The Fixer and the Samurai - /TUNED

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
  • When we arrived in Panama City, all our plans completely fell apart. We had nothing, and no one. Until Joel Bolanos came along, became our fixer, and saved our trip. In this film, we take Joel's brilliant custom Suzuki Samurai up in the Cerro Azul, Panama's mountain region, for a little off roaring adventure.
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ความคิดเห็น • 576

  • @f0rumrr
    @f0rumrr 11 ปีที่แล้ว +155

    I will always respect a man that builds his own ride.

    • @Bru946
      @Bru946 10 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Same here.

  • @Revitalyzed
    @Revitalyzed 11 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    Joel's a really cool guy! Lots of respect and he's very humble.

  • @ElSikario100
    @ElSikario100 11 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    So humble and respectful...this episode is in my tuned top 5

  • @lordzevallos
    @lordzevallos 11 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    This is one of the best tuned episodes.

    • @ronpackman2266
      @ronpackman2266 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah and i just shit myself because of my poor choice in beer

  • @steveobarnes
    @steveobarnes 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This is one of the best things you guys ever did and really showcases Farrahs ability to organize thoroughly, have it all go to shit and keep his cool and put together a fantastic episode. This is what I wish Drive was all about, I know budget and reality are constraints on that.

  • @MattyD209
    @MattyD209 11 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I bet you have an amazing farmer's tan after this trip. Love the little change of cars here. Probably one of your better episodes.

  • @Dethred1
    @Dethred1 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    By far the most respectable car tested on /Tuned. Seems like a genuinely cool owner, and an amazingly capable machine that most people would consider a Barbie car... all while having limited resources for the build. Respect!

  • @razmoe2000
    @razmoe2000 11 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    That's one of the nicest samurais I've seen . Nice of him to let you use it, he seems like a real cool guy.

  • @Silverdeamon92
    @Silverdeamon92 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good to see someone still believes in this beast of a car. Always love the Samurai. It is also good to see what Joel has done with his skill. Thanks for sharing this with us all and saving the day.

  • @caduceus33
    @caduceus33 8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Joel has really built a great Samurai with all the neat details! And his garage matches it perfectly!

  • @jadcock73
    @jadcock73 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Joel, thanks for sharing your work with us. Kudos for Tuned for finding this guy. This is what people want to see.

  • @FREEDOOOOM
    @FREEDOOOOM 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome little Suzuki-truck! This will most probably smoke some of them big new ones. These Suzies will get you through and to anywhere. Great job, Joel! Love it!

  • @NathanGibb
    @NathanGibb 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "It's for Men"!! CLASSIC! This is an awesome series of /TUNED guys, loving it.

  • @Dgannt
    @Dgannt 11 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Thanks for a great video, and what a great guy. And I too liked his garage lol, so clean and organized. To see someone like Joel doing the best he can with his car and it's the best suitable suv for those jungle roads and rivers. It can make it because of it's small size and lightness. I think a heavier suv would get stuck more easily.

  • @Bondo00824
    @Bondo00824 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I thought this was a nice example of what these trucks can do. Also, the closing a gap between cultures. 4x4 off roading is a world wide passion. Great video.

  • @kafertelles
    @kafertelles 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing video man...I admire people like the Samurai owner, someone who loves his car, knows everything about it, fix it by him self. That's a real person.

  • @Ptank989
    @Ptank989 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great vid guys. Big thumbs up to Joel for building such a great samurai, that thing is really something to be proud of

  • @TheMrkiddi
    @TheMrkiddi 11 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Joel seems like a really cool guy, love his Samurai!

  • @claytheenemy
    @claytheenemy 9 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    I like this guy! Joel looks like a fun dude.

  • @lawrencejames
    @lawrencejames 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome example of tuning done right. Form following function all the way. Well done Jorel.

  • @MrOfeast
    @MrOfeast 11 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    That is a pretty bad ass 4x4 samurai. Cool video & guest.

  • @StingrayOfficial
    @StingrayOfficial 11 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Joel is my hero right now. Nice job bud!

  • @mark_osborne
    @mark_osborne 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic... I drive a Samurai 9 months out of the year here in Michigan and now I want to go to Panama and meet Joel and have a beer !!!

  • @CombatVetTom
    @CombatVetTom 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a 2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ and like it but watching this video is making me want a Suzuki Samurai. Just subbed you. Thanks for the good video.

  • @TiSuAble
    @TiSuAble 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a nice and open minded guy, this Joel. Great series Matt, it's a pleasure to watch.

  • @greatestthingsneverexpecte1963
    @greatestthingsneverexpecte1963 9 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    damn that Joel got some skills!! that ride can get you to any parallel universe you choose!

  • @RvrCtyAk
    @RvrCtyAk 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have an '88 Samurai .... This is EXACTLY where I want to go with my Samurai ! Awesome ride !

  • @joerapo
    @joerapo 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Props to Joel. Love the passion and humility.

  • @decnet100
    @decnet100 11 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Amazing car, cool guy, great episode!

  • @nHeroGo
    @nHeroGo 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I had no idea a Samurai could be so cool. Thanks.

  • @dayk22
    @dayk22 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an awesome episode. I truly envy all the guys on the show that make this show such a success. Great work guys and beautiful 4x4 episode.

  • @SuperSlighty
    @SuperSlighty 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an awesome video series, I have such a big smile watching this... so cool

  • @zalsentzer
    @zalsentzer 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    My first car was an '87 Samurai. A fantastic little beast. Thanks for this video - good memories.

  • @wekhunter410
    @wekhunter410 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Joel for saving their trip! love the truck and the video!

  • @x0shane0x
    @x0shane0x 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Never been a Samurai fan but... Damn! thats a good looking and fully functional ride. Especially for its age.

  • @joshvanselow9004
    @joshvanselow9004 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm a huge off roader, and that suzuki is one of the nicest I've ever seen

  • @brian5o
    @brian5o 11 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    I love these little Samurais. I have seen them put larger, more expensive 4x4s to shame in wet, muddy areas.
    It is a real shame that there aren't any inexpensive, basic SUVs like the Suzuki Samurai, Daihatsu Rocky and Geo Tracker on the market today. They may have been basic but definitely made up for the lack of luxury and equipment with tons and tons of character and fun.
    I bet these things will become quite collectible in the future.

    • @oscartapiero4563
      @oscartapiero4563 11 ปีที่แล้ว

      What about the Dihatsu Terios

    • @Dgannt
      @Dgannt 11 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think the still manufacture the Russian Lada Niva. It's a great simple and cheap suv, same size as the Suzuki Samurai. Watch this: watch?v=bTnZejG4Cdw

    • @brian5o
      @brian5o 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      oscar tapiero Wow, the Diahatsu Terios is pretty cool. I haven't seen one of those before. That definitely is a great little SUV. I sure wish that they were available in the US.

    • @brian5o
      @brian5o 11 ปีที่แล้ว

      bezor Ta Thanks, I'll check it out!

    • @lukemcvicar4663
      @lukemcvicar4663 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Suzuki Jimmy?

  • @ace95835
    @ace95835 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Absolutely love this thing. Awesome job Joel!

  • @nealflieger3972
    @nealflieger3972 9 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    That is just overwhelmingly gorgeous.

  • @ncsteeltoe
    @ncsteeltoe 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That was a great segment. It's sometimes a surprise what vehicle folks choose to build on. Respect.

  • @RoyalError
    @RoyalError 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Best tuned video ever if you ask me! Good job guys, what a quality show.

  • @arturoespinal7743
    @arturoespinal7743 9 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Excellent video....
    Awesome Suzuki!!!

  • @PorscheCayenneLover
    @PorscheCayenneLover 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This was kick-ass guys! I thoroughly enjoy seeing another person so passionate about their car. Joel has a wicked sick Samurai too, I would love to own one myself.

  • @etonthompson5175
    @etonthompson5175 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That car is very well built. I love the look and he has done a lot with it.

  • @Natesholland
    @Natesholland 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love this episode. I know your bread and butter is the tuned sports car scene. But I really like when y'all branch out into the 4x4 and truck "tuning"

  • @MyWolffy
    @MyWolffy 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very well built give this guy major props and his garage is amazing!

  • @buckorooster
    @buckorooster 9 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    That Samurai is one hell of a ride.

  • @Shabec2982
    @Shabec2982 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This kid has an amazing car! Thumbs way up to him, simply awesome.

  • @nezerac
    @nezerac 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is one of my all time favorite off road vehicles. Great in the dirt, terrible on the street but still an awesome ride none the less. I used to patrol a square mile in one of these and took it through EVERYTHING. Also did the same with a side kick, and an isuzu amigo. all three were awesome but the samurai was definitely better than the other two offroad. The amigo was the best on street moreso than dirt, and the sidekick was a happy medium. I loved all of them!!

  • @callanklimts
    @callanklimts 11 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Good video and Great guy!

  • @nipponjim7815
    @nipponjim7815 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I bought my 04' Jimny because of this video. Suzuki way of life!

  • @arlo12345678910
    @arlo12345678910 10 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you guys for this episode! Looking at the scenery was cool and such a sweet place to off road. Joel's truck is the shit!!!!!

  • @PigMine7
    @PigMine7 7 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    After owning an 86 hardtop, it should be said this is not a car, it is a small truck, and worth every dollar

  • @tj86xj
    @tj86xj 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wish I had a wheeling buddy like Joel... seems like a really cool guy! Great episode!

  • @hanke55
    @hanke55 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the music, it makes the whole video sort of fun and friendly.

  • @djustice5252
    @djustice5252 10 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That's a great-looking samurai! Great job on building that thing it looks like would go anywhere's...

  • @diino664
    @diino664 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautiful car, beautiful garage. Congratulations.

  • @KC97220
    @KC97220 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    that is bad ass! always catch myself staring at these things on the road

  • @src248
    @src248 11 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Honestly one of my favourite videos on this channel! Well done

    • @WareWolf801
      @WareWolf801 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Totally agree with you Steven.. Joel seemed like a nice guy, very smart, very humble. Cool place to see. Thanks Joel.

  • @N54B30BMW
    @N54B30BMW 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video. I love these journey-style-documentaries. Please keep em coming.
    Oh and thumbs up for Joel! What a nice person and damnit he can build a car. I'm guessing he taught himself how to do it which makes it even more impressive!

  • @MrSukiflash
    @MrSukiflash 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video guys and I would kill for a garage as clean and well organized as Joels is.Love all the old service manuals that he probably rescued from the dump.Someday those manuals will be worth a fortune.

  • @DanSavesSalvage
    @DanSavesSalvage 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I know you guys were probably worried about filming a off roader when its mostly road cars, But really this is one of the best episodes!! More off road cars!

  • @hectordjibaou4198
    @hectordjibaou4198 11 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great job Joel, definitely a cool dude!

  • @lotusgav
    @lotusgav 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great vid again - Kudos to Joel seems like a great build and looks quality - hanging out for the next vid...

  • @JogieGlenMait
    @JogieGlenMait 11 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    i like this guy saying that he loves his Suzuki Samurai. Wow. :D

  • @EnFonde_6
    @EnFonde_6 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another cool episode, the two last Tuned were really different and really good.
    And Joel seems to be a great guy !

  • @AlfredvanKuik
    @AlfredvanKuik 11 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I've always wanted a Samurai :D I think it would fit greatly besides my Miata. Both are small, usually underrated cars that are the best value for money in their respective markets and can put more expensive cars to shame with the right mods or driver.

  • @gabehartman6832
    @gabehartman6832 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Joel and his Sami kick ass, great video.

  • @silver350z94
    @silver350z94 11 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I am not into off road builds but joel did an amazing job

  • @crusTodd
    @crusTodd 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    All things being relative/equal, the Samurai is arguably THE BEST world 4X4 for the money spent and the overall functionability resulting. Yeah, it's more simple/basic, but it goes places others can't, costs less to modify, holds up well, is sold all over the place, it's cheap to operate, and as the owner said, even in stock form, it's pretty amazing. I have a Cherokee with over 30K "invested" and I wish I'd bought a Samurai instead.

  • @mhmyup1
    @mhmyup1 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    his garage! So beautiful, something to aspire to.

  • @johnnyringo201
    @johnnyringo201 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent video. Great job. He is a cool gear head.

  • @Rogers1977
    @Rogers1977 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I need to show this to my dad! My dad had an old Samurai and he loved it a lot, hated to sell it. I remember being a tiny kid and riding in the back through the streets in my car seat.

  • @phillipkerfoot2389
    @phillipkerfoot2389 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    sweet samurai/vitara. looks like the panama trips coming up trumps. Looking forward to the next episode hopefully the evo's in it.

  • @MonteGould
    @MonteGould 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love that Samurai, I have a 1986...Known as my money pit. That is one amazing vehicle. I just dropped in a 1.6 Sidekick blue printed motor with cam, producing 140 HP.

  • @ManWith2Hats
    @ManWith2Hats 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Joel seems like a pretty cool guy with a awesome little car. Great episode

  • @kousinkoolaid
    @kousinkoolaid 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    These little things amazed me in Okinawa. There they are a k car with a 3 cyl turbo there. Blew my mind watching one hill climb at our drift spot. Then later he pulled me out of the mud after a good off while not driving sideways properly. Good episode man. Still one of the top shows on drive.

  • @kd1s
    @kd1s 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    That is so cool! The Samurai was a short wheel based little dynamo. And really simple to modify.

  • @smohan123
    @smohan123 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really cool guy. Glad he shared his ride with us!

  • @jessebrown1400
    @jessebrown1400 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Matt Farah is my favorite vehicle enthusiast on the web.
    For two reasons.
    He good review:
    •Samurai &
    •Cappuccino
    Suzuki FTW!!
    And this Joel guy is Ninja-builder!
    Much respecto!!

  • @aquateen77723
    @aquateen77723 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love the episode, Matt! Joel seems like a really cool dude with a huge passion for off-roading.

  • @BullRonin
    @BullRonin 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That was an awesome ride, and a cool/humble owner.

  • @NoobySammy
    @NoobySammy 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Joel is ballin on a budget :) cool guy, with real passion.

  • @snelmau5
    @snelmau5 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really enjoy this series, It's nice that you do things quite spontaneous

  • @nitinsunder
    @nitinsunder 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hats off man ... to say it impressive would be an understatement. Great great job 👏

  • @wordlyfe
    @wordlyfe 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    I loved the samurai when it was new in the 80's. Would love to own one now even in stock form. Joel's samurai is awesome!

  • @driftgil8191
    @driftgil8191 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a great tuned video (: the terrain looks amazing and the samurai is awesome!

  • @ptriq
    @ptriq 11 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Kick ass car. Great job Joel.

  • @rubberducky41
    @rubberducky41 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Best trucks for 4x4ing by far.
    Great vid!!

  • @MrRob89bie
    @MrRob89bie 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good guy Joel! The Panama films have been good, keep it up Matt and co (Y)

  • @HinchoRacing
    @HinchoRacing 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That is one bad ass Suzuki samurai I lovet man joel take good care ot it thank for sharing bro

    • @madermaxx
      @madermaxx 11 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great video and an awesome old Suzuki, I guess your not a pussy anymore, hahaha

  • @sixteeners
    @sixteeners 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice episode, humble man. Great car, awesome garage. Salute Joel!

  • @mostlypostie1
    @mostlypostie1 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome! This is a great rig, I have one just like it here in Australia, called a Sierra here...

  • @natem1321
    @natem1321 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Matt for keeping up awesome and hilarious content on this series! Never a dull moment watching /TUNED :D

  • @luisfernandoseguraleiva
    @luisfernandoseguraleiva 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Esta es la mejor exhibición de un Samurai Transformado que he visto

  • @stephenhawtree4336
    @stephenhawtree4336 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just picked up a trail worn '89 Sidekick, and watching this video gives me hope that I can make it better than I found it. Nicely Tuned!

  • @js92css
    @js92css 11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice ride! Good episode, very humble wrencher, I'd like to see more episodes like this

  • @hamlettelmah441
    @hamlettelmah441 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    The freaking Samurai would roll over on its side if you took a turn at low speeds, Rollie Pollie Ollie, but it was the a nice little thing to have fun with. The soft top in the early 90's was a chick magnet, Thanx for the video guys, it brought back high school memories

  • @FM418
    @FM418 11 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video and well done Joel! Truly a man who loves his hobby! :)

  • @yrmoma
    @yrmoma 11 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The Samurai is an honorary Jeep in any Jeeper's heart. That is one mad little zuki.