Newbie

The Jimny can be an incredible capable vehicle off road and as a Jimny owner I am biased towards towards them, however, I am not sure of what use they can be as a response 4x4 vehicle.

The reasons for me saying this are:

It is so light it can't move much by towing and by winching it will move rather then the object it is trying to move.

It is so small it can only carry a small amount of equipment.

It is so small it can not carry a casualty on a stretcher.

I think size is where the Green Oval People have us stumped. It's great getting to the people needing rescuing from floods, snow or whatever, but you've gotta be able to be of some use when there. A Jimny could only offer emergency first aid or convey emergency goods or equipment to people and could not take that much to them.

There is perhaps a place for a Jimny in such a service but it would have a limited role I think.

Perhaps I'm looking at things from an emergency services personnel point of view and too seriously, but it would not be my choice of vehicle for that purpose.

For someone wanting to take part in such a role without spending Landrover money - as lets face it they are too expensive for what they are compared to a Jimny - they offer a good choice, as long as their capabilities in the role are understood first.

This is my considered if somewhat boring point of view!!!

Kirkynut

Oh right, I see what you do, I was going by articles I have read in magazines about Response Groups.

A Jimny may well fit the bill then but will be a little cramped if you have to carry much kit. I think with a bit of thinking you could use the load area witht he rear seats down to maximise it but it takes a bit of headscratching.

I wouldn't go back to an SJ now, coil springs are great and seem luxurious compated to our old SJ.

The others you mention are not as capable off road due to the independant front suspension they have but do offer the greater space. I don't think they're as bad off road people say though, so perhaps a Grand Vit would be the way to go.

With respect to the age of the vehicle, I think I'd buy on condition rather than age. Reparing an older vehicle is alot cheaper and simpler than a newer one, if you can find one in the right condition to start with.

You do have alot to think about!!!

Kirkynut

I'd quite like a V8 Disco 1, Bobtailed on Megasquirt and LPG with internal LPG tanks, but they seem like a bit of hassle. Everyone I speak to that does proper off roading tells tales of snapped halfshafts and broken CV's and blown diffs, meaning you have to spend a fortune at Ashcroft Transmissions to make your vehicle less breakable.

This and the fact that the larger items on a Landrover such as engine and gearbox are so blooming big and heavy, meaning working on them is harder work steered me safely in the direction of the Jimny when our 410 starting showing signs of needing tlc.

Suzuki engines and gearboxes and trnsfer boxes are so light you can lift them into place on your own and my engine hoist will lift out of the lifted engine bay.

I'd still like a Disco though and perhaps when the pitter patter of tiny feet come along we may get one as an everyday car and use it for greenlaning.

If we were to stick with a Jimny and still go on Greenlaning holidays with kids in tow (not literally) I have thought about getting a trailer like Halfords sell to tow to the accomodation with the luggage in and then just stick the daily stuff and basic tools recovery stuff behind the rear seats in the shoebox sized boot.

Then it'll be decisions decisions for me but a little while before then, gotta get a house (with garage/workshop) first!!!

Kirkynut