The Suzuki Jimny
Discussion
Morning folks,
Today I'm after information about the Suzuki Jimny. The wife currently has a Ford StreetKa, which does the job, but she's started a job as a support worker for a woman who lives in 'proper' rural northumberland.
99% of the time she won't need a 4wd, however on the few odd days where it's snowy, she needs to be able to get to this woman's house, so we're looking at a little 4wd for her. The jimny seems to fit the bill as it's 2wd with 4wd capability, isn't massive and has decent ground clearance. I'm thinking with a set of decent A/T tyres it should do the job.
I think we're looking at a pre-2001 car, as the tax is around £100 cheaper, and I can't see any obvious benefits to the newer model, bar "having a newer car".
Are there any obvious things to look out for / common faults? Anyone on here have one, what are they like to live with? Is 35/37mpg on a run achievable in 2wd mode? What are they like at dealing with rougher stuff / snow drifts etc? Also, are they chain or belt driven, and when is a major service due / what does it entail.
Thanks a lot!
Today I'm after information about the Suzuki Jimny. The wife currently has a Ford StreetKa, which does the job, but she's started a job as a support worker for a woman who lives in 'proper' rural northumberland.
99% of the time she won't need a 4wd, however on the few odd days where it's snowy, she needs to be able to get to this woman's house, so we're looking at a little 4wd for her. The jimny seems to fit the bill as it's 2wd with 4wd capability, isn't massive and has decent ground clearance. I'm thinking with a set of decent A/T tyres it should do the job.
I think we're looking at a pre-2001 car, as the tax is around £100 cheaper, and I can't see any obvious benefits to the newer model, bar "having a newer car".
Are there any obvious things to look out for / common faults? Anyone on here have one, what are they like to live with? Is 35/37mpg on a run achievable in 2wd mode? What are they like at dealing with rougher stuff / snow drifts etc? Also, are they chain or belt driven, and when is a major service due / what does it entail.
Thanks a lot!
Cheers guys, the switchable 2wd is the selling point really. She won't need the 4wd capability 99% of the year, but obviously when she does, it'd be easier to have car to do it all than a 2nd car that sat around for long periods of time. She's covered roughly 30,000 miles in the last year, so I'm looking for circa 35mpg really if possible.
D4MJT said:
Morning folks,
Today I'm after information about the Suzuki Jimny. The wife currently has a Ford StreetKa, which does the job, but she's started a job as a support worker for a woman who lives in 'proper' rural northumberland.
99% of the time she won't need a 4wd, however on the few odd days where it's snowy, she needs to be able to get to this woman's house, so we're looking at a little 4wd for her. The jimny seems to fit the bill as it's 2wd with 4wd capability, isn't massive and has decent ground clearance. I'm thinking with a set of decent A/T tyres it should do the job.
I think we're looking at a pre-2001 car, as the tax is around £100 cheaper, and I can't see any obvious benefits to the newer model, bar "having a newer car".
Are there any obvious things to look out for / common faults? Anyone on here have one, what are they like to live with? Is 35/37mpg on a run achievable in 2wd mode? What are they like at dealing with rougher stuff / snow drifts etc? Also, are they chain or belt driven, and when is a major service due / what does it entail.
Thanks a lot!
I'm a huge fan of the Jimny, it's a proper highly capable 4x4. Ladder chassis, live axles and good axle articulation.Today I'm after information about the Suzuki Jimny. The wife currently has a Ford StreetKa, which does the job, but she's started a job as a support worker for a woman who lives in 'proper' rural northumberland.
99% of the time she won't need a 4wd, however on the few odd days where it's snowy, she needs to be able to get to this woman's house, so we're looking at a little 4wd for her. The jimny seems to fit the bill as it's 2wd with 4wd capability, isn't massive and has decent ground clearance. I'm thinking with a set of decent A/T tyres it should do the job.
I think we're looking at a pre-2001 car, as the tax is around £100 cheaper, and I can't see any obvious benefits to the newer model, bar "having a newer car".
Are there any obvious things to look out for / common faults? Anyone on here have one, what are they like to live with? Is 35/37mpg on a run achievable in 2wd mode? What are they like at dealing with rougher stuff / snow drifts etc? Also, are they chain or belt driven, and when is a major service due / what does it entail.
Thanks a lot!
In many ways it's a bit like a Series 1 Land Rover with Defender suspension, just better built and doesn't leak.
However a couple of things to note are, as it is a proper 4x4, it does drive like one. Personally I have no problem with this, but some may be put off by it.
But I think the biggest thing is the drive train. In "normal" road use the Jimny is RWD with an open rear diff. In this guise it would not perform very well on the slippery stuff and will become 1wd and not move at all.
When you put it in 4wd it locks the front and rear drive shafts together, it has no centre differential. This is good for off road traction, but you can't run on grippy surfaces like this as it'll break the drivetrain.
It's quite easy to select 4wd or not, but it does rely on the driver doing this and using the right mode at the right time.
Personally if they aren't going to be off roading, then I think an early Rav4 would be a better bet. Not as off roady and will cost slightly more in road tax due to being a 2.0 litre. But a better on road performer.
The big difference is the 4wd system. The Rav4 has a centre diff, which means it is AWD all of the time. You can 'lock' the centre diff by pushing a button on the dash and in this guise it will lock the front and rear drive shafts together just like the Jimny does. However I suspect on the right tyres the Rav4 being AWD would likely cope fine without the driving needing to lock the diff for most snowy conditions and it's there should it be very deep snow or very icy.
In terms of tyres, again if no off road work is likely, then some heavily sipped winter tyres would likely be the best bet as you can run about on them all year if you don't tear about in the corners on hot sunny days.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Tuesday 13th August 09:49
D4MJT said:
Morning folks,
Today I'm after information about the Suzuki Jimny. The wife currently has a Ford StreetKa, which does the job, but she's started a job as a support worker for a woman who lives in 'proper' rural northumberland.
99% of the time she won't need a 4wd, however on the few odd days where it's snowy, she needs to be able to get to this woman's house, so we're looking at a little 4wd for her. The jimny seems to fit the bill as it's 2wd with 4wd capability, isn't massive and has decent ground clearance. I'm thinking with a set of decent A/T tyres it should do the job.
I think we're looking at a pre-2001 car, as the tax is around £100 cheaper, and I can't see any obvious benefits to the newer model, bar "having a newer car".
Are there any obvious things to look out for / common faults? Anyone on here have one, what are they like to live with? Is 35/37mpg on a run achievable in 2wd mode? What are they like at dealing with rougher stuff / snow drifts etc? Also, are they chain or belt driven, and when is a major service due / what does it entail.
Thanks a lot!
I'm a huge fan of the Jimny, it's a proper highly capable 4x4. Ladder chassis, live axles and good axle articulation.Today I'm after information about the Suzuki Jimny. The wife currently has a Ford StreetKa, which does the job, but she's started a job as a support worker for a woman who lives in 'proper' rural northumberland.
99% of the time she won't need a 4wd, however on the few odd days where it's snowy, she needs to be able to get to this woman's house, so we're looking at a little 4wd for her. The jimny seems to fit the bill as it's 2wd with 4wd capability, isn't massive and has decent ground clearance. I'm thinking with a set of decent A/T tyres it should do the job.
I think we're looking at a pre-2001 car, as the tax is around £100 cheaper, and I can't see any obvious benefits to the newer model, bar "having a newer car".
Are there any obvious things to look out for / common faults? Anyone on here have one, what are they like to live with? Is 35/37mpg on a run achievable in 2wd mode? What are they like at dealing with rougher stuff / snow drifts etc? Also, are they chain or belt driven, and when is a major service due / what does it entail.
Thanks a lot!
In man ways it's a bit like a Series 1 Land Rover with Defender suspension, just better built and doesn't leak.
However a couple of things to note are, as it is a proper 4x4, it does drive like one. Personally I have no problem with this, but some may be put off by it.
But I think the biggest thing is the drive train. In "normal" road use the Jimny is RWD with an open rear diff. In this guise it would not perform very well on the slippery stuff and will become 1wd and not move at all.
When you put it in 4wd it locks the front and rear drive shafts together, it has no centre differential. This is good for off road traction, but you can't run on grippy surfaces like this as it'll break the drivetrain.
It's quite easy to select 4wd or not, but it does rely on the driver doing this and using the right mode at the right time.
Personally if they aren't going to be off roading, then I think an early Rav4 would be a better bet. Not as off roady and will cost slightly more in road tax due to being a 2.0 litre. But a better on road performer.
The big difference is the 4wd system. The Rav4 has a centre diff, which means it is AWD all of the time. You can 'lock' the centre diff by pushing a button on the dash and in this guise it will lock the front and rear drive shafts together just like the Jimny does. However I suspect on the right tyres the Rav4 being AWD would likely cope fine without the driver needing to lock the diff for most snowy conditions, and it's there should it be needed in very deep snow or very icy conditions.
In terms of tyres, again if no off road work is likely, then some heavily sipped winter tyres would likely be the best bet as you can run about on them all year if you don't tear about in the corners on hot sunny days.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Tuesday 13th August 09:51
300bhp/ton said:
I'm a huge fan of the Jimny, it's a proper highly capable 4x4. Ladder chassis, live axles and good axle articulation.
In man ways it's a bit like a Series 1 Land Rover with Defender suspension, just better built and doesn't leak.
However a couple of things to note are, as it is a proper 4x4, it does drive like one. Personally I have no problem with this, but some may be put off by it.
But I think the biggest thing is the drive train. In "normal" road use the Jimny is RWD with an open rear diff. In this guise it would not perform very well on the slippery stuff and will become 1wd and not move at all.
When you put it in 4wd it locks the front and rear drive shafts together, it has no centre differential. This is good for off road traction, but you can't run on grippy surfaces like this as it'll break the drivetrain.
It's quite easy to select 4wd or not, but it does rely on the driver doing this and using the right mode at the right time.
Personally if they aren't going to be off roading, then I think an early Rav4 would be a better bet. Not as off roady and will cost slightly more in road tax due to being a 2.0 litre. But a better on road performer.
The big difference is the 4wd system. The Rav4 has a centre diff, which means it is AWD all of the time. You can 'lock' the centre diff by pushing a button on the dash and in this guise it will lock the front and rear drive shafts together just like the Jimny does. However I suspect on the right tyres the Rav4 being AWD would likely cope fine without the driving needing to lock the diff for most snowy conditions and it's there should it be very deep snow or very icy.
In terms of tyres, again if no off road work is likely, then some heavily sipped winter tyres would likely be the best bet as you can run about on them all year if you don't tear about in the corners on hot sunny days.
Interesting cheers. The mrs is pretty handy tbh, she's done some off-roady stuff in my old Range Rovers and was comfortable driving a Range Rover Classic manual years ago, so I reckon she'd handle the switchable bits ok. In man ways it's a bit like a Series 1 Land Rover with Defender suspension, just better built and doesn't leak.
However a couple of things to note are, as it is a proper 4x4, it does drive like one. Personally I have no problem with this, but some may be put off by it.
But I think the biggest thing is the drive train. In "normal" road use the Jimny is RWD with an open rear diff. In this guise it would not perform very well on the slippery stuff and will become 1wd and not move at all.
When you put it in 4wd it locks the front and rear drive shafts together, it has no centre differential. This is good for off road traction, but you can't run on grippy surfaces like this as it'll break the drivetrain.
It's quite easy to select 4wd or not, but it does rely on the driver doing this and using the right mode at the right time.
Personally if they aren't going to be off roading, then I think an early Rav4 would be a better bet. Not as off roady and will cost slightly more in road tax due to being a 2.0 litre. But a better on road performer.
The big difference is the 4wd system. The Rav4 has a centre diff, which means it is AWD all of the time. You can 'lock' the centre diff by pushing a button on the dash and in this guise it will lock the front and rear drive shafts together just like the Jimny does. However I suspect on the right tyres the Rav4 being AWD would likely cope fine without the driving needing to lock the diff for most snowy conditions and it's there should it be very deep snow or very icy.
In terms of tyres, again if no off road work is likely, then some heavily sipped winter tyres would likely be the best bet as you can run about on them all year if you don't tear about in the corners on hot sunny days.
I'm mainly put off the Rav by the fact that it's 4wd all the time, I just can't see it getting the fuel economy I'm after for the rest of the year, for the sake of making it a bit more car like if you get me. Good points to consider though, thanks for your input.
35mpg will be a stretch, the quoted figures for the new one are 32/47 (urban/extra).
What about a 4x4 Panda? Not quite as good as a Jimny (which is pretty damn capable as I keep reading), but Fifth gear seem to think it's nearly as good as a FFRR. It should deal with snow well enough with the right tyres. Much more refined, still very reliable, and you should see 35+mpg even from the petrol.
What about a 4x4 Panda? Not quite as good as a Jimny (which is pretty damn capable as I keep reading), but Fifth gear seem to think it's nearly as good as a FFRR. It should deal with snow well enough with the right tyres. Much more refined, still very reliable, and you should see 35+mpg even from the petrol.
D4MJT said:
Interesting cheers. The mrs is pretty handy tbh, she's done some off-roady stuff in my old Range Rovers and was comfortable driving a Range Rover Classic manual years ago, so I reckon she'd handle the switchable bits ok.
I'm mainly put off the Rav by the fact that it's 4wd all the time, I just can't see it getting the fuel economy I'm after for the rest of the year, for the sake of making it a bit more car like if you get me. Good points to consider though, thanks for your input.
Switching to 2wd doesn't really save much fuel, as you are still spinning the front diff, shafts and prop. The reason the Jimny is fairly frugal is due to being a 1.3 litre in a relatively light vehicle.I'm mainly put off the Rav by the fact that it's 4wd all the time, I just can't see it getting the fuel economy I'm after for the rest of the year, for the sake of making it a bit more car like if you get me. Good points to consider though, thanks for your input.
That said, if you drive at 70mph+ on dual carriage ways and have a heavier foot, they will offer up lower mpg than you might hope, but they should be quite good on fuel if driven normally.
Aha, sorry I should have been clearer with the list of pre-requisites, there's a budget too!
~35mpg
4wd capability
decent ground clearance
doesnt need to be a racing car at all
won't do many motorway miles either
up to £2k max
I'm thinking given that criteria, currently the jimny seems to be the best bet.
~35mpg
4wd capability
decent ground clearance
doesnt need to be a racing car at all
won't do many motorway miles either
up to £2k max
I'm thinking given that criteria, currently the jimny seems to be the best bet.
We bought one 2 years ago when we emigrated as we were told the roads required a 4x4.
Off road they are downright amazing, even on road tyres. With a set of mud tyres our little Jimny regularly makes it places that a defender cannot. Mechanically they are sound and easy to tinker with, even a clutch change is not beyond the abilities of a reasonable fettler. In 2 years of rough roads and off roading we have done nothing but routine maintenance and replaced 2 springs (80k 2002 model)
This is a great resource and worth signing upto.
On road unfortunately is a VERY different story. We live on a small island where the NATIONAL speed limit is 30mph. Even at these speed the Jimny lacks road manners. The ride is bouncy, particularly for those in the rear and the steering "Feel" is awful. I am a big lad at 6'4" and on the odd occasions that I drive it I take endless abuse. I occasionally answer emergency calls and here we are permitted to exceed the speed limit when called out and at any sort of pace it is positively uncomfortable.
Space behind the rear seats is limited but the cabin is quite generous when considered in view of the overall size of the car. If the rear seats are folded the back is cavernous.
Ours uses a bit of oil, nothing terrifying, and seems to wear tyres on the outside edges. This could probably be fixed but it is barely noticeable. Parts are easy to get and cheap and so far we are delighted with it. We get 30mpg but our roads are awful and it is rarely out of 3rd gear.
I'd buy one again for our current purposes or for a back up to deal with the weather in the UK but I'm not sure I'd want to do any serious mileage in one.
Off road they are downright amazing, even on road tyres. With a set of mud tyres our little Jimny regularly makes it places that a defender cannot. Mechanically they are sound and easy to tinker with, even a clutch change is not beyond the abilities of a reasonable fettler. In 2 years of rough roads and off roading we have done nothing but routine maintenance and replaced 2 springs (80k 2002 model)
This is a great resource and worth signing upto.
On road unfortunately is a VERY different story. We live on a small island where the NATIONAL speed limit is 30mph. Even at these speed the Jimny lacks road manners. The ride is bouncy, particularly for those in the rear and the steering "Feel" is awful. I am a big lad at 6'4" and on the odd occasions that I drive it I take endless abuse. I occasionally answer emergency calls and here we are permitted to exceed the speed limit when called out and at any sort of pace it is positively uncomfortable.
Space behind the rear seats is limited but the cabin is quite generous when considered in view of the overall size of the car. If the rear seats are folded the back is cavernous.
Ours uses a bit of oil, nothing terrifying, and seems to wear tyres on the outside edges. This could probably be fixed but it is barely noticeable. Parts are easy to get and cheap and so far we are delighted with it. We get 30mpg but our roads are awful and it is rarely out of 3rd gear.
I'd buy one again for our current purposes or for a back up to deal with the weather in the UK but I'm not sure I'd want to do any serious mileage in one.
We actually ran some Jimny's in our work fleet. Excellent off road and snow ability but as other have said a bit scary, wobbly and slow on the road. Fuel economy vs performance is pretty rubbish too. We ended up changing them for Suzuki SX4's instead due to the on road manners! (Jimny's are not ideal things for dual carriageways etc)
I would say if you are only needing the 4x4 capability a few days in the winter a crv/rav4 is a better way to go so you get to enjoy the better on-road performance 99% of the time you are using it.
Don't know what your budget is but you could also consider Suzuki SX4/Fiat Sedici(?) or Panda 4x4 or Subaru Justy type thing.
ETA: for your budget there are plenty of RAV's & CRV's around which will do 30-35mpg driven sensibly. 3 door Ravs are particularly plentiful for well below your budget.
I would say if you are only needing the 4x4 capability a few days in the winter a crv/rav4 is a better way to go so you get to enjoy the better on-road performance 99% of the time you are using it.
Don't know what your budget is but you could also consider Suzuki SX4/Fiat Sedici(?) or Panda 4x4 or Subaru Justy type thing.
ETA: for your budget there are plenty of RAV's & CRV's around which will do 30-35mpg driven sensibly. 3 door Ravs are particularly plentiful for well below your budget.
Edited by RP1 on Tuesday 13th August 10:25
For the use you describe I'd probably go for something like a Suzuki SX4, N/A impreza, 4x4 Panda or something else that is a car but with 4wd capability rather than a full on 4x4.
The Rav4 is a good shout too. I used a Defender then a Discovery for a while and while both are amazing off road, and the Disco was well specced they became frustrating to use on the road after a while.
The Rav4 is a good shout too. I used a Defender then a Discovery for a while and while both are amazing off road, and the Disco was well specced they became frustrating to use on the road after a while.
Interesting topic
Mrs K has a 52 plate Pinin and loves it, very reliable perfect for the "odd snowy day"
It's been very very reliable and only recently started to show it's age with some advisories on the MOT
She looked at SX4/Sedicia, Panda 4x4, Foresters & Vitaras
I reckon you'd get a half decent Vitara or Pinin for £2k
Mrs K has a 52 plate Pinin and loves it, very reliable perfect for the "odd snowy day"
It's been very very reliable and only recently started to show it's age with some advisories on the MOT
She looked at SX4/Sedicia, Panda 4x4, Foresters & Vitaras
I reckon you'd get a half decent Vitara or Pinin for £2k
D4MJT said:
Aha, sorry I should have been clearer with the list of pre-requisites, there's a budget too!
~35mpg
4wd capability
decent ground clearance
doesnt need to be a racing car at all
won't do many motorway miles either
up to £2k max
I'm thinking given that criteria, currently the jimny seems to be the best bet.
With those requirements I would be looking for an older forester. Much better on road and capable onroad - with some all season tyres i reckon it would be unstoppable. ~35mpg
4wd capability
decent ground clearance
doesnt need to be a racing car at all
won't do many motorway miles either
up to £2k max
I'm thinking given that criteria, currently the jimny seems to be the best bet.
I have looked at jimnys a few times, but they do seem to be strongly priced for wht you get. Same with panda 4x4s (which are very few and far between and so command a strong price tag)
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