So, I'm shopping around. Would like to get your guys opinions on the Sambar. I have an oportunity to get a 1990 Sambar with over 90,000 on it. But otherwise looks like it's in awesome shape. I can also wait for a Mitsubishi Mini cab with only 29,000 on it but I know little about it. the sambar has full independant suspension, vs a solid rear axle. What will this mean in terms of offroading and winter driving? Is indi better than solid axle? Anyways, looking for some drivers opinions. thanks
I am very happy with my Sambar...but like most things ask 10 people get 10 different opinions, my thoughts is whatever makes you happy is the one for you
true true. what about the Sambar's performance in snow? I don't think it comes with a locking rear diff, is that correct?
Just had it out in the snow... plowing a couple of driveways....no problems at all it will depend on your tires etc.
This thread helped me decide... well that and the only truck I could find locally for a reasonable price was a Suzuki so that's the route I went... http://www.minitrucktalk.com/showthread.php?t=103
good find! thanks! very informative. When starting out on a new forum I always find it difficult to navigate before I know the proper terms to search.
Decided to add to this thread instead of creating a new one... I have an opportunity to buy either a Honda ACTY or a Diahatsu. Both are 92 models with 4wd, have AC (important here in Houston!) and both cost the same. The Honda has a 2" lift and already has aftermarket wheels and tires and the Diahatsu is still stock. the Diahatsu only has 11k miles and the Honda has 30k. The mini will be used strictly off road on my deer lease in East Texas and the biggest obstacle there will be mud. I would appreciate any replies from you guys in the know to help me decide which one would be a better fit for my needs. I should also add I'm only 5'10" and 190# so the size of the Honda cab shouldn't be too big a factor.
in reading through the thread Ironraven posted, I think your best bet would be the Acty. I have no experience with either, sorry. Got the Subaru! Sitting in the parking garage right now.
Yeah, I've read that thread about 3 times now. Honda has better off road ride, but the Diahatsu is best off road climber. I'm leaning toward the Honda, mostly because it already has the off road tires on it and will save me money. The thing that worries me a bit is the "real time 4wd" of the Honda. Whichever vehicle I use will probably always stay in 4wd, but is the real time 4wd as robust for mud as the 4wd on the Diahatsu with lockers? Really I guess it comes down to which one of these would be best in serious mud.
The Diahatsu is going to be hands down better in the mud than the Honda is. The "realtime 4wd" is a misnomer, it only engages the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip. There isn't a switch to engage the truck to always use all 4 wheels either and I don't believe it has locking diffs. ATV wheels are cheap, I bought a set of 4 aluminum wheels and tires brand new on craigslist for $250.
"The Honda has a 2" lift and already has aftermarket wheels and tires" That statement there would make me back up even more. Not only has the honda been questioned about the 4x4 combination, but add in a lift etc? Hummm....make sure everything is aligned and its 'done right' verified. Without first hand knowledge of the product and issues related to lifts etc...I'd give serious pause with this combo. Just my view of posts over the years ... op:
The Honda is not magical enough to transfer the power to the non slipping wheel. It is a simple open awd type system power will flow to the wheels with the least amount of traction. However I have found them to be much better than expected off road. They can be switched to 2wd by cranking a bolt on the transmission, then they are rwd. The Honda is easy to lift contrary to what people seem to think. Difflock was on the Attack! Model of acty. Only for the rear mind you. None of the trucks have locking fronts. Daihatsu will be generally easier and cheaper for parts from what I have seem. Honda seems to be the last place contender for parts availability. However, I truly love the Honda for several reasons. My first choice truck is Suzuki. Non interference engine. Parts seem to be more common. The reasons I like the Honda. - rear engine. This makes for a quieter ride and better weight distribution. This is likely one of the reasons the truck is better in mud than I expected due to the weight of the engine over the axle. - more space in cab. Due to the rear engine, there is a bit of storage space under the seats. ( unless you have air conditioning as it takes up space under the drivers seat ) But at the end of the day I would probably take the daihatsu mainly for the ease of finding parts. If the Honda had the parts availability of the Suzuki, I would likely have one for my daily driver. Check and change your timing belt no matter which you choose. These interference engines will cause damage when the belt breaks. With a Suzuki you could keep a spare in the truck and change it on the road if it broke. Not Honda or daihatsu though.
Thanks for the replys everyone. I picked up the hijet this weekend and ordered a timing belt and parts manual. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch but I'm sure that's going to be changing. Good to know I have this place to refer to, and thanks again.
Thanks! I will. I haven't been able to find one yet but I will be checking lulu.com for the manual. This weekend I spent hours on here and other sites reading a searching for different things, I'm sure anyone with a mini knows what I'm talking about, but all I found was the parts manual. A service manual is top of the list, just had not found it yet.
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperba...gContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1 Dai service manual. It isnt perfect, but its the best in English I have found.
Depending on what sort of wheeling you're doing.. I'd say the minicab or carry are the best. The acty and sambar don't have a very good approach angle. So if you want to do some ditches or climb up onto a log... you're hooped. The front wheels are too far back. I like both the sambar and acty.. just not for off-road.
For pure off road you want a mits or a dihatsu. Suzuki has the rad up front which makes it more susceptible to punctures. I'd say dihatsu is the best off road as they are more likely to have the 4 speed hi/low with the diff+axle lock combo.
If you are 6ft+ then you can definitily notice the extra 1 inch of knee room that that Hijet offers. Carry has sharp edges on the dash right by the air vents.
