I had totally given up on sami's and pre-85 yodas, due to price. Every Sami in my local autotrader was going for $3800 at least ( and the motor wasn't right ), and averaged $5K due to motor conversions, axle swaps, and large tire lift set-ups. I totally gave up, and was looking into trading my motorcycle for a 89' 351W bronco. Until I did the fuel calulations for the 110mile trip to the play ground. I completely gave up.... About a week later, one of the two other machanics I work with says, " hey, saw a sami on my way to work with a for sale sign on it". We took an early lunch and found what I thought was going to be a $2500-$3000 POS. 33'' tires, lifted, white sami. Couldn't tell the motor.... Gutted, missing the top, windsheild, doors, and left nothing but the seats, dash, and shifters. Turns out, the seller wasn't unreallic about pricing. Turns out, it has a sweet running all stock motor, complete with stock exhuast. He's asking $1000.... I offered him $500 the next day ( over a week ago now ). Of course, he turned me down, but I plan to go by and offer him $600-700 cash tomorrow....
Its no mint sami for $500, but compared to what I've been seeing, I feel lucky to have found it.
Point is, don't rush, keep asking around, and maybe you'll find one for cheap....
Stock drivetrain with 33'' tires isn't optimal, but I'll take it for $600-$700 with a good running motor. I just wanted a toy anyway...