Jimny Time!

[zook123]

Right then guys, got £2000 to buy myself a Jimny, any things that I should know before I start the hunt.

I know about the Rot - Under the rear seats + tool pan, Sills/Wheel Arches/ Mounts and the front clip.
Transfer Chain can become slack - Accidentally drop the clutch and see if it makes noise.
4WD system is a vacuum system, so check the 4WD lights up and doesn't flash

I've also been told to stick it into 4WD low, and drive up to 15mph and see if it whines much.

Help!

[RickUK]

Always fancied a Jimny,when my old Vitara eventually goes to the great grave yard in the sky i may treat myself to one,just seem to tick all the boxes that i want from a 4x4 without all the high running costs.

Keep us updated on how you get on.

[ScottieJ]

Personally i'd rather have an SJ

whatever you do....do not drive in 4wd on tarmac at any speed

[zook123]

I'd prefer a SJ, but I need something that the other half can drive to work in Bath when the weather is bad!

Scott, not even just to see if it whines?

Anything else you can suggest to keep an eye out for?

[Anton]

Find a grass verge and get up to 15mph in 4wd there if you have to, but don't go 4wd on tarmac. "You broke it, you bought it" - you may end up having to pay for a vehicle you don't want (or for a new transfer box for a vehicle you'll never own).

Stick a screwdriver into the chassis. SJ chassis rarely rot out, but unfortunately Jimny ones are legendary for rotting out from the body down.

I've never owned one, but when I looked into buying one, that's one of the things that my research turned up. That and their axle cases aren't as strong as SJ ones. I believe they rust around the join between the diff pumpkin and the axle tube - the welds don't hold and then the whole axle falls apart.

So check for signs of rust on the axles, especially at these joints. 99% of Jimny's are fine, so if you buy one just make sure that seam is good, maybe paint it over to make sure it doesn't rust out, make sure your axle casing has no water in it, and you should be fine.

[zook123]

Cheers Anton, that's some good advice. Really got some bits to go over now! Will probs stick a stubby screwdriver in my pocket when I go and see one!

[Anton]

All the best, hope you find one that suits ya!

[dan_2k_uk]

Yes Dean!!!!! How many years has it been?

Get one with a decent service history where you can see it should have had the correct oil in the gearbox. It seems to be quite common for people to use GL-5 in the gearbox instead of the specified GL-4. This destroys the syncros as GL-5 isn't safe for yellow metals.

I personally wouldn't have a soft top Jimny. The roofs all seem to end up a bad fit and look bad.

Check for steering wobble between 35-50 mph. This is normally a sign of worn wheel/kingpin bearings but can also be other serviceable items on the front axle and can sometimes be a bit of a pain to track down.

Check where you said for rust.

Drive it in a tight circle in 4wd and check for any clicking from the front CV joints. Not such an issue if its standard but ones that have been used and abused can have worn CVs.

Think that does it.

[zook123]

Finally got one! Will post up some decent pics tomorrow! !

[Tramp]

Looking forward to the pics!