Suzuki Jimny sz4 info

Hi all I'm looking at buying a Suzuki Jimny sz4 2013 just wanted to know is there any common faults with this year and model, like the vvt had with the gear box ect.
And does it have the same running gear as the older models, and what should I look out for when buying
Thanks

I have a 2013 and can't fault it, I've heard of there being a fault with the VVT gearbox but Ive never heard of someones VVT gearbox failing.
Has same running gear as previous VVT and DOHC models I think but someone will confirm that. Being so new there shouldn't be to much faults to look for but we don't have the rust issue in New Zealand as the UK has.
I prefer it over my old 1999 Jimny as it is more comfortable, gets up to and sits on 100kmph with ease yet still has the offroad capability as the older models.
Hope this helps

Nothing has been proved that the gearboxes are actually faulty.
It all started around 2007/8 with a production fault with the sealant inside the u/j being too soft or not applied correctly which allowed oil to find its way down the splines and on to the u/j.
A new seal wasn't the cure the main official cure being another prop with a better sealant and seal fitted anyway.
This prop wasn't physically different it just had a different sealant.
I think the oil loss contributed to some gearboxes failing in the longer term as some owners never noticed the leak until it was too late.
The gearbox only holds just over 1ltr of oil.

As has been said this only affected cars around that year so, even assuming you still have the same running gear, it should be fine as Suzuki have sorted it by now.


I had the problem at app 32000 mls and the gearbox is still working at 61000 mls.

As for buying one a 2013 car should be fine just look for the normal things you would with any used car eg damage,tyres and general wear and tear.
If it has heavy off road tyres instead of A/T fitted check it for off road damage.
The only "different" thing to check is that the 4wd works.
If you can find a gravel car park or somewhere similar check it out . You can check it goes in and out on tarmac but DO NOT drive it as it is not to be used on wet or dry tarmac only loose surfaces as you can cause damage.
It should be just about still in warranty?? (3 yrs) so if it is get it in to a Suzuki dealer for a service after you have checked for faults and any found should be done under warranty.
After that you can take it anywhere or service it yourself.

"If you can find a gravel car park or somewhere similar check it out . You can check it goes in and out on tarmac but DO NOT drive it as it is not to be used on wet or dry tarmac only loose surfaces as you can cause damage". - I'm a new Jimny & 4x4 owner, is this really the case with the 4x4? Not to be used on Tarmac? I was thinking if it gets particularly icy or snowy it could be used then?

Not to be used on dry or wet tarmac. If it is icy or snowy ok because the speed difference between each wheel due to the conditions would prevent windup. Hope this helps

Thanks Wombat, windup is exactly what?