Owning a Jimny - what's it like?

Owning a Jimny - what's it like?

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Discussion

Pommy

Original Poster:

14,252 posts

216 months

Wednesday 13th April 2022
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My wife is keen on getting a Jimny and we had a drive and it seems alright, really basic but I suppose thats the charm.

She does smaller.local trips so never going to really get above 60mph so speed higher up isn't an issue.

I'm in Australia so they're still for sale and it's $36k drive away and the cheapest one in WA is $40k used so value wise are good.

We have some awesome beaches to go drive on and am tempted to give it a go. Anyone take theirs off road if it's an auto?

papa3

1,414 posts

187 months

Wednesday 13th April 2022
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Had a 2006 manual whilst overseas and sold the new model in the UK

Both abysmal over 60 but not an issue here.

Great fun, v small in the back and mechanically bomb proof

Prone to underbody rusting and needs good tyre is off road.

Very capable 4x4 and so light it can cope with plenty that bigger machines won't.

UK pricing is mad just now, could run one for free for a year or 2.

MrVert

4,395 posts

239 months

Wednesday 13th April 2022
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Assuming one of the newer ones, really good write up in Readers Cars on here…

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Sensei Rob

312 posts

79 months

Wednesday 13th April 2022
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I have a 2016 model.

A very unique and lovable car. Fuel efficiency is ok, but not great. I typically get around 350km on a full tank (45l), but occasionally I’ve hit 400km.

Air conditioning on my car is rubbish. When the car is stationary, it seems to stop blowing cold air. It’s ok on the move, but it’s by far the worst aspect.

I once had a death wobble problem, but the dealer sorted that out.

All in all, it’s reliable, mechanically simple, fun and practical enough to have as a daily driver. It’s also extremely capable off-road. It does fine on roads as well. I regularly take it to the highway way it can sit at 140 km/h all day.

Hanslow

803 posts

245 months

Thursday 14th April 2022
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Love my 2019 model. Coming from the GT86 and MX-5 I had before, it's gutless, handles like a boat, has no aerodynamics but is great fun to drive. Yes I'm one of those that has bought it primarily as a road car with next to no off-roading but it's actually quite sensibly mannered on the road. It's much more compliant on the roads around our way which are riddled with potholes, so gone is the jarring bone shaking ride of previous cars replaced with one that doesn't care do much about bumps, but does jiggle about a bit. Driving position is good, first time for me in a raised up vehicle and I can see the benefit with having a much clearer view of the road and things approaching from the side.

Fuel economy isn't too bad, in the 30 something's I think but I don't really pay that much attention to it. As I'm sure you're aware, the boot with the rear seats up is next to non-existent but I can get three full bags for life wedged behind the rear seats which is enough for a weekly shop for the two of us in our household.

I was curious about the reviews that said the car was noisy to drive, if you drive anything vaguely interesting, it's not noisy. If you drive a wafty luxo-barge, it probably is.

Steering requires more input and has a bit of a dead spot in the middle, possibly for better off roading/crawling experiences.

I could have sold mine a few months back and made half the original purchase price in profit, colleague of mine did just that, I still have mine as I just enjoy the thing be that looking at it or driving it.

It'll do UK motorway speeds Ok at 70mph, but happier cruising at 60-65. Going past lorries, or them going past you, is a grip tightening experience, as is driving in high winds. Can't comment on the two things you were primarily interested in, off-road and auto box though, sorry!

If i'd change anything on it, I'd give it a slightly larger petrol tank, a full tank shows around 280 miles on the range indicator.

Try one, you might just love it.


Edited by Hanslow on Thursday 14th April 21:27

Pommy

Original Poster:

14,252 posts

216 months

Friday 15th April 2022
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Thanks for the replies.

It's interesting that it appears to be summarised as 'yeah it's a bit slow, small and basic but good fun and has a lot of soul'

Which is perfect smile

My wife wants something with a bit more personality and is fun than a normal hatch.

Were a few Ks from some amazing off-road beaches so might give them a go with it if/when we get one.

We drove it and it was a lot sparkier to say 50kmh than I expected but we didn't really get above that. Also it really was basic but that felt half the charm. Also no space at all, again not a deal breaker.

I'm going to ring a few dealers next week and see what the possible prices are.