Thinking of buying a Jimny (Southern England)

ive just bought one about a month ago mate, got a 53 plate with 50k for 3k locally. i wanted a solid colour but went to look at a red one and it was pink, which wouldnt bother me too much after a clean up but the rough finish on the bottom of the doors/arch's that the jimnys have looked so bad all faded etc so left it and ended up with a dark red over silver Mode with the half leather.

It wasnt my first colour choice but looks better now with some new rims and tyres. I went for 215/75 bf goodrich mud terrains and they seem great so id reccomend them, fitted to some modular low offset steelies as i too, wasnt keen on the 3 spokes lol!

mpg is poor, especially with larger tyres etc. Looking around 20-25!!

Earlier ones are belt driven but the years your looking for should have a cam chain so thats a bonus.Im sure i seen some later 02 models when i was looking that had the older engine in so do look at that! "i was told" that if theres a black plastic cam cover on the front of the engine its a cam belt, if its silver/metal larger cover then its chain, easy to tell between the two when you pop the bonnet, maybe someone can confirm this to be absolutely true?

My exhaust was shot when i got it so the garage fitted a full new one with CAT so maybe check that over at these sort of ages.

Check inside wheels for greasy leaks from the kingpin being shot, knockem down if so.

err apart from that and the above there fun little jeeps lol!

Thanks for the advice. Is the cam belt unreliable on Jimnys then? I would have thought a chain would rattle (memories of mini engine timing chain noise).

I'm sure someone else mentioned a chain in the transfer box or something. Is this only used in low range? or only in 4wd?

I like the lift kit you've added. Is that just longer springs?

Also, I've seen on the web that some Jimnys are 8v SOHC and some are 16v DOHC. Is it only the VVT engine which is 16v?

All rather confusing to the newbie.

I can't seem to find a definitive list of what was introduced when.

May just have to take a leap of faith with it and hope I don't end up with a troublesome one.

Scott

Remember - this website/forum is your friend!

See

www.bigjimny.com/index.php?view=article&...om_content&Itemid=63

Thanks. That is very helpful. I think I'll aim for 2004, M13 but not VVT.

I can't seem to see what is different spec-wise between JLX and O2. Aircon? Leather seats? (I don't need either of those)

Scott

I would go a little earlier and try to avoid ABS if you plan to offroad it - abs and slippery mud are not the best combination and it's a little more to worry about maintaining.

You can get a good Jimny with low miles and not too much rust for a lot less than £3k now!

You'll have money left over to start modding it then!

Kirkynut

Re the security issues with the soft I have a MDF parcel shelf with sides and a back panel that is a tight fit creating a secure compartment. Even if the rear seats are flipped forward it wont lift out unless the tailgate is open. I also dissconected the central locking on the tailgate so nobody can pull the pin on the driver door to unlock the back so it only opens with the key. The MDF shelf also allowed me to fit some decent sized speakers recessed in flush and tastefully covered in cammo material . So I have a better sounding stereo and security. Great for summer days out.

Rich