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Sorry if this isn't the right place to post, I've been after a Jimny for about 10 years but keep wavering away due to some of the impracticalities involved in Jimny ownership. I have driven Jimny's of various ages abroad and do love them. I think I've finally settled that I'll have to own one sooner or later so why not now?
The problem is I have no idea what I should be paying, prices are all over the place from private sellers and seem to make little sense, I have seen 2007-2010 cars with similiar mileages listed at the same price as 2000-2004 cars with nothing in the advert suggesting why? Dealer prices are out of my budget unfortunately and I'd rather buy from a private seller who personally knows the history of the car anyway.
I'm not too bothered about age or mileage, post 2001 would probably be ideal for ULEZ. More important is condition, AC would be an absolute huge bonus as would the later VVT engine.
I'm buying in the UK and was hoping to pick one up for around £3000-3500 but the market seems to be a mess. Any pointers?
Look at the MOT history online. Avoid anything with corrosion advisories. I know some MOT testers are trigger-happy with advisories but this will sort the wheat from the chaff quickly. VED liability is lower for pre-2001 cars but pre-2006 Jimnys are not generally ULEZ compliant, not necessarily because they're polluting but because they were built before Euro 4 existed. At the cheaper end of the range, these things affect value. But rust is the no.1 concern.
I think you pay what you are happy with to reflect the condition of the car. An early Jimny in immaculate condition would trump a later 2010 Jimny in worst condition so I would pay more for the better condition car even though it’s older. That being said you may actually be under estimating the value of these cars. In my opinion sub 5k doesn’t buy you a great condition jimny. Below that you tend to be looking at off-roaders or scrappers. 1500 will only just buy you one on its last legs so if you’re looking for one in good condition you need to be over 5k.
2005-2008 vehicles are prone to gearbox issues so you may see older cars around 2004 more expensive as they have the better version. After 2008 this issue was fixed.
If you are buying between 2005-2008 expect the owner to have proof that the gearbox has been fixed or ensure you have enough budget in the price for a £1000 repair
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Martin
2003 M13 early KAP build.
3" Trailmaster lift with 1.5 Spacers on front
Customised winch bumper and roll cage
235/85R16 Maxxis Bighorns on 16" Rims, 4:1 Rocklobster, Rear ARB locker and on-board air
Corrected arms all-round, rear disks, Recaro seats and harnesses
After buying another jimny recently, I'd state be very careful.
Cheap vehicles will be cheap for a reason
Dear vehicles may not be the condition you'd expect.
Rust is a primary concern and you really need to be careful here.
Body mounts, rear seatbelt mounts, front panel including behind the headlights and shock mounts, to name a few.
Pretty much everything else, is bolt on and replaceable
I'd stand by Martin's comment about the gearbox on 2005-2008 models, as I got caught with this myself. No issues when I first bought it but as I started clapping miles on it , the gearbox bearing noises started.
I ended up paying a few quid over a thousand for the gearbox refurb, including a new clutch and all fitting charges.
I got mine at a very good price, but it probably stands me at around market value now after the gearbox and the other service items I'v done on it.
Prices will differ in different areas of the country and so will condition. I'd look for something thats been regularly used and regularly serviced.
OE tyres are terrible, so figure in a tyre change if you want to do anything other than road use.
As for practicality, it depends.
For a driver and one passenger they're great and with the rear seats folded (and the boot area built up to level) the cargo space is more useful than a large estate. My seats are folded permanently and I make good use of the space.
Carrying passengers in the rear, other than young kids, makes for an uncomfortable journey for those in the back.
Fuel economy isn't too bad for a 4x4 and I'm averaging above 30mpg, with mainly road use.
Back to price. I think they're on the up. Probably higher in rural areas as they're so useful, but partly because they're no longer made.
Late gen3's on the used market can fetch way more than they were new.
It stands to reason, that the hiked prices, will filter down to older vehicles
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