Wanted Jimny!

Hi all! 

Warning - I’m a complete newbie to the Jimny world!

Have been keeping my eyes out for a Jimny for much of the past months and suddenly wondered onto this forum. Clearly haven’t been looking in the right places until now.

I’ve just seen a Jimny on auto trader and wondering if anyone has any thoughts on it? Am going to view but would be great to have any advice or suggested questions to ask. It seems low mileage and well maintained. Does the price seem reasonable? 

www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102088827793

Thanks so much in advance for any guidance!! 
 

lt looks nice enough but the MOT history shows a failure in 2019 for corrosion on both rear suspension mountings and a seat belt anchorage.

Obviously this will have been repaired, but the vehicle warrants close inspection for structural integrity.

Maybe an AA/RAC or similar inspection would be the next step if you are genuinely interested in buying it.

Yes, I saw that. Hoping to take a closer look when I visit it but apart from looking for rust not sure what else. If it looks good I think RAC/AA sounds like a sensible next step! If any other pointers please do share. Thanks so much lightning.

Have a look at the buying guide in the information section on the top banner. Beyond that 2005 is the start of the weaker manual gearbox period and at 78k it's likely that it will not have been touched yet meaning a potential 500 plus quid bill is waiting for you.

Thanks this is very helpful! Ah yes I was going with the 05 later gearbox as I thought it was slightly stronger than it’s predecessor. Hmm let me ask the seller when I see the car if any work has been done on it he gearbox but as you say seems unlikely. Thanks!

Thanks for the advice so far. Viewed the car in person today. Any thoughts on the level of rust that is currently present? I've read various threads on this forum but just trying to decide if this is relatively surface level and can be resolved or its worth going for a totally different Jimny. 

Thanks! 

For £4000 I'd want something a lot better than that. My 2000 looked a lot better than that- I should have kept it really, but I'd never have got a GEN 4, and it was starting to show signs of body corrosion.

I don't like the oil staining on the bell housing, could be trouble with that gearbox.

It is mostly what they call "surface rust" which means it might wirebrush off and leave some metal behind, but it shows neglect over a few salty Winters.

The places to check for rust are the flange under the headlights inside the bonnet, the boot floor where the tools live, and under the rear seats.
They go beneath the rear bumper at the back too, but it is hard to see.

As mentioned before, I'd be looking at what was done to get it through that previous MOT.

Thanks so much Facade, this is really helpful and appreciated!

After some thinking I have decided to pass on it and the search goes on. Really helpful to have all these tips and have a better sense of what to look out for! If anyone is looking to sell do please get in touch.