Getting a Jimny - few questions!

Hello. I am going to buy a Jimny in the next few weeks and I have several I'm considering (max £4000 mark, ideally 2-3000). I am pretty handy and keen to do some jobs myself, so I have a few related questions I want to ask people who know about these cars before I buy and get stuck in:

1. Are there any IMPORTANT differences between the pre and post 2005 models (with the different dashes) in terms of performance, handling, running, reliability etc? I like both designs for different reasons, but leather seats look a bit bad - are they?

2. From what I have gathered rust is virtually not an issue with these cars due to the galvanised steel body, is this correct? Do any common issues tend to surface after x amount of miles?

3. If I got a 2005 or later model, I would want to replace the CD/radio with either the touch screen one the brand new ones come with (that would fit right?) OR replace it with a (presumably much cheaper) classic thinner one with a usb for music. Would the latter be possible without leaving a gaping hole in the dash?

4. Perhaps most importantly, what common 'issues' or problem areas should I probe for and ask about when buying? I don't want to miss something big on an otherwise pristine looking car!

Thanks a lot in advance and can't wait to join the Jimny family

Rust is one of the main things to look for. Behind headlights, Rear of the sills and boot floor.

Common problems. Wheel bearings and king pin bearings.

As for the other questions i can't help.

Have a look at the guide I recently wrote for people just like you!

www.bigjimny.com/index.php/forum?view=topic&catid=6&id=58109

Kirkynut

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationThanks kirkynut! I read it.

I suppose it might be better buying an old one (early 2000s) since any issues like the king pins are likely to have caused their problems and been replaced...? I have found this one near me from 2002:

www.autotechkentcarsales.co.uk/used-car-...entityform-edit-form

Being 2002, I understand this will have a twin cam with a timing chain rather than a single cam and belt, so will last longer but entail more effort in replacing the oil regularly and run the risk that the wrong grade oil was used at some point in its life. Is a belt not easier because it's quieter and would cause less damage if it failed? Also, is a single cam not more economical in terms of fuel consumption? I'm only curious

So this black 2002 specimen I have found, as long as it's not got horrid rust then it's probably a good deal?

Am correct in thinking that up to 2005 all Jimnys had easy and cheap to replace transfer boxes and that therefore this 2002 model one I have found is in that category?

You said your preference would be for post 2001 twin cam models with the reliable easy to fix gearboxes and that they are in the lower tax bracket. But I have only ever found post 2005 models in the lower tax bracket..?

I've found this 2006 model with double the mileage but probably half as many issues and only £800 more:


But because it doesn't say VVT above the indicator I assume it has the regular gearbox that was on earlier models? Is this a better option than the 2002 one do you think?

Cheers!

be prepared to travel for the right one

this looks to good to be true ... but maybe worth checking out

£2,750 Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX+ 3dr 60,000 miles 2007