Has anyone bought one? Specifically in southern california? Because I've been looking around, and it seems the lowest that anyone goes is 1200, and I really can't afford that right now, as I'm just looking for a small, cheap, manual transmission car to learn how to drive on and work on. If anyone has any advice, or anything at all, that would be super helpful, thanks!

Bought 3 Samurai's for less than $400 over the past few years but they needed work,last one seems better I picked up for $1400.Live in Florida.

Just bought a rusted out POS missing a radiator,title, and grill for $400

Be careful what you wish for

I haven't bought one in that price range but I'm sure you can find one, I have seen running soft tops for sale in that $ range. Its just timing and you might need to look a little outside your area. I would be prepared to deal with some repairs though. Im in Cali. too, central coast, I paid more than double what your looking to spend, on a tintop, and it still has plenty of issues. For the most part it seems that we pay more than what some in other states pay for these things, what they pay $500 for we pay $1000, unless you get lucky.

Sad thing is SOME people price a Samurai like its a name brand (Jeep),so that makes them expensive.I have seen plenty of Samurai's for $2,500-$5,500 range!!

Sad thing is SOME people price a Samurai like its a name brand (Jeep),so that makes them expensive.I have seen plenty of Samurai's for $2,500-$5,500 range!!

I'm not sure I understand the brand name thing? Samurai is a brand name of Suzuki. The value comes from them not being as common as some other "name brand" vehicles, I can drive around here everyday for months and not see a Samurai but see many Jeeps. They're small in size, relatively inexpensive to build and work on etc., and the fact that there are quite a few people interested in the Samurai add to their value. Not because they really want a Jeep. I have never wanted a jeep but bought a samurai.

Just like anything else supply and demand raise value. Even if the price has gone up a little on samurais it's still cheaper to buy and build than a Jeep.

OK,saw a 1976 JEEP for sale listed at $6500,thats a lot for a 36 year old vehicle.But Craigs where I live Samurai's are in the $2500-$5500 range,thats a lot too when you consider I bought three within the last 4 years for less than $500!!I saw a ROUGH Samurai missing doors,windshield and NO top listed for $1000,kid said it did not run either!!