Jimny automatic, any good?

Hello all. I might go and have a look at a 2000 W Reg hardtop jimny automatic with 61000 miles and full service history.Supposed to be in very good condition and has just had a cambelt change, Priced at £2250.Now some questions. Are autos any good for greenlaneing? Is the auto gearbox troublesome? Getting a bit frustrated now as i can't seem to find what i want not a million miles away from where i live. Someone suggested to me to get a daihatsu terios or sportrack and now i am getting confused. The jimny makes more sense to me.

regards

Maltesefalcon.

I would certainly like an auto. No clutch to fill with mud, increased torque effect and less need for a lower ratio transfer box when putting larger wheels on it.

Downsides - Jimny Autos appear to need to be looked after. Auto fluids have to be fresh and clean and topped up at all times. Do not let them get too hot, keep radiators etc spotlessly clean. This is based on what other people report.

If test driving one make sure it changes when you think it should change and that there is no hesitation or over-revving.

Martin

Hi -

I have an auto and am very happy with it. Before you buy have a look at the autobox dipstick and see what colour the oil is and importantly what it smells like. The oil should be red and smell like....oil! The auto boxes, it seems, are prone to running hot and thus cooking the oil. This is bad news for the box and will shorten its life. I have found the oil can get contaminated, ie dirty quite quickly.

I have just recently changed the oil filter in the gearbox and fitted an additional oil cooler. The oil cooler seems to make a big difference and the oil has stayed as new. I fitted it in the pipe line that goes from the box to the oil cooler in the bottom of the rad. This way the rad helps the oil to warm up to operating temperature but without (hopefully) overheating.

These boxes are totally electronic and won't change into overdrive and torque converter lock up until they reach operating temperature - infact like most modern autoboxes.

In terms of off road use I prefer an auto, particularly for creeping along in difficult situations. I have put a Sammi transfer box in mine with 4:1 low range so downhill braking is excellent. Would I have another auto? - absolutely!

Hope this helps!