Jimny in autotrader

Hello all. Just spotted a W reg 2000 green jimny on autotrader website with 120000 miles for £595 in good working condition ( acording to advert ) the trader is saying that it is part exchange to clear. I'm tempted to have a look at it although it is a good distance from were i live. i know the milage is on the high side but it seems to be too cheap. Should i stear clear of it because of the high milage or is it worth a look?

Hi, it probably comes down to what you want to do with it. Thats quite a cheap price from a trader so I would hazard a guess that there is some reason why he cannot resell it (usually simply because it does not fit his forecourt policy - perhaps he deals with "prestige" cars) or pass it on to trade (this is more concerning as most dealers have a way of moving on cars that do not fit their own policy).

If you are going to use it as an off-road fun vehicle then certainly go and have a look as it is going to be worked on anyway.

If you are going to use it as a daily drive then be more wary. At 120,000 miles in a small car there is likely to be a lot of bits worn out, perhaps thats why it is cheap, most cars with an MOT command around £500 regardless of condition.

Take it for a drive and be harsh with it. Accelerate smoothly and aggressively between 30 and 50 mph and then brake both smoothly and aggressively, make sure you are happy that it steers ok and brakes ok. Any problems in this area are fixable but are not something for those people who want to just get in and drive. From a standing start "accidently" let your foot slip off the clutch whilst pulling away quite aggressively, any loud "BRRRRT!" noises from the transmission shows that the Transfer Box chain is shot.

With the engine is all about unusual noises and blue or white smoke from the exhaust. Head Gaskets are a favourite, make sure if you test drive it that you get it up to temperature to see if it overheats.

Gary (funkyjimny) on this site seems to be the expert at picking up cheap but good Jimny's, perhaps he can add more.

I would suggest that if your prepared to work on it then that looks to be a reasonable bet, if you just want to get in and drive you may be disappointed in how much work it might need in the first few months.

Martin

almost worth buying - pulling apart and selling parts on eBay ... If i had the room/space - thats what i would do!!

Heck, just think how much these are:

* speed-sensor
* Lambda sensors
* Doors, Bumpers, Bonets
* Wheels, Tyres, Calipers, Axles,
* Seats (front and rear)
* Props ...

Get the drift?

I'd guess its a soft top, hard tops are very rare at less than a grand, normally at this price the engines rattling or the engine light is on, generally meaning the car needs a replacement engine - and they are high in demand fetching 3-400 for an early engine, later engines are more plentiful and less likely to break and therefore go cheaper, but not an easy job to swap over to the newer engine, i wouldnt even consider it.
If the engine is dead I'd still look for another problem, usually something else wrong, so broken soft top, clutch, damaged bodywork ?
If your into engine conversions then it would probably make a good donor for a diesel conversion.
As Maverick says it'd probably break well. Axles worth £100 each, gearbox £75, Transfer box £40, bonnet £50 front bumper £75 wings £25 each, seats are probably well worn and worth nothing, the foam wears thin and the steel is exposed - happened on 3 of mine. but litte bits like sensors go for big money, some for as much as £40-50 rear end panels arnt worth much though.

Gary

Ive just seen it on Autotrader, I'd buy it myself, depends how good you are with spanners, the alloys are worth £150 too, more if the tyres are good.

Gary

Just seen it as well and its only 14 miles away from me, and its a hardtop.

Looks worth a punt to me

(if only I had the space!)

Martin