Year guide

1997 Subaru Sambar

Specs, price, Classic and what to check

A 1997 Sambar is a 5th-generation KS3 (2WD) or KS4 (4WD) with Subaru's 4-cylinder engine at the back. It's the most searched Sambar year in the US.

Engine658cc 4-cyl.

Power39–54 hp

4WD codeKS4

Hauls772 lb

You can import and own one

It turned 25 in 2022, so US import is allowed. Road use depends on your state. Check your state ↓

A white 1997 Subaru Sambar kei truck with red and blue racing stripes — A 1997 Sambar with racing stripes, photographed in the UK.

Which year is it?

Is it really a 1997? Check before you buy

Find the frame number

The frame number starts with KS3 (2WD) or KS4 (4WD). The export certificate shows the build month, which sets its 25-year date.

What changed

What a 1997 Sambar has

A 4-cylinder engine at the back: The 658cc EN07 sits under the bed, behind the rear axle. Owners say it's quieter and smoother than 3-cylinder trucks.
No CVT automatic: Subaru dropped the CVT in October 1995. A 1997 automatic is a 3-speed.
A retro Classic version: A retro-styled Sambar, first a special edition, later sold as the Dias Classic. Classics asked the most in our listings.
Two years before the new body: The wider TT1/TT2 Sambar came in February 1999.

Versions

The 3 engines in a 1997 Sambar

Ask the seller which one it has. It changes the speed and the price.

Carbureted · About 39 hp: The basic engine. Simple to work on.
Fuel injected · About 45 hp: Smoother starts and more power.
Supercharged · About 54 hp: The fastest. Owners say it runs hot: use synthetic oil and 89+ octane gas.

All three are the 658cc EN07 4-cylinder. Power figures from Wikipedia (Subaru Sambar).

Service

1997 Sambar service notes

Subaru's official numbers are hard to find in English. These come from owners and parts sellers.

What they say	1997 Sambar
Timing belt	Kits are sold for 1990–1998 KS3 and KS4 trucks. No receipt means it's due.
Cooling	The radiator is at the front and the engine at the back, joined by long steel pipes. Check them for rust and leaks.
Supercharged engines	Owners use synthetic oil and 89+ octane gas, and avoid long runs at high revs.
Tires	12-inch. Many owners move to 13-inch because 12-inch tires are hard to find.

Sources: Oiwa Garage parts listings, a UK repairer and owner reports. Not Subaru data.

Price

How much is a 1997 Subaru Sambar worth?

1997 Sambars listed for $5,000 to $11,500 in the US. Classic versions cost the most.

In Japan, before shipping, a 1997 KS4 costs about $3,700. One Oklahoma buyer imported a Sambar for about $4,000 delivered, with a hotshot driver.

Real 1997 Sambar prices

1997 Sambar Classic KS4Asking · about 19,900 miles · Kei Truck Direct$11,500
1997 Sambar Classic 4WDAsking · 73,000 miles · Arizona dealer (sold)$9,300
1997 Sambar KS4 4WDAsking · California listing$5,200
1997 Sambar KS4Asking · Kei Truck Direct$5,000
1997 Sambar KS4Exporter price in Japan · JDM Export$3,722

Seen Nov. 7–8, 2026. Asking prices, not sales. Not offers or guarantees. We’re not paid by any dealer.

See all Sambar prices and where we found them →

Before you buy

What to check on a 1997 Sambar

This truck is 29 years old. Ask for receipts, then check these.

Your 1997 Sambar checklistTick each check at the seller.

1Model codeAsk the seller to show you the model code on the truck and on the export certificate. They should match. KS4 = 4WD, KS3 = 2WD. Don't pay 4WD money for a 2WD truck.
2Coolant pipesLong steel pipes run from the front radiator to the rear engine. Rust here means leaks and overheating.
3Timing beltNo receipt means it's due.
4Supercharger heatOn supercharged trucks, watch the temperature gauge on a long test drive.
5RustFront wheel arches, the frame and the bed corners.
6Rubber partsHoses, belts and bushings are 29 years old. Owners replace them right after buying.

Your ticks are saved on this phone only. Take it, or a printout, to the seller.

From importers, a UK repairer and owner reports. Not Subaru data.

Owners

What 1997 Sambar owners say

3 stories from YouTube comments, told in our words.

Owner of a 1997 SambarYouTube comment · see the original ↗

First drives

Just got a 1997 Sambar with a 5-speed and 4WD. Says it's really fun to drive.

US owner of a 1997 SambarYouTube comment · see the original ↗

Importing

Brought a 1997 Sambar truck over from Japan and calls it a cool truck.

Buyer in OklahomaYouTube comment · see the original ↗

Import cost

Imported a Sambar and hired a hotshot driver to bring it home: about $4,000 to the door.

Can you drive a Subaru Sambar in your state?

TapClick the blue button. Your answer shows up right here.

Questions

1997 Sambar questions

Is a 1997 Subaru Sambar supercharged?

Some are. The supercharged EN07Y makes about 54 hp. Others are carbureted (about 39 hp) or fuel injected (about 45 hp).

Is a 1997 Sambar 4x4?

The KS4 is. KS3 trucks are 2WD. Check the frame plate.

What is a Subaru Sambar Classic?

A retro-styled version, first a special edition, later sold as the Dias Classic. It usually costs more than a standard Sambar.

How much is a 1997 Subaru Sambar worth?

About $5,000 to $6,500 for a standard truck at US dealers, and up to $11,500 for a low-mile Classic.

Can I import a 1997 Sambar?

Yes. Every 1997 Sambar passed 25 years old in 2022. Road registration still depends on your state.

How fast is a 1997 Sambar?

About 50–65 mph for a stock truck, owners report. Supercharged trucks are faster.

Next step

Found a 1997 Sambar you like? Two checks before you pay.

Make sure you can plate it where you live, then take the checklist to the seller.

Check my state ↑Use the checklist ↑