Should i get a jimny?

wrote:

it is totally impractical, about as much storage as an MX5, uncomfortable, leans in sharp corners, slow, garbage fuel economy, high road tax, etc etc etc. It will be the most fun, enjoyable, quirky vehicle you have ever had.... You live in the areas it was built for...dont think. just do it. (... read up here and google as to where to look for the dreaded rust issues!)

That’s right point out all of the good bits first, a bit like ‘what have the Romans’ ever done for us’

All of the above might be true but at the end of the day they are a fun capable car with more smiles per mile than most.  Plus if you never need to use the seats in the back keep them folded down/take them out and there is loads of space in the back for carrying all sorts of stuff/animals.  Our dog loves the back of my Jimny, she sits up high and gets a good view out.

i suggest the Jimny’s biggest problem is currently it’s price, they are just a bit overpriced ever since they stopped importing the 4 seat version in to the UK and this has lifted the second hand prices of even older ones.

So if you can find one in price range and the bottom isn’t falling out due to rust and it drives ok, plus you like it then why not?
 

I know!! But I thought you guys would know best!!! Ha ha. I do really want one…… someone suggested RAV4- that’s also in my maybe list…. But it would be second best. Thank you for your response!

One point to raise awareness of is that the chances are that an older version if its managed to stay standard is highly likely to be in fairly dire need of a suspension and bushing refresh as well as probably most of the rubber parts in the engine bay. I'm not saying that they will all have been neglected because some won't have wanted for anything but be aware. The reason I say this is because my jimny is fine with motorways and A roads as much as any other cheap, lightweight small car but it's one of the last of its shape and has a relatively low mileage and yet I'm still in the process of replacing the suspension with new/better to keep it fresh.

wrote:

I know!! But I thought you guys would know best!!! Ha ha. I do really want one…… someone suggested RAV4- that’s also in my maybe list…. But it would be second best. Thank you for your response!

Either should be great. The Gen1 Rav4 3dr is a real looking IMO. Plus they are 4wd all the time too. Would make for a very good road car IMO, but not so much if you ever plan to off road. Although going across a field or up a track would be fine in one.

Probably more car like to drive too, not sure on dimensions, might be slightly wider than a Jimny.

Of course the Gen 1 Rav4 is older 1994-2000 and the Gen2 doesn't look as good IMO. Plus it is bigger and heavier.



The Jimny by comparison is much more of a traditional 4x4 and will feel very different on the road, but in a good way IMO.

If you are buying a daily, I would say look elsewhere. I have had my Jimny 6 years, but I don't have to drive it every day. Poor on fuel, small, not very comfortable, slow, rusty and if you start to modify they become an addictive money pit. You have to want one. The RAV you mentioned is a good call, but also look at the Duster 4x4 and Terios. These are AWD and if not doing much off road, may be better suited to you. But, this is a Jimny forum....