The Truck
Karl
1997 Subaru Sambar KS4 — kei truck, daily companion, occasional menace.
Karl is a kei truck: a mini-vehicle built under Japan’s keitora (軽トラ 'light truck') regulations. At 1,235 lbs and 660cc of engine, he fits in a standard parking space with room to spare, hauls a surprising amount of gear in the bed, and gets smiles, waves, or puzzled looks from nearly everyone on the road.
Purchased May 27, 2025. Owned for 10 months.
At a Glance
135 days between the last two fill-ups — the longest stretch on record for the Sambar.
The Sambar's been filling up less frequently lately — every 39 days vs 9 days earlier.
The Sambar has had 4 maintenance tasks in the last 30 days, spending $67.56 — staying in good shape.
Fuel efficiency has dipped three tanks in a row, down to 27.6 mpg from a 31.0 mpg lifetime average.
Fuel Log
| Date | Odometer | Gallons | Cost | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12, 2026 | 40,830 km / 25,371 mi | 7.770 | $26.42 | 27.6 |
| Oct 28, 2025 | 40,485 km / 25,156 mi | 7.410 | $22.23 | 28.6 |
| Oct 4, 2025 | 40,144 km / 24,944 mi | 7.200 | $28.73 | 31.0 |
| Sep 13, 2025 | 39,785 km / 24,721 mi | 8.000 | $26.08 | 33.8 |
| Sep 1, 2025 | 39,350 km / 24,451 mi | 6.895 | $24.13 | 33.0 |
| Jul 31, 2025 | 38,984 km / 24,224 mi | 6.844 | $21.90 | 30.3 |
| Jul 19, 2025 | 38,650 km / 24,016 mi | 7.179 | $22.97 | 33.3 |
| Jul 9, 2025 | 38,265 km / 23,777 mi | 7.903 | $25.29 | 29.7 |
| Jun 26, 2025 | 37,887 km / 23,542 mi | 8.033 | $36.15 | 30.5 |
| Jun 16, 2025 | 37,493 km / 23,297 mi | 3.864 | $12.36 | 30.4 |
| Jun 9, 2025 | 37,304 km / 23,180 mi | 6.644 | $26.91 | 33.0 |
| Jun 2, 2025 | 36,951 km / 22,960 mi | 7.572 | $23.93 | — |
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Purchase | $9,728.26 |
| Ownership | $1,260.68 |
| Accessories | $900.15 |
| Mods | $763.00 |
| Service | $538.75 |
| Fuel | $297.10 |
| Underbody inspection | $263.77 |
| Spark plugs | $184.98 |
| Engine oil + filter | $126.31 |
| Transmission + front/rear diff fluids | $117.50 |
| Ignition cap + rotor | $74.99 |
| Fuel filter | $58.75 |
| Coolant flush | $58.75 |
| Brake fluid flush | $58.75 |
| Air filter | $58.75 |
| PCV breather element | $14.00 |
| Total | $14,504.49 |
Maintenance Schedule
| Item | Interval | Last done | Next due | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Air filter
PIAA or G-Parts More often in dusty environments. |
6 mo | Mar 12, 2026 | Sep 12, 2026 | OK |
|
Battery check
Clean terminals, check voltage, load test. |
6 mo | Mar 12, 2026 | Sep 12, 2026 | OK |
|
Brake fluid flush
Critical for safety, prevents moisture buildup. |
24 mo | May 27, 2025 | May 27, 2027 | OK |
|
Chassis grease (U-joints, steering)
Often overlooked; keeps joints healthy. |
6 mo | — | Mar 27, 2026 | Due soon |
|
Coolant flush
Use correct type of coolant for aluminum block. |
24 mo | May 27, 2025 | May 27, 2027 | OK |
|
Drive belts
Includes alternator and water pump belts. |
6 mo | May 27, 2025 | Nov 26, 2025 | Overdue |
|
Engine oil + filter
K&N or PIAA Use high-quality oil; more frequent changes if short-tripped. |
5,000 km / 6 mo | Mar 9, 2026 | Sep 9, 2026 | OK |
|
Fuel filter
Important for carbureted engines. |
24 mo | May 27, 2025 | May 27, 2027 | OK |
|
Ignition cap + rotor
Wear item in electronic/mechanical ignition. |
12 mo | Jun 21, 2025 | Jun 21, 2026 | OK |
|
Lighting + electrical
Check headlight aim, all bulbs, alternator output. |
12 mo | — | Mar 27, 2026 | Due soon |
|
PCV breather element
Clean or replace K&N breather if oily. |
6 mo | Mar 14, 2026 | Sep 14, 2026 | OK |
|
Rust prevention
Especially important after bed restoration; treat any new rust. |
6 mo | — | Jul 1, 2026 | OK |
|
Spark plugs
NGK Rx Gap and type critical for carb tuning. |
30,000 km | Jun 23, 2025 | — | OK |
|
Timing belt
Essential for EN07 engine longevity. |
100,000 km / 60 mo | — | May 29, 2030 | OK |
|
Transmission + front/rear diff fluids
GL-4 gear oil recommended. |
24 mo | May 27, 2025 | May 27, 2027 | OK |
|
Underbody inspection
Look for corrosion, worn bushings, brake/fuel line condition. |
12 mo | Jul 11, 2025 | Jul 11, 2026 | OK |
|
Vacuum hoses
Replace proactively to avoid driveability issues. |
36 mo | — | — | OK |
Maintenance History
Air filter
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 | Replaced air filter | $58.75 | First Class Automotive |
| Mar 12, 2026 |
Inspected air filter
Replace in 6 months |
$0.00 | — |
Battery check
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12, 2026 | Inspected battery, terminals, and load | $0.00 | — |
Brake fluid flush
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 | Flushed and replaced brake fluid | $58.75 | First Class Automotive |
Coolant flush
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 |
Flushed and replaced coolant
2 gallons; Prestone |
$58.75 | First Class Automotive |
Engine oil + filter
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 |
New oil & filter
10w30 Penzoil |
$58.75 | First Class Automotive |
| Mar 9, 2026 |
New oil & filter
K&N Filter (Part #: BK HP1008 @ $17.99) + 5l of Liquid Moly SAE 5W30 Molygen (Part #: AIC LM20228 @ $42.29) Added only 3L oil; 2L in reserve |
$67.56 | NAPA |
Fuel filter
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 | Replaced fuel filter | $58.75 | First Class Automotive |
Ignition cap + rotor
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 2025 |
Replaced distributor rotor
Genuine Subaru Distributor Rotor for Sambar EFI / Carb Engine (Rotor Style: Red Clip On Carb'd Engines; SKU: GNN-SBR-DST-RTR-RED-CLP) |
$20.00 | Oh Kei Garage |
| Jun 21, 2025 |
Replaced distributor cap
Sambar Distributor Cap (Carb Only) (Option: Distributor Cap w/ Seal; SKU: GNN-SBR-DNS-DST-DST-CAP) |
$54.99 | Oh Kei Garage |
Other
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 | Replaced 2 wipers | $58.75 | First Class Automotive |
| May 27, 2025 | Replaced tires, mounted and balanced | $480.00 | First Class Automotive |
PCV breather element
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 2025 |
Added engine breather
K&N Vent Air Filter/Breather 62-1600BL |
$14.00 | Amazon |
| Mar 14, 2026 |
Inspected breather
Likely replace in next year |
$0.00 | — |
Spark plugs
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 2025 |
Replaced spark plug wires
NGK Spark Plug Wires For Sambar KS3 KS4 KV3 KV4 TT TV TW (Sambar Model: Blue NGK KS / KV; SKU: NGK-SPR-PLG-WRS1-BL-NGK) |
$119.99 | Oh Kei Garage |
| Jun 23, 2025 |
Changed 4 spark plugs with premium, pre-gapped
NGK / DENSO Premium Spark Plugs SET OF 4 - Subaru Sambar (Engine Model: NGK RX - Sambar Carb'd; SKU: NGK-PRM-RX-SPR-NGK-LSR) |
$64.99 | Oh Kei Garage |
Transmission + front/rear diff fluids
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 | New transmission and transfer case fluid | $58.75 | First Class Automotive |
| May 27, 2025 | New front differential fluid | $58.75 | First Class Automotive |
Underbody inspection
| Date | Action | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 10, 2025 |
Replaced shift bushings -- front & rear
Solid Shift Bushing Set Front & Rear |
$36.80 | A-A-Ron 3D |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
Refinished valve cover and replaced valve cover gasket
Valve Cover Gasket For Subaru Sambar KS KV TT TV (SKU: KP-VC705-1S) |
$35.99 | Oh Kei Garage |
| Jul 2, 2025 |
Replaced front transmission mount
Subaru Sambar Front Transmission Rubber Mount KS4 KV4 TT2 TV2 (SKU: SBR-SMB-FRN-TRN) |
$105.49 | Oh Kei Garage |
| Jul 11, 2025 |
Replaced rear motor mount
Genuine SUBARU Rear Motor Mount for Sambar & Dias KS3 KS4 KV3 KV4 (SKU: GNN-SBR-RR-MTR) |
$85.49 | Oh Kei Garage |
Other Expenses
| Date | Category | Description | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2025 | Purchase |
Initial purchase, with inspection
Inspection by First Class Automotive |
$9,428.26 | Duncan Imports |
| May 27, 2025 | Purchase | Trailer and fuel | $300.00 | — |
| May 29, 2025 | Ownership |
Annual insurance
Low-mileage insurance |
$160.18 | Hagerty |
| Jun 1, 2025 | Mods |
Replaced front headlights with LEDs
AUXITO H4 9003 LED, 6500K White, Non-Polarity |
$45.00 | Amazon |
| Jun 8, 2025 | Mods |
Turned bed light into 3rd brake light
Sourced from Kei3DPrints |
$81.00 | Etsy |
| Jun 8, 2025 | Accessories |
Added cupholder between seats
Sourced from PetesPrintables3D |
$29.38 | Etsy |
| Jun 8, 2025 | Accessories |
Installed 2 new speakers in dash
Kicker 46CSC464 |
$55.00 | Amazon |
| Jun 8, 2025 | Accessories |
Replaced head unit with double DIN with CarPlay and backup camera
ATOTO A5LG2A7T-S01 |
$150.00 | Amazon |
| Jun 8, 2025 | Accessories |
Added trim around new double DIN head unit
Sourced from Landon Deelstra |
$35.00 | |
| Jun 9, 2025 | Accessories |
Added OEM battery cover
Sourced from mij_depot |
$33.07 | eBay |
| Jun 10, 2025 | Accessories |
Installed self-refurbished headache rack
$105 for rack, $101 for shipping |
$206.00 | G&R Imports |
| Jun 11, 2025 | Accessories |
Added RDS truck box
Sourced from marketplace |
$200.00 | |
| Jun 12, 2025 | Mods |
Replaced rear turn signals and brake lights with LEDs
Sourced from Diio3dprinting |
$132.00 | Etsy |
| Jun 16, 2025 | Accessories |
Added window decal and lucky charm
Sourced from StudioKokoroByItsumi |
$23.31 | Etsy |
| Jun 21, 2025 | Mods |
Replaced all 4 gate silencers with OEM
Sourced from mdjdm |
$25.06 | eBay |
| Jun 21, 2025 | Accessories |
Added license plate adapter and 2 more cupholders
JDM to USDM Aluminum License Plate Adapter; Subaru Sambar Dash Mount Cup Holder KS4/KS3 |
$136.00 | A-A-Ron 3D |
| Jun 21, 2025 | Accessories |
Replaced 1 cover hatch bolt and washer
Subaru Sambar Engine Cover Hatch Bolt and Washer KS3 KS4 Truck (SKU: 52561TA000) |
$6.99 | Oh Kei Garage |
| Jun 21, 2025 | Accessories |
Added 1 missing hub center cap
Subaru Sambar Hub Cap Center Cap For Steel Wheel KS KV TT TV (SKU: SBR-SMB-HUB-CAP) |
$15.99 | Oh Kei Garage |
| Jun 25, 2025 | Ownership | Sales tax and 5 year registration | $1,100.50 | — |
| Jun 25, 2025 | Mods |
Installed sound deadening in cab
Siless Black 80 mil (1 box = 36 sq ft) |
$112.24 | Amazon |
| Jul 13, 2025 | Mods |
Installed replacement horn
PIAA sport horn 330 +400 HZ |
$38.99 | Amazon |
| Jul 13, 2025 | Accessories | Stickers for rear window | $9.41 | Etsy |
| Jul 13, 2025 | Mods | Installed subwoofer and cables | $221.73 | Amazon |
| Jul 19, 2025 | Mods |
Installed door switch boot and two passenger grab handles
Genuine Subaru Door Jam Switch Assembly Door Ajar Button Sambar KS3 KS4 KV3 KV4 Option: Boot Only (SKU: GNN-SBR-DR-JAM-BT-NLY); Sambar Assist Grab Handle Front Pillar KS3 KS4 KV3 KV4 TT TV (SKU: SMB-SSS-GRB-HND); Subaru Sambar Grab Assist Handle KS3 KS4 KV3 KV4 Extra: Include Hardware (SKU: 92040TA010NP) |
$86.98 | Oh Kei Garage |
| Jul 19, 2025 | Mods |
Replaced dome light from 2-way (On-Off) to 3-way (On-Off-Door) - used
Had to run a new wire from the light to the ignition to link to door switch |
$20.00 |
The App
This page is auto-generated at build time from live data. The data lives in a private PWA at sambar.libbey.cc, a mobile-first vehicle tracker I built specifically for Karl. Data entry happens on my phone; this public page is a read-only window into the same database.
AI-Powered Insights
The dashboard insights use a two-tier system. First, twelve pure-function observations analyze fuel efficiency trends, fill-up frequency, cost patterns, and upcoming milestones entirely offline, no API calls needed. Then, if available, Claude Haiku rewrites the top observations in a warm, conversational tone tuned to Karl’s personality. If the AI layer times out or fails, the pure-function insights stay visible — progressive enhancement, not a dependency.
The insight cards on the home screen and the callouts in the fuel timeline both come from this system. The insights shown on this page come from the same pure-function engine, served via a public API endpoint.
How It Works
Authentication is handled via WebAuthn passkeys: I sign in with Face ID on my phone, no passwords involved. The dashboard opens to a flip-counter odometer display (using the Michroma typeface for that retro mechanical feel), followed by summary stats, insight cards, service alerts, and a cost breakdown chart.
The maintenance schedule tracks intervals by both time and odometer. Each item gets a status badge (OK, Due Soon, or Overdue) computed by comparing the next service date and odometer against current values. “Due Soon” triggers within 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first.
When I log a fill-up, expense, or maintenance entry, the app fires a deploy hook to Vercel that rebuilds this static page with the latest data. The whole pipeline (Supabase to PWA to static site) stays in sync without any manual intervention.
Stack
Next.js 16 App Router, React 19, TypeScript, Supabase (PostgreSQL), Tailwind CSS 4, WebAuthn passkey auth, Claude Haiku 4.5. Deployed on Vercel. Source not yet public.
