SZ5 or LCV

I'm an LCV owner.  

Depending on how handy you are, it's possible to upgrade many elements to SZ5 spec.  Wheels are easy of course, and the steering wheel can be upgraded to leather (a used Swift wheel from Ebay is a cheaper option than a new Jimny SZ5 leather wheel from the dealer).

The radio can be changed for the SZ5 type but (controversial opinion) the Bosch SLDA unit is really rather out of date these days and better options are available for less in the aftermarket.  There are even units with larger 9" screens that are specifically styled to fit in the Jimny's dashboard.  Spend some time on Aliexpress if you want to see what cheap radios and other accessories are available for those patient enough for overseas shipping.

In contrast to Martin, I found the seating position in the LCV absolutely miserable until I took out the "child cage."  Then, no problem, plenty of headroom for me and I'm 1.9m. 

One thing not mentioned above is that the LCV has only two airbags; the SZ5 is much the safer car in my opinion.  The LCV does have all of the other active safety stuff, though, like emergency auto braking and so on.

Most everything else is fairly minor I think.  In my country the LCV model comes with heated seats, but at least one person on the forum has retrofitted them to a UK LCV that didn't have them, so no problem there if it's important to you.  Heated mirrors are easy to fit.  I never drive above about 90kph so I don't miss the LED headlights.  The SZ5 headlight squirters would be nice, but I've managed without them so far.

Don't worry about mechanical issues.  DO worry about rust-- budget for Dinitrol, whichever version you get.

I would bet that your dog would like the carpeted load area of the LCV more than he would like sliding around on the folded seatbacks of the SZ5...

Good luck, and let us know what you get!

Thinking of selling my 2020 SZ5 n the near future. It’s black and has done about 23,000 miles. Full Suzuki service history. A few extras would be included. Would be looking for £24500. I’m in East Sussex. Anyone interested let me know.

Re above:
Here’s a photo:

 

Thanks for your replies everyone on your great forum.
Went For DJ20’s SZ5 in the end and having spent the last 33 years driving defenders I have realised I have missed a lot of innovation and let’s not even talk about my back !

Congratulations!
Sounds like you will be pleased.

Not a direct similarity, but I bought the "wrong" jimny as my 2005 had bad flat front seats and rear seats that didn't fold flat in the back and a plastic steering wheel.
Two of my favourite mods on the car is changing to better more buckety front leather seats and rears that folds flat in the back, and my leather steering wheel

Nice Jimny!