Re:new Gen4 or not ?

Hello, it's been a while ..... 
Since selling my 2007 jimny and getting a yeti (which was nice), then selling the yeti for my current AWD hybrid ignis (which is OK) - I recall that every time I got out of the Jimny, I had a smile on my face. When I get out the ignis, there's nothing, maybe sometimes there's relief that I made it home in one piece .... 

I've noticed that there are some new gen4's around at sensible prices (not the stupid post covid £5k hikes) and have started thinking mmmmh, might like one.

What do gen4 peeps think of the 1.5 engines compared to the old 1.3, and does the grin factor still exist. What are the tyres like on tarmac; thankfully they're not the pevious Bridgestone Sliders.

I see they've reverted to a gear selectable 4wd rather than button, assume this will be more reliable longer term.

OMG I really shouldn't be going down this road, but I think momentum may be building.
Thanks for comments
Hal

It’s still got the grin factor and when you see another one on the road you will smile. Engine wise I don’t think you will really notice much difference to the 1.3 so don’t be expecting it to be a rocket ship.

A lot of people are swapping out the tires to put All terrains on to give it more a chunkier look and some still say the standard tires aren’t good enough. I can’t comment as I put mud tires on my 3 straight away. The 4wd system is back to the more robust gear selector but they still have the vacuum hubs which we will no doubt see fail as they get older. Also since new there seems to some sort of transfer box chain issue in the new jimnys which Suzuki keep trying to fix. All 3 of mine have had to have replacement/multiple chains. My view is most people just put up with it or they don’t have the issue.

If you get one I don’t think you will be missing the ignis whereas if you sell a Jimny you will miss it so you should get one

Can't say I had any issues with the standard tyres. They seemed to work well in all conditions IMO.

Engine is nice and smooth and eager to the red line. Although it does lack a bit of grunt. In many ways a 1.6-2.0 turbo diesel with 120hp and a fat torque curve would have been so much better.

Full details of my views here:

 

They're the LCV, so no rear seats, test driving will be difficult if you're tall (the load divider needs taking out or moving for taller drivers) and spec is a bit basic - steel wheels, lots of black plastic on the outside.

None of that really bothers me - they at least have aircon - but it is a 2 seater van.

thanks rogerzilla
yeh my gen 3 only had 2 seats and I had seat runner extensions, so was expecting to take out or mod the rear divider, personally prefer steel rims and love black plastic rather than soft paint, lol the jimny has always been a van, marginally better than Trotters 3 wheeler

great video 300bhpton
love the front bumper, will watch it in full on TV

your dealership experience is shocking, bought my ignis new and salesman was brilliant, but aren't they all, service dept however was pretty crap, whilst cheaper for servicing than I'd expected, won't use them once warranty approaches expiry. looks like Suzuki have really gone down hill over the last few years.

A few of the dealers were selling the LCV at the old list price SIMS Suzuki was one of them and I don't know if Martin still has the deal, but he negotiated a BigJimny discount at one garage on a new LCV.

Not trying to talk you in to one and I am still on a Gen3 but looking round here a new LCV at £21,500 with warranty and 3 or 4 year old Gen4 (with four seats) at £23-£25k with little in the way of warranty, it doesn't make sense to go for the 3 or 4 year old, just to gain 2 more seats in the back unless you have to have them.

I would consider a new LCV, but my other car is a two seater and I am not sure I can drop down to only 2 seats in both cars. Of course my missus has 5 seats in her car, but getting a loan of it is near to impossible.

Robin

Thanks Dr Robin where abouts are you, I'm in Allendale

I should also add that one downside to the LCV is higher tax and insurance compared to a 4 seat Jimny.

Can't you change v5 from lcv to plg 

I have finally found a 4 that I like the look of, well a Japanese body kit for one anyway, makes it look a little like a Renault 5 rally car. But what puts me off is the as far as I am aware all lcv are manual and whilst I need a van I'm not going back to a clutch for anything that is not an lj80.

I have a four year old SZ4, therefore the same spec as the LCV but with the useful extra 2 seats. It has been driven nearly 35,000 miles without any problems.
I like the appearance of the black steel wheels and keeping them looking good is easier than with alloy wheels. I prefer the lower tech spec, except for the DAB radio which has dementia and regularly forgets the station settings. The Halogen headlights are fine on dark country lanes when fitted with upgraded bulbs.
We have taken many long motorway trips and at 65 mph they have been stress-free. However, local trips here in North Somerset are the best fun. The Jimny is ideally suited to the narrow, wet and muddy lanes across the Levels or up into The Mendips. The gearing is low and the engine has plenty of torque which means fewer gear changes.
The transfer box graunching sound was cured by the chain-replacement fix. Due to the very low depreciation, running costs are very low.
The standard tyres are fine as long you remember the Jimny is not a modern sports car on wet or muddy roads.