Hi!
We are looking at several Samurais this weekend with hopes of getting one for some off-roading.  I notice that the odometer only has to the 10,000s not 100,000s.  We have a couple we are looking at that the owners say they have 40,000 or 60,000 miles.  How do I know that these do not have 140,000 (240,000 etc) miles?  Any tricks or things I can look at to determine actual miles?  I could run a carfax but at $25 a car and not even sure what I will get???  Thanks for the help!
Cheers,
Jill

With ones that have 40,000-60,000 you gotta look for little things.  One important thing is look at the pedals.  If they are very worn then chances are they are lying about there mileage.  Another thing is just take a peak under the hood.  A car with 40,000 miles should have a decently clean engine compartment even if its an older vehicle. 

Most of the ones that I have looked at are fairly low mileage. The tips above are good ones to follow. Let's face it most people don't buy a Sammy to drive across the country so the are pretty low mileage in general.

Also, check to see if it was towed behind a motor home.  If so that really reduces the amount of miles that was actually driven. 

I bought an '87 Samy from a private party with 40,000 on the odometer. But he told me the mileage was 140,000, he bought it new for his daughter who used it for college 5 yrs and for work 2 yrs, he then took it back and used it as a tow vehicle.

Assuming 12,000 to 15,000 driven miles per year, and 30-40 % towed mileage per year the 140,000 is about right. Look at the other tips listed above, and trust your guts as to the integrity of the seller. Mine was a positve experience. Good Luck.

BTW - they make an excellent tow vehicle - less than 1500 lbs don't need brake buddy. Goes anywhere road clearance and overhead clearance allows without going too extreme. I use mine to explore off road areas in BAJA.