First things to do to the new Jimny...

Hello!
In need of a new car that my half mile bumpy lane won't eat the suspension of, I got given an automatic Jimny a couple of weeks ago. The auto was composed mostly of rust and turned out to have a cracked head and it's been passed on. But I liked the simplicity and character of the car so much I went out and bought an '03, 60k, well looked-after manual.

What I'd really appreciate is some pointers/opinion on what I should do to the Jimny first. No fancy mods as such, just sensible stuff to look after it and make it better without breaking the bank. I'm planning on a clean and waxoil of the underside. Also was considering spacers but I assumed they'd improve handling and read the contrary somewhere... Better tyres? Which are good? All info appreciated!

MarkH wrote: Hello!What I'd really appreciate is some pointers/opinion on what I should do to the Jimny first.

I'd just drive it and enjoy the smile my face. You'll soon get to discover what it needs. Personally I always seem to go for the wheels and tyres and seat adjusters for more leg room from the get go.

If it were me, I'd change diff, transfer box and gearbox oils. Unless its also had a very recent service (proven), I'd also drop the engine oil, change the oil filter and air filter. Spark plugs and HT leads too.
Check the known rust areas. The panel around the headlights, jack well in the boot and the whole of the boot floor.
Under the car, have a good look round for any obvious leaks. Check CV and propshaft gaitors for splits, tears, or any gaiters that have come off their fixing point.

Have a good think about what you want the Jimny for before you start modifying anything on it. Even small things like fitting all terrain tyres have an impact on handling and fuel economy.

If it does what you need then best leave it how it is! All modifications are a compromise one way or another.

If you are just pottering up and down a rough but passable track and then on tarmac the only thing of any value worth doing to a Jimny would be a set of good quality 205.70r15 tyres in a road pattern. Worn, old or cheap tyres are something of a false economy, tyres are the only thing that touch the road and keep you out of trouble. In my opinion. After that as has been mentioned above maintenance is the next best thing to spend more money on.

Thanks!
I'll change all the oils, that makes sense. And do a top to bottom corrosion check and treat. The tyres are good so I'll leave that for now. There's a wobble at about 45mph that reading here tells me it's likely the kingpin bearing - looks an easy fix.