Is serious rust a problem with early models yet ?

With current fuel prices (predicted they will rise to £1.50 ltr soon) I've realised I can't afford to run my 15mpg '72 Range Rover.
I've therefore been looking for a "sensible" alterantive and have settled on a Jimny.
This would be a 3rd car and a workhorse so I'm looking at the lower end of the market - definatley pre March 2001 and hardtop.

Is serious rust starting to be a problem yet on these vehciles ? I'd expect it around edges but am more worried about chassis rot, doors falling apart, etc. As you might guess I'm used to Land Rover products where rust and rot are a manufacturers free extra with every vehicle :whistle:

Thanks.

Paul H

Zuks don't generally have chassis rot problems, thats reserved for landies :laugh:

The "boot" floor is prone to rot, i've not seen a really rough jimny yet myself even really early ones. A bit of preventative work and a clean up should keep rot at bay long term though.

Hey Up!

Mine's a 2001 tin top (Lightweight)

Here's my boot:

BEFORE:







AFTER:



I haven't and won't be putting the seats back in. Just going to board it out.

Good luck with the search and Welcome to the Forum

Keith

Good to hear chassis rot isn't a common problem.
To be honest I'd seriously consider lifting the body and having the chassis galv'd anyway. Might seem OTT but after 5 x Series, Defender, Discovery and 3 x Range Rovers it's something I dread.
I don't mind some bodywork as long as it's not falling apart - like my old B reg Steyr Puch Panda 4x4 !

Paul H

The early ones go where suzuki had the brilliant idea of double skinning the panels
Somewhat like the idea of putting aluminium against unprotected steel :whistle: ..........

Ism't your rangerover free tax?

That is £215 worth of free fuel (best part of 500 miles worth), so you would need to use £215 + £125 worth of fuel in the range rover to break even, not including the horrendous cost of the insurance, compared to a classic rangerover.

If the rangerover is in good nick, and free tax, I'd keep it.


(actually, I counted the tax twice, which is a bit like the 3 men pay £10 each for a meal and total cost is £25 puzzle, but if you compare like for like a post '2000 jimny is £200 tax and loads more insurance)

mcjimny wrote: Zuks don't generally have chassis rot problems, thats reserved for landies :laugh:

As a Landie owner I take great offense at that comment!
Just what gives you the idea they have chassis rot problems anyhow?
Have you seen my series 2A chassis? a bit of paint and a quick rubdown ( and a lot of luck ) and she will be fine I'm sure