Jimny buying advice - Had SJ413 & Sammy previous..

Ahoy!

I've been pining over a Jimny for a while now, plus the wife wants one too. Apparently "I suit" 4x4's. Must be my grubby unkempt exterior.

My first car was a lovely red soft top '86 SJ413JX back in the day. After I smashed that up I moved on to a rare '91 LWB Samurai, which I drove and loved for 7 years. I still have that car, but it's not moved for about 4 years now.

Anyway, Jimny's. I really really hate rust. It depresses me. So with your help I'm hoping to find a relatively rot-resistant (galvanised or whatever) example!

I've decided to look at cars between 2005 and 2010, with the VVT engine and electronic transfer box. I know the front bumpers are a bit ugly in that generation, but I can live with that (or change it for a beefy steel one!). Not interested in a soft top, so aiming for a Japanese built tin top. Is there an easy way to spot a Jap vs. Spanish vehicle from their build spec? Like different wheel styles or interior trim? I know how to tell from the VIN, but thought there must be other ways.

The only thing that scares me is the electronic transfer box. Are they more problematic?

Looking to spend £4.5k ish.

I'm pretty handy with a spanner, but I'm a spanner with a welder (hence the rust allergy)!

Slightly off topic, but I've been drooling over the Jimny 4Sport that countries like Brazil and Greece are getting this year. Looking at the aggressive bumpers etc I doubt it will ever get sold new in the UK. But, all the kit should be available to buy via dealers eventually. Anyone looked into this already? The factory fit snorkel is nice. Also the 215/75R15 BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A tyres look nice and manly!

Bodge wrote: Is there an easy way to spot a Jap vs. Spanish vehicle from their build spec?

Yep..... Japanese have a steel roof... spanish have a fabric roof

jimny sport is quite cool - like the bumper and snorkel

darthloachie wrote:

Bodge wrote: Is there an easy way to spot a Jap vs. Spanish vehicle from their build spec?

Yep..... Japanese have a steel roof... spanish have a fabric roof

jimny sport is quite cool - like the bumper and snorkel

Yeah they look epic! Even better in the dark green colour.

So it's that simple then. ALL tin tops are made in Japan and ALL rag tops are made in Spain? Nice and easy. I'm not prejudiced, but...... my SJ was Jap made and the Sammy is Spanish made, the difference in quality was obvious!

Is the JLX+ spec worth it? Not sure I could live without AC anyway actually....

Bodge wrote: Not sure I could live without AC anyway actually....

Dont worry, rust holes will provide plenty of air-con

GuardianAngel wrote:

Bodge wrote: Not sure I could live without AC anyway actually....

Dont worry, rust holes will provide plenty of air-con

Oh, that's okay then!! My Samurai always felt the need to water my legs when it rained. Suzuki's are so considerate like that.

Although my current car is perfectly reliable and fast as hell (remapped Mk1 Octavia RS with 204bhp & 354Nm), I still miss the character and fun of driving the Samurai. Plus I miss fooling about offroad!

mlines wrote: I believe that "rule" works one way - ie. all soft tops are Spanish built

However it does not work the other way as I believe Hard tops were both Spanish and Japanese built.

The only real way is to look at the VIN Number first few digits.

JSA = Japanese

VSE = Spanish

Okay thanks for that. That's what I had read too. Other than the VIN, do you know of any visual differences? Or are they made from an identical list of parts and paint colours/combinations? Just trying to pre-filter while browsing Autotrader! Cheers