Hello and a few questions (towing, running costs, fuel consumption)?

Good news it's still on your list.
​RUST is your main concern.
In summary:
Below headlamps (front body mounts), behind front wheel arch liners hence difficult to see. But if can see rust below the headlamps it's likely the mount below is shot.
Body mount just behind front wheel and inner sill's.
Rear body mount behind rear wheel and load area floor, check the jack storage area.

SO have a good look in these areas and generally everything else. 

Engine usually bomb proof but check for coolant loss or issues with blowing coolant into overflow bottle. If it's empty or over full after a test drive ask yourself why, some reports of head gasket failure on older or overheated engines and these are the symptoms.

Kingpins - A Jimny right of passage. They don't last forever and rusty swivel accelerates their failure. Steering wobble, oil leak on wheel or play in front wheel the signs of issues. Not a big problem but £50ish and an hour or two each side to fix.

4x4 system still working, check it does. Rust on the vacuum lines or controller issues prevent its operation and many fit manual hubs rather than fixing the issue. Nothing wrong with this, but check the manual hubs if you can.

Have fun and good luck in your search.


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Right so been having a look into these vehicles a bit more and it all seems quite promising. 

Just a couple more questions though. 

So how’s the jiminy off for seating position for tall drivers. It would appear to be pretty good but I’m 6’1” so my high sometimes poses a problem in cars. 

how flat can you get the back seats when folded down, though if not I can take them out if need be as I wouldn’t really be needing them. 

cheers

Rear seats in the Gen3 don't fold flat, you have a fair step between the rear and seat backs.
Take the seats out if you have no need to carry rear passengers and fit a flat load area. That's what I and many others have done, looks neat and makes the rear a very useful space.
Not tall enough to comment myself, but recall some fit adapter plates that allow the seat to move back more for those long of limb.
 

I'm about an inch shorter than you and broad with it, I also have recaro seats in mine which lift you up a little bit and I fit fine, it's actually one of the more comfortable vehicles I have owned.

Cheers guys thanks for the advice and input been very helpful. 

Just to add as you are in the Highlands you won't be tearing around.
Due to the low gearing the Jimny is really happy in the 50/60 range or less.
I did the NC500 towing a small Freedom 750kg caravan and on the single track section round Durness down to Ullapool because I was travelling relatively slowly I thought the fuel gauge had broken as it didn't use much at all.
It only has a 40ltr tank so distances on motorways etc can be limited eg I can just about get to Carlisle/Newcastle on a tank from Northampton.
Driving on smaller roads is a bonus and it's as good as a landrover off road but it doesn't have a centre diff so all the wheels are locked in 4wd so it's not advisable for tarmac in 4wd except snow/ice/mud etc.