I’ve been driving my trusty 2014 Toyota Yaris over a decade now, and honestly, it’s been the definition of an "old reliable." It just works, eats virtually no gas, and never gives me headaches.
That said, every single time I see a Suzuki Samurai cruising around the island, I can't help but stare. They just look so cool, and I’ve had this itch for a while to buy one, put some solid money into it, and maybe... daily it?
Before I make a financial mistake, I wanted to get a reality check from people who actually own or have built them out.
If I dump money into upgrading the suspension, restoring the engine/drivetrain, adding modern AC, and fixing up the interior, is a Samurai actually dailyable around? Or is the reality of living with leaf springs, zero sound deadening, lightweight highway instability, and classic car quirks going to make me hate my life after two weeks?
Part of me feels like it’s a fun project that could work for the daily commute, but another part of me is telling me to keep the Yaris for the daily grind and strictly save the Samurai for weekend beach runs and mountain trips.
For those who have taken the plunge: can you make a Samurai comfortable enough for everyday use, or is it strictly a weekend toy? Appreciate any honest thoughts!