Virgin Jimny owner - be gentle.

The wife has always wanted a Jimny but where we live (IoW) they're like hens teeth. After waiting an age, one came up last week. Private seller, 2008, 75k with only 2 owners and lots of service history. Got a pretty sweet deal too based on AT prices. 

I know next to nothing about Jimny's or cars for that matter and it's got a few issues (mentioned below), but overall we're very happy with it. 

Logbook only has VVT noted so I assume it's a Gen 3, JLX VVT 1.3

1. Previous owner (really old fella) says it doesn't have central locking, but it came with 2 keys and one is a fob. Maybe the battery just needs changing?
2. Steering judders at 45mph (balance/kingpins/bush according to a search on this site). Is this an expensive repair?
3. Full beam intermittent on dash and one of the rear number plate bulbs isn't working and the fella said it's "more" than just changing the bulb.
4. Fading/bleached paint work on bonnet. Hopefully it can be polished out instead of needing re-spray.
5. Where can I buy a hard copy owners manual?
6. No paperwork for timing chain replacement, so is this something that can be checked or should I just replace it? Is it a cheap or expensive job?
7. Drivers electric wing mirror needs replacing. Is that an easy job for a muppet?
8. £320 for road tax 
9. The Jimny was pretty gutless when going up a sustained hill. I know it's only a 1.3 and it was steep, but maybe there's a minor problem there too. 

If anyone has any advice or tips on the (too many questions, sorry) above it would be very much appreciated. Thanks. 

Great little piece of kit overall. Can see why they have such heritage now and hold their prices really well.

Welcome to the forum!

1. My prev owner was 95
2. Do kingpin first. Make sure the chosen garage know how to.
6. It is a chain so need no service like the ones with a belt. so no worries, will last the life of the engine. 
9. They are not fast. Dont be afraid to use the rpm and a heavy foot, they can take the abuse.

A Jimny welcome

He wasn't quite 95, but he was getting there!

Thanks for the tips and duly noted regarding the garage/kingpins and the heavy foot/rpm.

This site is brilliant for help and tips. I had no idea about when/how to use the 4wd and have to drive defensively.

I would really like the get the central locking query resolved if anyone knows??? Why would it come with a fob if it's not CL?

Good to know about the timing chain too. I had read it had to be changed between 80-100k. So much conflicting info out there. 

The key buttons should work.  If not, see if the screw head has been stripped by a hamfisted previous attempt to change the battery.  I had to drill the head off (after getting a new screw).  The battery is CR1616 or CR1620.  They both fit - CR1620 is marginally thicker - but often one works and one doesn't.  Buy whatever is in there already.

Hi, you get used to the lack of grunt! Does the locking work on the key (when the key is used in the door rather than remote)? If not, changing the key battery will have no effect. If number plate bulb does not work with a new bulb, just take a new feed from the one next to it. Only use 4wd when off tarmac (or ice / snow)

Cheers