1996 Subaru Sambar Truck · 4WD · 60,700 mi

Up for sale: a 1996 Subaru Sambar Truck, blue over its original panels, brought in from the Japanese domestic market. Built as 4WD with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Stamped on the plate: KS4-284666.

Key figures

• Year: 1996
• Make: Subaru
• Model: Sambar Truck
• Chassis code: KS4
• Drivetrain: 4WD
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
• Odometer: 60,700
• Engine: EN07 660 cc
• Colour: Blue
• Chassis number: KS4-284666
• Body type: Kei Truck / Mini Truck
• Stock reference: BUC29634

What the KS4 Sambar is

KS4 denotes the selectable four-wheel-drive version of Subaru's fifth-generation Sambar, produced from 1990 until 1999. Its 658cc EN07 is an inline-four — unique in a class of three-cylinders — and it sits behind the rear axle under the bed floor, which puts the engine's mass where a kei truck most needs it. Subaru offered the EN07 in carburetted, fuel-injected and supercharged forms across the range.

It shows 60,700 miles on a gauge originally calibrated in kilometres, which puts it near 97,700 km. That sits in the middle of the band Sambars of this generation generally arrive at.

In use

Selecting four-wheel drive in a Sambar brings in a front axle on a vehicle whose engine already sits at the very back, behind the rear axle line. That rearward weight bias is deliberate and it is unique in the class. The bed above it stays flat and unobstructed because nothing mechanical runs underneath it.

This is the middle of the kei truck market. A 1996 Subaru Sambar Truck at this money is the ordinary working configuration rather than a specialist one: a straight bed, a common chassis, and the parts supply that comes with a model sold in volume.

To proceed

At 1996 it is past the 25-year mark, which is the line that decides whether a Japanese-market vehicle can be imported at all. The paperwork side — import documentation and title — is our job, and we deliver anywhere in the US. You can also watch the walkaround video above before deciding. Listed at $6,380 — tell us it is the one and we will take it off the market.