Any Opinions/Experience of VVT Jimny's

Mine's an 06 vvt, never had any real issues with the push button selection. VERY occasionally it doesn't go in and the light flashes on the dash but that only seams to happen when it's stationary. Then it's just a case of pushing 2 or 4 ( which ever you were in before trying to change, if that makes sense ) and trying again. It's in the owners manual so guessing it's not that big a deal and it's not done it for a good 8 - 9 months. Sometimes 2 to 4 or vice versa on the move does make an almighty clatter like it's just exploded and you really feel it, but for the most part it's pretty smooth if a tiny bit slow to select. Been getting lots of use in the snow up here and it's never missed a beat and it's been used a LOT !

The vvt engine's probably about as good as as it gets from the factory. Don't know if they all do it but mine has a bit of a lift at 3900 - 4000 rpm, not exactlly a major kick but it's quite pronounced and it'll sit at 80 on the motorway all day. Not that that's stopping me eyeing up the low mileage lliana motor in the local scrappys. looks like it'd fit...

pgatensuk wrote: Cheers Kirkynut. It's the improved MPG that is attracting me to the VVT. There is nothing wrong with my 2002 JLX soft top, it's a great little car.

so it sounds as if the older models are the better option

I'm heading out Essex coast way this weekend, in search of the white stuff. Hertfordshire is a bit lacking at the moment.

Cheers

Paul
Hertford

We have a fair number of green lanes in north Essex which normally are not difficult so will be good in the snow. I'm in south Essex where there are none!

I would image the cost of the newer car would be offsetted by the fuel used in the older car for some time giving more of a reason to keep the old one and improve or modify to make better!

Kirkynut

We have had a 1999 car from new with the g13 engine until 2007, 100,000 miles and a 2007 VVT since then had 4k on the clock when bought it, now at 34k.

In the old car you would accelarate to 70mph and without noticing it, you would reduce the speed to 60mph due to the noise. The VVT is fine at 65 to 70 mph noisy above that.

100% more refined.

We have not noticed any differance in fuel consumption in the slightest, that is no differance.

Servicing

The VVT only needs the plugs done at 55K as opposed to 24k but the new plugs are £50 a set, rather than doing the cambelt at 60k it has a chain that does not need changed. No other changes to servicing.

Both cars needed the kingpin bearings changed at 30k.

We use it as a road car but we live up a track with 16 inches of snow this week and that is not a problem.

The ABS is great you would have to be a complete wanker to remove it a lot better than the old car on slippy roads.

eddie

Hi

I have had 3 Jimnys from new a 2000, 2003 and my current one which I'm sticking with is a 2006.

I did prefer the stick change on the older models for the 4x4 mode as you could knock it in with out taking your eyes of the road. When stationary the button version does sometimes get stuck when you try and take it out making the light flash , it is easy enough to remedy by engaging 4x4 again and move the car forward and press the button again to disengage. The VVT engine is a lot smoother which is a big plus on the older cars I had, it also sounds better My 2006 car is totally standard and in 2 wheel mode I get approx 315 miles to the tank which returns 35.8mpg, you will obviously start to lose the fuel consumption if you modify it.I'm looking at upgrading my duellers for some standard fitting AT's probably 205/70/15 Wrangler AT/SA which will be my only mod. Another thing to bear in mind the newer models rear seats do not fold down flat. The VVT car will sit happily at 70mph and is quieter than the older model however like all Jimnys you will need to invest in a better car speakers if you want to hear them The ABS system is not a problem on my 2006 and has only kicked in when I have really needed it, however on my 2003 model it had a very overactive ABS and it was down right dangerous which was one of the main reasons why I traded it in. There are pros and cons for both, if your going to use your car like mine for mainly on the road with the occasional green laning then the VVT is a good option.

All the best

I've recently swapped from my 2000 Jimny to my wife's 2006 VVT Jimny. As everyone has already stated the VVT version of the M motor is smooth, more powerful and turns better fuel economy. The build quality seems to have dropped and some cost cutting has gone on between the models but nothing I can't live with.

One disappointment came from the vastly different ratios when you compare gearbox and transfer case. Unknowingly I swapped in the transfer with 24% trial gears from my 2000 Jimny only to discover that there was a 30% difference already without the 24% reduction, so the combined 54% (I know that's not the exact calculation) meant that top speed with 235/75R15 tyres was 90km/hr while revving at 5000... disappointing!!

My dilemma now is that I'll need to swap the gearbox for a NON VVT version (30% higher ratios. That'll then give me the start point for a SJ413 transfer install. I don't want to retain the electric transfer and install 20% reduction gears.

Anyone else dealing with this?

I run 215/75/15 Fedima Frontiera's on my Jimny. Tread is very similiar to BFG A/Ts. The traction is fantastic and they are quiet on the road. This is my first set and I have not had them a long time but so far I am very pleased with their performance. Not to mention the price for new ones is good.