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

That'll T-Cut out that, no problem. :ohmy:

CompoSimmonite wrote: 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[/quote

TBH just waxoyling(or similiar) it should be enough, my old SJ was nearly 20years old and essentially filler but the chassis was perfect. Look under any old zuk and i'd be surprised to see chassis rot on a looked after example.

bertbuckie wrote:

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

Yeah a bit of wire brush action and some hammerite and alls well!

I've seen a few old motors knocking about lately now the weathers improving, i wish i could afford to run a 3rd car, i'd love something tax exempt an old series ideally, nothing mint just a good example to run about a bit to shows and the odd play day.

lol, My dad and I bought this one,bent in the middle with the intention of doing her up..... next on the list is a galvy chassis.....most other bits are cheap as chips and she's tax exempt
Engine didnt go when we got her..... new fuel pump and she went first turn!
Cant wait to get her on the road..... a real classic

I don't think all the older ones are bad with rust, it just depends on the car you are looking at and what it's been used for and where.

It's only really the body you need to worry about but the chassis are not as good as the old SJ chassis were, the body shells are as bad though and galvanising came quite late I believe.

Just look at a fair few.

Kirkynut

as kirkynut said depends on there owners as mine 02 reg has no rust but iv seen 04 reg's full of it in boot.