Suzuki Jimny SZ5
Discussion
Tyres - mudded!
Well, we had some heavy rain here yesterday, so I took the opportunity to try the new Maxxis Wormdrive tyres out.
First to recap:
Dry weather handling seems very good. For the most part they seem no worse on road than the original road biased Bridgestone Duelers. There might be slightly more noise at 60mph+ speeds, but it really is hardly any difference.
No wobble or vibrations either.
General handing is very good. Although when you push on having some fun in the bends, you can feel it moving about on the lugs. Nothing nasty, just a little more, active, shall we say...
Wet roads I'd have to report much the same. There was some standing water and heavy run off yesterday. No hint of aquaplaning and they held the road absolutely fine. Even when adding a bit more vigour with the steering wheel and accelerator pedal.
Really the only downside is the blunted performance. I know the Jimny isn't built for speed, but it always felt zippy and peppy before hand. These new tyres are less than 1/2" taller (11mm by the specs). And only marginally wider at 215 section vs 195s. They do have bigger lugs, so more drag and the weight of them as mentioned previously is quite a bit more than the standard road tyres.
Sadly it feels as though the Jimny is down 10% on power, it is that noticeable. How guys are running 235/75R16's with stock gearing I'm not certain. I have a couple of ideas in the pipework to try and recoup the peppiness of the engine. But that might be for next month.
MPG is down slightly too (by 1mpg), but I expected this. Although to be fair I have been driving it harder (due to feeling slower) and it has done more shorter journeys than normal and more off road use.
So now to the point most will be interested in. How did they do in the mud?
Very very well!
The soil where I was driving is very chalky and gets extremely slick when wet, as well as rather cloggy. That tends not to clear well in almost all mud terrains.
This spot looks a bit tame in this photo. However it is a very good cross axle situation and will, even in the dry stop my competition Land Rover wearing mud terrains if you are going too slowly. The rear passenger wheel is down in a hole, with the drivers rear fully compressed. And the drivers front drooping, with the passenger wheel compressed.
Now the Jimny doesn't flex like my Land Rover does, but not only could I get out (and nearly fell over, it was that slippery here). But thanks to the wonders of 4 wheel traction control, was able to pull aways and drive through the obstacle without needing to rollback or get a run up. I'm pretty sure the stock tyres would not haven enabled this. The Maxxis Wormdrive tyres really worked well with the TCS, giving huge ability.
In this picture you can see how the mud is and how it clings to the tyre:
Testing the suspension flex out.
Despite the mud persisting on sticking to the tyre, you can see the central lugs are still protruding, which is probably why they worked so well. Think they have 12mm or so of tread.
The fronts cleared a little better.
So with mud down the sides, I think I'll be looking at some mud flaps next.
And a few mud traps to keep an eye on and make sure the mud doesn't build up.
Overall I'm pleased with my decision of tyres thus far.
Managed to get out and do my first Green Lane in the Jimny last night.
Nothing too difficult, just a bit of fun really. The lane didn't look like it had been driven in a while, although I could see some recent wheel markings from what was probably a Quad bike.
It was well signed as a By-way however.
A little overgrown in places, but thankfully nothing scratchy or damaging.
Once through the narrower bits, the track opened up into a nice woodland trail.
No real need for 4wd or low range on this kind of terrain. Although low range is nice to manoeuvre easily around the tights bits. And of course, when laning, you are there to enjoy yourself, not race to the other end.
Some rather fantastic views however.
Nothing too difficult, just a bit of fun really. The lane didn't look like it had been driven in a while, although I could see some recent wheel markings from what was probably a Quad bike.
It was well signed as a By-way however.
A little overgrown in places, but thankfully nothing scratchy or damaging.
Once through the narrower bits, the track opened up into a nice woodland trail.
No real need for 4wd or low range on this kind of terrain. Although low range is nice to manoeuvre easily around the tights bits. And of course, when laning, you are there to enjoy yourself, not race to the other end.
Some rather fantastic views however.
Well as most will likely know, it was very hot in the UK yesterday.
Not quite that hot, but in the 30's still.
Yesterday also marked the start of harvest for us on the farm. Such an awesome time of year!!
There were some tremendous rainstorms and thunder about. This one knocked the power out in a local village. But thankfully it missed us completely.
Also had a chance to have a play with my Mavic Mini:
Not quite that hot, but in the 30's still.
Yesterday also marked the start of harvest for us on the farm. Such an awesome time of year!!
There were some tremendous rainstorms and thunder about. This one knocked the power out in a local village. But thankfully it missed us completely.
Also had a chance to have a play with my Mavic Mini:
Phooey said:
Great thread (admittedly only just in last 5 mins found it so haven't read very post) 
Only just started looking at these so forgive me if been mentioned before... but am I right in thinking they are selling for above list price? I really like them and just had a brief ganders through the classifieds and from what i can work out is they were approx £19k list but around £25k for a 20/70 plate.
Thanks Only just started looking at these so forgive me if been mentioned before... but am I right in thinking they are selling for above list price? I really like them and just had a brief ganders through the classifieds and from what i can work out is they were approx £19k list but around £25k for a 20/70 plate.
Yes prices do seem to be higher than list price. The SZ5 (top spec) was about £19k with the only real option being paint (£500) or and autobox (£1000). The SZ4 is lower spec and lacks the LED headlights, alloy wheels, centre screen and a few other minor bits. I think these were in the region of £2k cheaper than the SZ5.
I haven't studied the used market, but I suspect you'd need in the region of £22-25k to buy one at the moment. There are I believe still a few new ones coming in, but generally with big waiting lists. And there are some pre-registered ones being sold at mark-up by some Suzuki franchises.
Phooey said:
Few questions
1/ Is the vehicle security ok or does it need upgrading? Would be parked on street.
I think security is pretty much the same as most modern cars. Remote keyfob central locking and immobiliser.1/ Is the vehicle security ok or does it need upgrading? Would be parked on street.
Phooey said:
2/ Service intervals?
Think it's 10 or 12k miles or yearly.Phooey said:
3/ I imagine the seating position is upright but is it bit less upright or more than the old Defender? I have a dodgy disc in lower back.
It's quite a similar seating position. I personally find it very comfy (but I like the Defender seating position too). I also have a dodgy back.Phooey said:
4/ Commercial. A quick look online and rumours Suzuki are bringing it back as a commercial vehicle. I could genuinely use it for the business. Any further updates on pricing and availability for the commercial?
Cheers
I've heard the rumours. I don't think there has been much official word on available, spec or timescales as of yet. Personally I'd expect there still to be low supply and long waiting lists. It also wouldn't surprise me if they up the price to nearer the £22-24k mark. As they seem to be able to sell them for this kind of money now.Cheers
Got a new Jimny accessory for Christmas. So have got it fitted. Very quick and easy to fit too.
One of my few complaints with the Jimny is the lack of USB and 12v power points. Thankfully this can be solved with this addition (from JimnyStyle).
It plugs into the existing 12v socket and in return gives you 2 x 12v sockets and 2 x USB ports. Plus retaining the factory USB port that you need to connect to the stereo.
Now I have somewhere to plug a radio in (CB/PMR446) I'll be sorting something out.
Before:
After:
One of my few complaints with the Jimny is the lack of USB and 12v power points. Thankfully this can be solved with this addition (from JimnyStyle).
It plugs into the existing 12v socket and in return gives you 2 x 12v sockets and 2 x USB ports. Plus retaining the factory USB port that you need to connect to the stereo.
Now I have somewhere to plug a radio in (CB/PMR446) I'll be sorting something out.
Before:
After:
So we eventually got some snow, first lot in 2 winters for the area.
I actually had a job to do and was out in the Matbro delivering water when it came down.
By the time I left the road was nicely covered. Sadly lots of complete and utter idiots about, but made it back safely enough.
But I'd gone out in the Range Rover, not the Jimny. But I can't complain, the Range Rover went really well in the snow. Despite having owned it for quite a few years. This was the first time I'd got to drive it in the snow. Super impressed with the Kuhmo MT51's, they worked very very well in the somewhat wet snow.
It really felt like it would go anywhere with ease. And did so.
But I was keen to try the Jimny out in the snow too and the Maxxis Wormdrive tyres. But I had to wait until the next day.
Despite the snow being quite wet and great for snowballs and snowmen, the overnight low temps meant it had frosted by this morning and gone much more brittle. And a lot more icy. Sadly, most of the snow on the roads had also gone. Bar some side roads. But there were icy patches and slush about.
As a long time Land Rover owner I've always been used to permanent 4 wheel drive. Where you can run between tarmac and slippery sections without needing to do anything. The Part-time 4 wheel drive in the Jimny does require a bit more driver intervention in switching back and forth between 2-Hi and 4-Hi. And if left in 2-Hi you do feel somewhat less confident in it.
That said it still went brilliantly. And the tyres impressed too. It would have been nice to get a full back to back with the MT51's on the Range Rover. But I'd say they are close, with the edge to the MT51's on snowy roads.
I did however get chance for a bit of a play off road.
Some mud was showing by this time. But still quite a lot of frosted snow. Here the Maxxis Wormdirves simply surpassed expectations. I know the TCS on the Jimny helps and is brilliant in its own right too. But the entire combination was unstoppable... pretty much. Very very pleased with how it went and also pleased with my choice of tyres. I wouldn't not expect an AT to be able to perform so well in such conditions.
My brother had his Trail Hawk out too, he is running winters. Hugely capable too, although somewhat less sure footed on this terrain in these conditions. And the tyres while great on road could clearly be seen working less well than the All Terrains off of it.
That said, for the comfort and on road ability of the Trail Hawk with its all independent suspension, I find it in many ways more impressive than the new Defender as an all round capable vehicle.
Short vid to follow....
I actually had a job to do and was out in the Matbro delivering water when it came down.
By the time I left the road was nicely covered. Sadly lots of complete and utter idiots about, but made it back safely enough.
But I'd gone out in the Range Rover, not the Jimny. But I can't complain, the Range Rover went really well in the snow. Despite having owned it for quite a few years. This was the first time I'd got to drive it in the snow. Super impressed with the Kuhmo MT51's, they worked very very well in the somewhat wet snow.
It really felt like it would go anywhere with ease. And did so.
But I was keen to try the Jimny out in the snow too and the Maxxis Wormdrive tyres. But I had to wait until the next day.
Despite the snow being quite wet and great for snowballs and snowmen, the overnight low temps meant it had frosted by this morning and gone much more brittle. And a lot more icy. Sadly, most of the snow on the roads had also gone. Bar some side roads. But there were icy patches and slush about.
As a long time Land Rover owner I've always been used to permanent 4 wheel drive. Where you can run between tarmac and slippery sections without needing to do anything. The Part-time 4 wheel drive in the Jimny does require a bit more driver intervention in switching back and forth between 2-Hi and 4-Hi. And if left in 2-Hi you do feel somewhat less confident in it.
That said it still went brilliantly. And the tyres impressed too. It would have been nice to get a full back to back with the MT51's on the Range Rover. But I'd say they are close, with the edge to the MT51's on snowy roads.
I did however get chance for a bit of a play off road.
Some mud was showing by this time. But still quite a lot of frosted snow. Here the Maxxis Wormdirves simply surpassed expectations. I know the TCS on the Jimny helps and is brilliant in its own right too. But the entire combination was unstoppable... pretty much. Very very pleased with how it went and also pleased with my choice of tyres. I wouldn't not expect an AT to be able to perform so well in such conditions.
My brother had his Trail Hawk out too, he is running winters. Hugely capable too, although somewhat less sure footed on this terrain in these conditions. And the tyres while great on road could clearly be seen working less well than the All Terrains off of it.
That said, for the comfort and on road ability of the Trail Hawk with its all independent suspension, I find it in many ways more impressive than the new Defender as an all round capable vehicle.
Short vid to follow....
Towbar update:
Fitted a towbar yesterday. I opted for the the Tow Trust one in the end (thanks for the recommendation Lambert). As the Suzuki one seems hard to find in stock and pricey.
Thus far quite pleased, got it for a good price in the end. It came well boxed and packaged with adequate instructions.
Fitting is pretty simple, remove the rear bumper, which actually comes off super easy, although the electric plugs put up more of a fight to undo (rear lights).
Then you have two side brackets that bolt to each chassis rail and the bar bolts between them. Then the quick release bolts to the bar.
Very glad I decided to fit myself, it gave me chance to apply Dinitrol to some areas I couldn't reach previously.
And I found some rust!! On the near side chassis mounting point for the body.
I assume this was a paint defect or chip at manufacture with exposed metal that has started to rust. Not really very good on a vehicle that is only 18 months old or so.
I treated it with a rust neutraliser and then sprayed with Dinitrol.
The bar look like it hangs down really low, but it isn't actually any lower than the factory rear tow/recovery points. And needs to be this low to clear the rear bumper. I think off road there is the potential for it to impact the ground, but suspect it won't be a major problem.
All fitted and back together. Very impressed with the 'quick release' mechanism. It really is very quick and easy to fit and remove the hitch.
I haven't towed with it yet. I still need to get the electrics fitted. But I did try the old sheep trailer on the back for size.
The tow bar comes with a small bag and it happily fits perfectly into the rear storage tray in the back of the Jimny. So easy to keep with the vehicle should I need it.
Fitted a towbar yesterday. I opted for the the Tow Trust one in the end (thanks for the recommendation Lambert). As the Suzuki one seems hard to find in stock and pricey.
Thus far quite pleased, got it for a good price in the end. It came well boxed and packaged with adequate instructions.
Fitting is pretty simple, remove the rear bumper, which actually comes off super easy, although the electric plugs put up more of a fight to undo (rear lights).
Then you have two side brackets that bolt to each chassis rail and the bar bolts between them. Then the quick release bolts to the bar.
Very glad I decided to fit myself, it gave me chance to apply Dinitrol to some areas I couldn't reach previously.
And I found some rust!! On the near side chassis mounting point for the body.
I assume this was a paint defect or chip at manufacture with exposed metal that has started to rust. Not really very good on a vehicle that is only 18 months old or so.
I treated it with a rust neutraliser and then sprayed with Dinitrol.
The bar look like it hangs down really low, but it isn't actually any lower than the factory rear tow/recovery points. And needs to be this low to clear the rear bumper. I think off road there is the potential for it to impact the ground, but suspect it won't be a major problem.
All fitted and back together. Very impressed with the 'quick release' mechanism. It really is very quick and easy to fit and remove the hitch.
I haven't towed with it yet. I still need to get the electrics fitted. But I did try the old sheep trailer on the back for size.
The tow bar comes with a small bag and it happily fits perfectly into the rear storage tray in the back of the Jimny. So easy to keep with the vehicle should I need it.
Time for another update.
2nd year service done and dusted. About bang on the 12,000 mile prediction, which was nice.
Got the dealer to fit the trailer electrics (I'd previously already fitted the towbar). Ultimately the cost of fitting the electrics was low enough that I didn't bother doing it myself when you factor the cost of the genuine wiring harness.
No other changes to the Jimny as of yet. I have noticed a couple more stone chips, which is disappointing. I will raise with Suzuki and the dealer, but doubt I'll get anywhere with it.
As a bit of fun I've done a comparison video also. Which I hope I can post here, as PH seems sensitive of late when I've posted YT links....
2nd year service done and dusted. About bang on the 12,000 mile prediction, which was nice.
Got the dealer to fit the trailer electrics (I'd previously already fitted the towbar). Ultimately the cost of fitting the electrics was low enough that I didn't bother doing it myself when you factor the cost of the genuine wiring harness.
No other changes to the Jimny as of yet. I have noticed a couple more stone chips, which is disappointing. I will raise with Suzuki and the dealer, but doubt I'll get anywhere with it.
As a bit of fun I've done a comparison video also. Which I hope I can post here, as PH seems sensitive of late when I've posted YT links....
Wireless Apple CarPlay Upgrade
Stumbled across this on a YouTube video, but did some reading and looked promising. So ordered up a device.
Very simple, plug it in, turn on the car. Wait for the factor infotainment to say Apple Carplay and select it on the in car screen, search for the device on your iPhone (Bluetooth) and connect. And hey presto! Wireless CarPlay
When you get back in the vehicle it should reconnect automatically. Mine seemed to take 30 secs or so, similar to what the bluetooth used to take previously.
Will have to see how reliable it is, but hoping it will.
I got mine from Amazon on next day delivery for £85.99, but I can't comment on if this is a good price or not or if it will change.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08CZ65SV4/ref...
Stumbled across this on a YouTube video, but did some reading and looked promising. So ordered up a device.
Very simple, plug it in, turn on the car. Wait for the factor infotainment to say Apple Carplay and select it on the in car screen, search for the device on your iPhone (Bluetooth) and connect. And hey presto! Wireless CarPlay
When you get back in the vehicle it should reconnect automatically. Mine seemed to take 30 secs or so, similar to what the bluetooth used to take previously.
Will have to see how reliable it is, but hoping it will.
I got mine from Amazon on next day delivery for £85.99, but I can't comment on if this is a good price or not or if it will change.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08CZ65SV4/ref...
Bought some underbody skid plates from a user over on BigJimny. I really wanted the transfer skid plate, as it clearly impacts the ground in certain conditions.
The listing was actually for 3 ASFIR aluminium skid plates:
- Transfer case
- Fuel tank
- Fuel System
The price was too good to miss the opportunity.
I'm also pleased with going for aluminium. These items really shouldn't be taking big impacts, gentle knocks and sliding is far more likely. The weight saving of aluminium over steel is fairly significant. Not just in carrying about on the vehicle, but also when fitting.
To aid access I drove the Jimny up on some ramps.
I didn't have full fitting instructions. There were some technical drawings showing how the brackets fit, but not how they attach to the vehicle. Not too hard to figure out. A little fiddle, there is a factory tank guard and shield that runs above the propshaft. Many of the brackets bolt on to these fixings.
Overall it was a bit fiddly, because then you remove the factory bolts, the shield and tank drop and are a bit of a PITA to realign. I ended up substituting some of the bolts that came out with slightly longer ones, as it made it a lot easier to get them to engage and screw in.
I had previously applied Dinitrol to the underside, I touched this up where I had missed a couple of bits before fitting the skid plates.
As you can see, the bare aluminium of the skids had been subject to some surface corrosion with the previous owner. So I decided to apply Dinitrol to them as well.
The main fuel tank guard was the most difficult to fit, the tank dropped quite a bit and required the use of a trolley jack (a 2nd person would have worked too) to help re-align the bolt holes.
The transfer case skid fitted on quite easily, although access to the right (drivers) rear mounting bolt top is hugely difficult. Still not 100% happy with it. But it'll have to do for now.
The listing was actually for 3 ASFIR aluminium skid plates:
- Transfer case
- Fuel tank
- Fuel System
The price was too good to miss the opportunity.
I'm also pleased with going for aluminium. These items really shouldn't be taking big impacts, gentle knocks and sliding is far more likely. The weight saving of aluminium over steel is fairly significant. Not just in carrying about on the vehicle, but also when fitting.
To aid access I drove the Jimny up on some ramps.
I didn't have full fitting instructions. There were some technical drawings showing how the brackets fit, but not how they attach to the vehicle. Not too hard to figure out. A little fiddle, there is a factory tank guard and shield that runs above the propshaft. Many of the brackets bolt on to these fixings.
Overall it was a bit fiddly, because then you remove the factory bolts, the shield and tank drop and are a bit of a PITA to realign. I ended up substituting some of the bolts that came out with slightly longer ones, as it made it a lot easier to get them to engage and screw in.
I had previously applied Dinitrol to the underside, I touched this up where I had missed a couple of bits before fitting the skid plates.
As you can see, the bare aluminium of the skids had been subject to some surface corrosion with the previous owner. So I decided to apply Dinitrol to them as well.
The main fuel tank guard was the most difficult to fit, the tank dropped quite a bit and required the use of a trolley jack (a 2nd person would have worked too) to help re-align the bolt holes.
The transfer case skid fitted on quite easily, although access to the right (drivers) rear mounting bolt top is hugely difficult. Still not 100% happy with it. But it'll have to do for now.
Time for another update.
Took the Jimny on a proper road trip. While I'd done a few longish motorway trips previously, this was the first trip away. Covid and other things had prevented me doing this earlier.
Went to North Wales & Anglesey for 5 nights. Did over 700 miles there and back, very mixed terrain. Some motorway on the way there and back. Also the A55 Express way, but lots of fast A roads and tiny country lanes.
The Jimny performed flawlessly really. It's sit at 70mph on cruise control on the motorway, although I typically ran nearer to 60-65mph.
Was very comfortable and extremely capable for everything we did.
The weather was pretty amazing for Wales. Very glad of the air conditioning.
On the Welsh hills it goes well enough, the 1.5 is very smooth and tractable. But it did perhaps lack a little grunt at times. On some of the very steep roads you'd be flat out in 2nd gear with it only able to hold revs rather than accelerate.
TBH - my only complaint was the range. MPG was fairly poor, running at motorway speeds (such as on the A55), basically anything over 3000-3500rpm in top, it seems to drink fuel. Running about it was better, but the Snowdonia mountains do make you use the revs. MPG varied between 31.6 and 36.2 to a tank. (Usage is key to mpg, on a trip locally the other day I got 39.2mpg, it really is the high speed that ruins mpg on these).
The real issue for me however is the tank range (compounded by the worlds worst fuel gauge/range meter), it just is too small for this kind of use. For example, the hotel was 267 miles from home.
But with 35 useable litres of fuel (7.69 gallons) at 34mpg is only 261 miles. And while you can always find a fuel station in Wales. It is amazing how far you need to drive sometimes, waiting until the fuel light comes on is probably unwise. Meaning you'd really need to be looking out for a petrol station from as little as 220 miles. On a 6 day trip it meant I had to visit the petrol station no less 4 times to ensure we didn't run out in the middle of nowhere.
It is such a shame that the long range (80 litre) fuel tank is so expensive. I've found it for sale in the UK, but it costs 10% of the price the entire Jimny retailed at!!! But one day maybe....
On the trip, we were two up. And reasonably loaded in the back, but no where near capacity. Although I did have my large Halfords 40ltr coolbox in the back too (handy having the 12v outlet in the boot). But it would have been nice to secure some items a bit better.
So I have since bought these:
Available on JimnyStyle or eBay. The ones from JimnyStyle come with stainless screws.
Very east to install, just pop out the plastic cap (under rear side windows) and screw in the rings.
You can fit as many or as little of them as you like (there are other accessories than can mount here too). I opted for a pair on either side, sensibly spaced. Which will allow for a bungie or similar to hold items in place in the future.
_______________________________
Browsing eBay I noticed a new style storage tray for the Jimny that I'd not seen before. So I ordered it up as it didn't cost much.
Arrived fairly quickly to.
It is designed to fit on top of the radio screen binnacle.
It only sticks in place with self adhesive tape, much like the tray above the speedo/tacho binnacles. But it seems it'll do the job and make a previously vacant space of some use. Where you could put your wallet, glasses, keys or in my case to put my handheld PMR446 radio whilst driving.
It's great that the aftermarket is catering for this shortsightedness from Suzuki. Its just a real shame Suzuki didn't think a bit harder about the interior when designing it.
Took the Jimny on a proper road trip. While I'd done a few longish motorway trips previously, this was the first trip away. Covid and other things had prevented me doing this earlier.
Went to North Wales & Anglesey for 5 nights. Did over 700 miles there and back, very mixed terrain. Some motorway on the way there and back. Also the A55 Express way, but lots of fast A roads and tiny country lanes.
The Jimny performed flawlessly really. It's sit at 70mph on cruise control on the motorway, although I typically ran nearer to 60-65mph.
Was very comfortable and extremely capable for everything we did.
The weather was pretty amazing for Wales. Very glad of the air conditioning.
On the Welsh hills it goes well enough, the 1.5 is very smooth and tractable. But it did perhaps lack a little grunt at times. On some of the very steep roads you'd be flat out in 2nd gear with it only able to hold revs rather than accelerate.
TBH - my only complaint was the range. MPG was fairly poor, running at motorway speeds (such as on the A55), basically anything over 3000-3500rpm in top, it seems to drink fuel. Running about it was better, but the Snowdonia mountains do make you use the revs. MPG varied between 31.6 and 36.2 to a tank. (Usage is key to mpg, on a trip locally the other day I got 39.2mpg, it really is the high speed that ruins mpg on these).
The real issue for me however is the tank range (compounded by the worlds worst fuel gauge/range meter), it just is too small for this kind of use. For example, the hotel was 267 miles from home.
But with 35 useable litres of fuel (7.69 gallons) at 34mpg is only 261 miles. And while you can always find a fuel station in Wales. It is amazing how far you need to drive sometimes, waiting until the fuel light comes on is probably unwise. Meaning you'd really need to be looking out for a petrol station from as little as 220 miles. On a 6 day trip it meant I had to visit the petrol station no less 4 times to ensure we didn't run out in the middle of nowhere.
It is such a shame that the long range (80 litre) fuel tank is so expensive. I've found it for sale in the UK, but it costs 10% of the price the entire Jimny retailed at!!! But one day maybe....
On the trip, we were two up. And reasonably loaded in the back, but no where near capacity. Although I did have my large Halfords 40ltr coolbox in the back too (handy having the 12v outlet in the boot). But it would have been nice to secure some items a bit better.
So I have since bought these:
Available on JimnyStyle or eBay. The ones from JimnyStyle come with stainless screws.
Very east to install, just pop out the plastic cap (under rear side windows) and screw in the rings.
You can fit as many or as little of them as you like (there are other accessories than can mount here too). I opted for a pair on either side, sensibly spaced. Which will allow for a bungie or similar to hold items in place in the future.
_______________________________
Browsing eBay I noticed a new style storage tray for the Jimny that I'd not seen before. So I ordered it up as it didn't cost much.
Arrived fairly quickly to.
It is designed to fit on top of the radio screen binnacle.
It only sticks in place with self adhesive tape, much like the tray above the speedo/tacho binnacles. But it seems it'll do the job and make a previously vacant space of some use. Where you could put your wallet, glasses, keys or in my case to put my handheld PMR446 radio whilst driving.
It's great that the aftermarket is catering for this shortsightedness from Suzuki. Its just a real shame Suzuki didn't think a bit harder about the interior when designing it.
A few things to update this time.
While it was a couple of weeks back, I attended the BigJimny South event. An awesome day out, although I've been suffering with a neck injury, so I was taking it easy and we didn't stay until the end.
I have off roaded the Jimny quite a bit, but it was nice to try it on some different terrain. Lots of grip at the site, but lots of course gravel and stones. What it really showed up is that while a stock Jimny can certainly get places, it definitely lacks ground clearance and to a lesser degree suspension flex.
Almost everywhere it was hitting its underside and trying to sit on its belly. I think it sounded worse than it actually was, as I recently fitted a large transmission skid plate, which does loose you a small bit of clearance. But I think made every impact on the gravely stones very audible indeed.
It was also great to see a lot of other Jimny's, including 4th Gens taking to trails.
Ultimately it has made me rethink what I'll be doing with the suspension. But that will be a post for another day!
Sadly turning to things that don't last.... the keyfob. In just over 2 years of use it has split and no now good at all.
I have leather fobs from cars dating back 20-30 years that haven't failed. A sad sign of the times maybe?
I couldn't find a replacement that I liked, so for now I've just bought some bits from Etsy and 'made' a keyring...
Winch power switch bought. Although I'm still a way off getting a winch, but at least I have this bit ready.
I have also added a couple of small LED spot lights. Very pleased with the final package.
That's probably it for now. I have got some Escape Gear seat covers inbound and a Bravo Snorkel, although I suspect the latter might be Christmas before it turns up as they are on backorder.
While it was a couple of weeks back, I attended the BigJimny South event. An awesome day out, although I've been suffering with a neck injury, so I was taking it easy and we didn't stay until the end.
I have off roaded the Jimny quite a bit, but it was nice to try it on some different terrain. Lots of grip at the site, but lots of course gravel and stones. What it really showed up is that while a stock Jimny can certainly get places, it definitely lacks ground clearance and to a lesser degree suspension flex.
Almost everywhere it was hitting its underside and trying to sit on its belly. I think it sounded worse than it actually was, as I recently fitted a large transmission skid plate, which does loose you a small bit of clearance. But I think made every impact on the gravely stones very audible indeed.
It was also great to see a lot of other Jimny's, including 4th Gens taking to trails.
Ultimately it has made me rethink what I'll be doing with the suspension. But that will be a post for another day!
Sadly turning to things that don't last.... the keyfob. In just over 2 years of use it has split and no now good at all.
I have leather fobs from cars dating back 20-30 years that haven't failed. A sad sign of the times maybe?
I couldn't find a replacement that I liked, so for now I've just bought some bits from Etsy and 'made' a keyring...
Winch power switch bought. Although I'm still a way off getting a winch, but at least I have this bit ready.
I have also added a couple of small LED spot lights. Very pleased with the final package.
That's probably it for now. I have got some Escape Gear seat covers inbound and a Bravo Snorkel, although I suspect the latter might be Christmas before it turns up as they are on backorder.
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