Re:Buying Guide

Sounds like it's pre VVT then which is good as the gearboxes on the early ones appear to be slightly temperamental according to feedback on here.

Mine is the JLX but without the nice interior yours has

The main thing is knowing where to look for rust- if you find a little bit then it's not a deal breaker I don't think. If you check out my project thread you'll see the rust patches on mine which I had cut and patched.

Good luck!

Hello guys, having a bit of a problem with the seals on my Jimny like around the doors and the front window seals. They are rotting and breaking away I need to replace them but I don't where to get them I live in south wales so if there is anywhere near that can do them or if there was a website I can get them that would be a great help.

Thanks Jake.

Hi Everyone,

In the process of hopefully getting my first Jimny, not planning on making into an off road monster but for my prolonged climbing bum road trips with some more interesting passes to the crags in Europe. A bit of searching and I have two that are nearby for me to look at, an 08 JLX+ with 91,000 or an 04 Mode with only 51,000. The price is about £3k to £2k both have same 11 month MOT, all things being equal with them regarding rust and how they drive, is there a glaringly obvious choice as to which one?

Thanks in advance,

Paddy

I would choose the 2004 model because of the 4WD lever. 2005+ have 4WD steered by buttons, which means more electrical parts that can fail. But it's me = I'm allergic to all electronic systems in a car (the only exception is that I prefer fuel injection to carburator).

The 2009 will have a more modern interior, so if it is the looks that you are looking for - take the 2009.

Thanks, I equally am fearful of the great electric misery but also Fuel injection is for winners.

I dont off road myself..but i too would prefer the tranfer handle manually operated 4wd high and low.the buttons are sensitive to touch..you can easily knock off the 4wd high button when selecting heater controls..but i do like the vacum hub..i would not bother with the leather interior..its not real leather..its synthetic..and for those who do have leather seats they are cold in winter and hot in summer. Dont bother with arcon...unless you have family of small chidren in rear..the compressor saps 1/3 of engine power under load...jimny 1.3 will suffer and beside large front window with wind deflectors will keep rain out and wind in..but at the end of the day...the choice is your..good luck..