I thought these cars were easy to work on!! [RANT]

I have an 06 non-vvt. Why in the hell is there no space in the engine bay! The distance from the radiator to the block is a couple centimeters, much less there's a fan and shroud in the way that you can only fit spanners between. Next is the starter, thankfully I pulled it out when the gearbox was down and serviced it, otherwise is it EVEN possible to get it out?? Next is the thermostat - most things I've read online is you have to take off the intake manifold (which you have to take out the fuel rail for). Luckily I had only removed the throttle body (drain coolant) and stuck my small hands in there to get to the 2 top bolts then went under the car with 3 long extensions, a swivel, an electric ratchet and a couple swears to get the last bolt. Suzuki...why have you done this so poorly, the thermostat is a serviceable item!! Thank God these cars are reliable enough where I don't have to do this again for a couple years! I bought a jimny thinking it was a piece of cake to work on like the samurai...NOPE!!! Thanks for reading my little rant :kiss: :laugh:

Patience is a virtue. As is determination. It is possible to replace the starter and the thermostat with everything else in place but it is a faff. I managed because I am reluctant to disturb working components if I don't have to as I have ended up chasing new problems because of it.

May not appear so sometimes, but they are relatively spacious!
JDM Toyota MR2 is a cramped, low, mid engined vehicle on which any job other than inflating the tyres will have you shouting expletives.
I know, I have one to work on and have run out of naught words.
Enjoy the spacious Jimny.

I have a jimny that I use for trialling, needed to remove gearbox and read how difficult it was, I 'gently' laid it on its side on the grass and it was easy, it didn't actually do any damage at all, not sure I'd try it on a new one, also helps having a mini digger to tip it and right it again.
Your welcome...

At least you can see the engine when you open the bonnet, unlike my Boxster and I guess Mike’s MR2.

You can also change the headlamp bulbs without a major strip down or taking the bumper off like many modern cars.