Re:Best year / mileage to buy?

Hi all. Newbie here. I’m looking for any advice on what year and mileage would be good to buy as a first car for my 19 year old son, just learning to drive at the moment. I want a reliable Jimny that won’t give him too much trouble. I’m thinking 2006 to 2008 with 50-70,000 miles on the clock as a starting point? Maybe I could get an older one? Reliability is key for what I’m looking for, but don’t have more than around £4000 to spend. Any advice would be really welcome as I don’t have a clue! Thanks so much for any input

Welcome

2005-2010 VVT have weaker gearboxes, other than that its rust thats the main problem with any Jimny. Have a look in the wiki section of BigJimny.com and there is a buying guide thats worth a read

Welcome to the forum. There's a buying guide in the wiki section. But in basic terms avoid manual cars between 05 an 09 as they have gearbox bearing issues. Newer models depend on your budget and older ones are all about condition. There's much more info here with the search button.

Thanks, that’s great info about the gearbox issues

I have a 2003 jimny 102,000 miles. Haven’t had a single problem with it. Runs like a dream. Driven to south of France round the snowy alps for 6. Months and then back with no problem at all. Absolutely great car!


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If you can find a twin cam hard top between 2000 and 2004 that has no rust that has the manual transfer box and a bomb proof engine and gearbox combination.

The key bit is rust free is tricky to find.

Have a look at the buying guide in the wiki to see where they rust most.

If you are willing to pay for a 2010 on car then rust us the only main issue.

Of course you could go for an automatic gearbox between 2005 and 2009 as it's only the manual that suffered. If you intend to modify it with bigger tyres I believe that you need to solve the issue of the automatic gearbox needing a bigger transmission fluid cooler. There's been a post on that on here in the last week.

An auto could be better off road in some circumstances but I think I've come to the conclusion that it would drive me mad having a slow car with a basic auto box on the road. The Jimny needs to be revved to hustle it along and this is not possible with an auto without permanently being in kick down.

Kirkynut