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..

You mention issues of cylinder head gasket failure on early cars above. My partner's 17 year old (but low mileage) Jimny apparently has the early G13BB SOHC engine. If this is the one with the problems is there anything we can do to avoid issues. I searched the site but found little or no mention of this problem.

Thanks
Paul

Paul, just don't let it overheat.

Causes of overheating can be the viscous fan failing or a blocked radiator. Mud blocks them easily.

Otherwise, you have to just hope that it's going to be ok. There's no other reason really. They don't all go and there's usually a reason.

Change your coolant regularly too.

Kirkynut

Hello kirktnut and everyone.
I'm a newbie here and the reason for that is I was looking for info on Jimny's as I have seen one for sale and I'm looking for a car for my daughter who is 17 in May , so I was looking for reviews and info. I used to have an LJ and have had SJ's but my mate who was in an off road club always checked them out for me for me to buy. He's in Sydney now so can't help.
Your post is excellent guide but I'm a little under confident.
I've seen a nice looking a Jimny for sale it's a 2006 plate VVT soft top. Its at a car sales type plot, I see that the AA charge about £150 for an inspection, bit on the steep side but I want it to be safe for her to learn in and go to college.
I will go have a look-see armed with your guide but are there any contacts that would help me out with an inspection.
Cheers

Hi all,

I previously owned a 1999 Jimny and I'm currently planning to buy another. Out of all the 4wds I've driven I found it the most fun off-road. A 2 inch suspension lift was its only mod. I ran stock sized, but decent, tyres often at 7-9psi. Its only downside was it's underwhelming, (1 to 1.6), low range.

The new push button T-Case sounds good at a genuine 1 to 2 low range. This is a significant reduction for those running stock or close to stock tyres

For those of you who have experienced both the manual and push button T-Cases, have you been impressed.

Cheers,

Grogey

I have not point of reference but my push button one is well geared for my use.

I agree. Mine is the push button one. In low 1st it will walk along at tic over with no throttle fine even with 215/75/15 tyres.