Year: | 1991 |
Make: | Subaru |
Model: | Sambar SDX Dump Truck |
Mileage: | 25,951km |
Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
Drivetrain: | HI/LO 4wd |
Engine: | 4-cylinder 660cc |
Exterior Color: | White/Orange |
VIN Number: | KS4-085*** |
The Subaru Sambar is the most unique Kei mini truck out there, and there are plenty of great condition ones available for purchase daily at the Japanese dealer auctions. Subaru has always been a leader in vehicle design and was the first Japanese auto maker to produce small, affordable vehicles for middle-class families back in the forties. Skip ahead when Kei laws were changed in 1991 and Subaru kept their lead with the Sambar design. From the outside it may seem like an ordinary Kei truck, but take a closer look and you will find decades of engineering prowess that makes this machine so remarkable.
It is the only Kei with a 4-cylinder 660cc engine. The EN07 engine produces 40HP @ 6500rpm which puts it on the more powerful end of the spectrum for this generation of mini trucks. And unlike other Keis, this engine is mounted in the rear of the truck. It is one of the first to offer a super charger and inter cooler package as well as fuel injection. The super charger package boosts the horsepower to 55 which rivals modern Kei trucks.
It has independent suspension so it is not the best Kei for a lift kit, but the suspension and the rear end weight due to the engine placement gets more traction and makes the Sambar better suited for snow plow use. It produces 5.5kg-m @ 3500rpm of torque. Rear diff lock was an available option and the rear wheel weight combined with ventilated disc brakes provides better traction and braking power in any condition. The Sambar is perfect for highway driving, hunting, or work on the farm.
The cargo bed measures 6’ x 4’ x 11” and the gates fold down on all sides. There is also a cargo rack on the back of the cab with holds to fasten long planks, pipe, or glass. A top access panel to the engine is at the end of the bed and Sambar also has an additional access panel just below the tailgate. It is the only Kei truck with two engine access points. The dump version is powered by an electric-hydraulic system and has a load capacity of over 770 pounds.
At 10’8” x 4’6” x 5’9” and 1,628 pounds the Sambar is standard Kei size, and just a bit on the heavy side. The rear axle location of the engine keeps the cab quieter and cooler than other Keis. Since the engine is not under the seats like other makes the seats sit a bit lower, giving the driver more head room. A popped roof option was also available. The Sambar has optional AC and push button 4wd is located on the shift knob. The dump switch is on the dash so in inclimate weather you don’t have to go outside to use the dump. If you are having trouble finding the brake or washer fluid reservoirs, they are behind the driver side air vent and below the passenger seat, respectively. All these features make it a great all-around utility vehicle.
This particular dump is a 4wd 5-speed SDX model. The mileage is true at an astonishingly low 16,000 miles. The interior, and especially the seats, are in fantastic condition. The chassis and underside of the dump have been cleaned up and coated with black rust retardant, and the cargo bed has been coated with a rust, and scratch proof orange acrylic paint. This Sambar was born and raised in the southern island of Kyushu, known for its mild climate and slow country driving. Each vehicle Japan Car direct exports gets thoroughly inspected to confirm its condition so you can rest assured that you will get a great truck when buying from Japan.
This Sambar was another good kei mini truck scored at the Japanese used car auctions! All 25 year old vehicles can legally be imported to the US and Australia. Even newer models can be imported to Canada and the UK. Contact us today for more details.
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Matthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections,... read moreMatthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections, expert opinions on bidding, arranging quick turn shipping, and handling of docs. I have no reservations sending more tens of thousands of dollars for future imports. At the end of the day, they really wanted to make me a happy customer. read less
I highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great... read moreI highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great to work with. Highly recommend the team at JCD. read less
Before this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the... read moreBefore this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the country in the midst of the oil price hikes.
The process is painless end to end and I was well looked after by Mike. Definitely recommend Japan Car Direct for the auction and shipping service. read less
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Great experience. Extremely easy process and Kept me well informed. Highly recommend them if looking to purchase a vehicle from Japan.
It's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness.... read moreIt's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness. He was very quick to respond, and very informative on all my questions. He helped my sort through options until landing a 1kz-te Land Cruiser Prado. It ended up being in better condition than I was anticipating, and was able to drive it 5 hours home from port without a single issue. Cannot recommend Japan Car Direct enough! read less
I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The... read moreI used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The detailed videos where Mike would translate and explain the Japanese auction sheets and inspections provided great clarification so I knew exactly what I was getting with my car. I have to also commend Mike's swiftness when it came to replying to emails and phone calls, he would always reply near on instantly and even outside of normal business hours just to ensure I was never left in the dark through the bidding and shipping preparation processes.
I could not recommend JCD enough for any potential self importers! read less
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Just picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my... read moreJust picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my hand and help me through the process. It seems pretty daunting at first but if I can do it anybody can. Highly recommend JCD! read less
I worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go... read moreI worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go with japancardirect. Being able to see the auction trucks that are coming out and getting a detailed translation of the auction sheet is awesome. At first, I was a little hesitant sending money for a car overseas that I haven't actually seen in person, but Mathew stayed with me even at times when I was less patient. Thanks for all the help you and your team provide. read less
Taylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism,... read moreTaylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism, promptness, clarity of communication has been amazing. He's helped answer a miultitude of questions, and everything went without incident (aside from impacts from Ukraine).f
Thank you, Taylor! read less
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After seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be... read moreAfter seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be a better way. Sure enough, that way is Japan Car Direct. Yoshi and team are knowledgeable, professional and responsive. They do what they say they are going to do before, during and after the transaction, they are in it for the long haul. The result of reviewing the auction listings and acquiring/importing yourself (with help from JCD) is substantial savings and the satisfaction of paying a fair price. It's also fun if you enjoy searching for and identifying great automotive values. Would not hesitate to recommend their services to others and I will be back for more vehicles in the near future. read less
Can't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient... read moreCan't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient with me and ensured that I only bid on cars worth having. The car I have bought far exceeds expectations in every way and the whole process of purchase and shipping was all taken care of - top marks and thank you read less
Japan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions.... read moreJapan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions. They made navigating the import process a breeze. This is a reputable company. I highly recommend them if you’re interested in importing your very own JDM. read less
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So pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import... read moreSo pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import will be even smoother. Looking forward to the next experience. read less
MARKNADEN Studio
4/08/2022
Great dependable business! Highly recommended! Thank you Mathew for all your hard work!
Yoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all... read moreYoshiro and the folks over at JapanCarDirect are the best! They were super helpful with my first time importing a vehicle to the US and were quick to answer all of the first-time questions I had about the process. The vehicle I got was exactly as I expected based on the pre-bidding inspection that they organized and I am beyond thrilled with my new (to me) little van. I'll definitely be working with them again for the next vehicle I look to import read less
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