I am once again being tempted by a Suzuki Samurai.

What are the types of things that are getting ready to wear out at 130,000 miles on your average road driven '87 Samurai?

I am just looking for a daily driver I can leave the top down on and replace my motorcycle with. I am worried that I will end up with a money/time pit.

Also, does the windshield fold down on these?

The windshield dont fold down, but there is a kit available to make your windshield fold.

As far as reliability, i'm sure that differs from vehicle to vehicle.  For your average 87 sammy, there will be an investment of time and money on your part.  There just aint much you can do to get around it.  You're talking about a 25 year old vehicle. 

The good part is, they are easy to work on and fun as hell to drive. 

Where are you located ? I know where there is a real nice one , but it is in oregon

Thanks for the replies,

Im in Virgina.

I figure there will be little bits and such that will brake, but I am concerned about the big hard to fix items like, drive-train components. How long does the timing chain last?

I am seeing alot of repair threads on here.

The stock 1.3l engine uses a timing belt, not a chain.  I believe it is recommended it be changed every 30k miles. 

The only other thing I can think of you may need to know about is the shifter sheets in the tranny and transmission.  They are easy to replace, and the kit will run you around $25.  You can search this site for plenty of info on this repair.

It's a 25 year old vehicle with 130 miles. I think you can expect to do repairs if you drive it daily. It would be anybodies guess if something might break.

I own one and drive it daily and have not suffered any repairs that I have not wanted to or weren't typical preventive maintenance.

If you get one buy a waterproof car cover too. I haven't had my top on much this summer. If its supposed to rain I put the top on at home and don't drive it. If there is a chance or scattered showers I drive it. If it starts to rain i slip the cover on. (I keep it rolled up and in the back. It works out great.

Good luck with your decision!

I have a sidekick, but its similar.  it has 197,000 miles and still runs good.  im a die hard Dodge guy, but this is the most reliable vehicle I have ever had.  I would get it.  same kind of fun as a motorcycle, different, but still good.  I wish I had gotten one a long time ago.  I almost got a jeep. but in Puerto Rico, these suzuki are more popular.  now I know why. 

I love them. Five years ago I never would have imagined myself driving one of these things. I live big trucks and huge tires and massive diesel power. My brother made fun of me when I bought it (well he still does) but I think he's jealous now with his 11mpg Ford super duty and $4/gal + diesel fuel.
Glad I didn't go the full-size route. It just forced me to pack lighter
They are reliable as long as you have patience to keep it running like a top. They are like working on a motorcycle. Very simple. You're talking abou a samurai too. I think my tracker is easy to work on but luckily (knock on wood) I have not had any major headaches with it. A carb'ed Sammy has less electronics to go wrong and seems like itd be even easier to figure out yourself. Go for it. You're gonna love it.
Welcome aboard

There is pro's and cons to buying a zuki there small and the ride is a little stiff compared to a tracker , the tracker is a little wider and rides a lot smother . I have had both and my vote is for a tracker . 

Windshield doesnt fold down on a tracker and the door dont come off.