for normal people and is just an added bonus on a trip

While this is totally true for you, at 16, your dad might get worn out a little quicker. Just keep this in mind when scheduling and give him the opportunity to stop here and there along the way to smell the roses. You'll likely want to go, go, go...but when you look back, those times you stopped a bit will be best, most engaging parts of the trip. Sounds fun. Make it happen.

 

[mapper]

Oh, and that Sammy looks pretty beat up. Its totally salvagable, and probably wouldn't be a terrible project, but I bet you can find plenty that in a better condition. For a proclaimed Sammy lover you should find something you'd like to keep for a while.

 

[cnote]

Yeah I totally.understand the want to chill on the way! That's why we are allotting the entire summer break for the trip. No rush stop when we want and even take a day if we need it. And if we decide to come back early that great. Dad and I are both really easy going and pretty adjustable to the other.

 

[k9lestat]

i sent him craigslist listings of some better looking rigs that look like they have been taken care of local to us.