Suzuki Jimny 1.3...opinions? [Archive] - British Blades

Prophecy

22-04-07, 06:24 PM

I was just looking at a Suzuki Jimny 1.3, year 2003. 15,000 miles on the clock, and in excellent condition. Affordable monthly payments, and no final payment.

I just wanted to hear your opinions on this little motor? I'm not wanting it for 4 wheel driving before you ask - but I'm sure it would get used from time to time. Have looked up reviews online, and from what I have read, it's best point is that it's good value for money. Negative points being, it's not the most luxurious interior, 1300cc engine (although this is good for insurance), tiny boot space (although I think the back seats can come right out), and it's maybe not as tough as a Landrover. :rolleyes:

It's only 1300cc, which is cheap on insurance for a young male driver (myself), and is pretty good on fuel, as it's a city jeep.

So, thoughts please? Thanks guys. :)

easilyled

22-04-07, 06:41 PM

I think they're pretty cool. Capable off road. Some years ago the army used to open up the Bovington tank ranges one weekend a years for 4x4s to play on. I once watched landrover after landrover attempt to climb one hill and fail as they all fell into the same ruts the previous attempt had left. Finally a little SJ410 attempted it and with a different wheelbase bounced its way to the top. Very impressive.

BanjoBill

22-04-07, 06:49 PM

My wife had a Suzuki Vitarra a couple of years ago. (They are a beefed up Jimny).

It was a great motor - never skipped a beat at all in three years of ownership. Good for modest off-roading and with its softtop it was great in the summer.

The only 'negatives' were having to ignore the sniffy comments from the 'Anti' brigade, and the reputed low trade-in value (Though we did in fact get a very good deal when we did trade it in :))

Martyn

22-04-07, 07:06 PM

...and it's maybe not as tough as a Landrover. :rolleyes:

It's only 1300cc, which is cheap on insurance for a young male driver (myself), and is pretty good on fuel, as it's a city jeep.

For a city jeep, they are finding a lot of fans among the serious, competition off-roaders. They are not as tough or as powerful as a Land Rover, but they are not as heavy either. With a few modifications, they can be turned into quite a serious piece of kit.

http://www.rocky-road.com/media/flare1.JPG

http://www.rocky-road.com/media/muddy_zuk1.JPG

Kane

22-04-07, 07:20 PM

Will they get stung by the 4x4 road fund licence increase?

Barn Owl

22-04-07, 07:27 PM

Great wee fun motors,esp' if you're a single guy.
I had an SJ413 in the early nineties and managed to carry two kids in the back and some stuff in the small 'boot' space.
I remember reading a 4x4 mag' back then citing some courses using the Suzuki for customers as they out performed the big guns in a lot of the obstacles.
I've been toying with getting another myself.
I think you'd love it.
Tom.

Prophecy

22-04-07, 08:04 PM

Thanks guys. Are there any bad points to this little Jimny?

Martyn - I'm talking about a Suzuki Jimny here -not tractors! :D Amazing!!!

nick p

22-04-07, 08:51 PM

The Jimny is a big leap forward over the previous SJ model which I had for a coulple of years, being far more civilised
The main minus point for me with a Jimny is if it's driven on A roads or motorways you really have to thrash the engine to keep up with everyone else or settle into a calm I'll get there in the end mode. ;)
The ride is a bit pitchy but generally good fun. Go for it!:D
Nick

PS some parts (dealer only, can be expensive) but there are plenty of specalists and breakers

Pathfinder

22-04-07, 09:19 PM

Mrs Pathfinder has one and we both think it is great. Small, practical and good fun to drive - especially in the snow we had a month or so back :)

Phil

22-04-07, 09:41 PM

I've just sold mine after 4 years of trouble free motoring. High praise from a dyed in the wool Landy man. Terrific car off road but not so hot with the road bias tyres though.
A little cramped, and no covered luggage space are the only pitfalls for me. Very nice seats, great lights, lotsa toys on my JLX version (fogs, e/w, CD etc).
Between 30-35 mpg, on the 1328 version.
If you get one, I have a full manual on CDrom you can have. Drop me a PM and it's yours.

Prophecy

23-04-07, 01:14 AM

If you get one, I have a full manual on CDrom you can have. Drop me a PM and it's yours.

Thanks a lot Phil, I'd like that if I were to buy the car/jeep (?)

I think I'll try to go down there tomorrow and get a test drive. The main concern I have is that it definately seems to be made for rougher terrain - rather than road surfaces. I can honestly say that I would be on rough terrain once in a blue moon, and circumstances dictate that I'll be driving through country roads less from now on.

I actually didn't think opinions would be that positive - but I do highly regard your opinions...for some reason...:P

I'm not even sure what model it is as yet. I'm searching for reviews on all models, but I'll get the model number tomorrow or something so I can get a specific review.

Martyn

23-04-07, 02:15 AM

Thanks a lot Phil, I'd like that if I were to buy the car/jeep (?)

I think I'll try to go down there tomorrow and get a test drive. The main concern I have is that it definately seems to be made for rougher terrain - rather than road surfaces. I can honestly say that I would be on rough terrain once in a blue moon, and circumstances dictate that I'll be driving through country roads less from now on.

I actually didn't think opinions would be that positive - but I do highly regard your opinions...for some reason...:P

I'm not even sure what model it is as yet. I'm searching for reviews on all models, but I'll get the model number tomorrow or something so I can get a specific review.

Hmmm, I think pretty good little off-road toy that can be modded up, but not such a good town car. If what you need is a car, use your head to buy it with, if you want a toy, buy your hearts desire and live with the negatives. :)

Levi

23-04-07, 03:14 AM

My mum has one; I've not driven it (women only insurance :P), put from a passenger perspective:

Very cramped, cheap interior.
Virtually no boot space. When you open the rear door, your stuff will fall out, as you have to pile it up.

On the plus side, it's about 4 years old now and would be good as new with a good clean.

Prophecy

23-04-07, 12:14 PM

Went to see it again today - but still no test drive. My dad wants a go as well you see, so we'll go out later on it I think.

The interior is very basic. The bootspace I don't really see as a problem - the back seats come right out, or can just fold down (not flush with floor).

If I got the dealer to add some fog lights (maybe two?), and a tow bar, then I think I'd be persuaded...can't see that happening though.

Btw, it has strange looking wheels. I asked the guy if there was supposed to be alloys fitted, but he says they can't be, and that's the way they're supposed to look. http://www.verdictoncars.com/cars/300/suzuki/jimny.jpg I thought I'd seen Jimnys with alloy wheels before?

benp1

23-04-07, 12:23 PM

shoot me down now but.....

i think they're a bit girly and i defo couldn't have one

just my personal opinion though

Taff Ogri

23-04-07, 12:27 PM

Prophecy

23-04-07, 12:33 PM

shoot me down now but.....
i think they're a bit girly and i defo couldn't have one
just my personal opinion though

:twak

Obviously that photo was a bit girly for you. Here's another.

http://static.kolesa.ru/uploads/90_test_suzuki_d3s.jpg

Ok it may be just a shot of the wheel - but that part does look manly!! :D

benp1

23-04-07, 02:55 PM

yeah, but that's only cos you can't see it properly and it makes it look bigger :D

a mate had a daihatsu sportrak. i remember thinking why on earth has he bought this car but it was surprisingly alright. it was pretty damn slow but not too bad off road. i still wouldn't have bought it however.

i saw a Pajero at a campsite a little while ago, i actually liked it quite a lot. wouldn't have it but i did like it

Prophecy

23-04-07, 05:31 PM

It's mine! Just after paying deposit. There were loads of people around all day looking at it and two people really interested.

Test drive went well - it seems nice to drive - and I didn't go easy on her. It was pouring, roads were wet, and I didn't notice any problems whatsoever.

I was toying with the idea of getting the fog lights fitted now, and a tow bar for a future garden trailer purchase, but I didn't bother. I think I can get those done cheaper from another guy.

Can't wait to pick it up sometime mid-week! :D

Danzo

23-04-07, 05:51 PM

benp1

23-04-07, 06:05 PM

good stuff mate, its a nice feeling buying a car. hope you enjoy her

Prophecy

23-04-07, 11:42 PM

Congratulations!

I know very little about cars, I don't even drive, but you sound very happy and it's always good to share in someones happiness, especially when our members have contributed in some small way towards it.

:biggthump

Danzo

Exactly. And if everyone had have told me it was crap, and not worth it, then I would probably have...bought it anyway!!! :D

And it won't get stung by the new tax law. Apparently it's just big ass 4x4s like Porsche Cayennes etc. Not even the new Vitaras are affected.

Hepotec

24-04-07, 10:26 AM

My PA has one and she loves it. You can definitely get alloys for them. Only down side she has found is that they are heavy on fuel when thrashed. (And why would you want a towbar on a 1300?)

Martyn

24-04-07, 12:12 PM

And it won't get stung by the new tax law. Apparently it's just big ass 4x4s like Porsche Cayennes etc. Not even the new Vitaras are affected.

Mate, my Land Rover isnt affected.

The new tax laws only apply to vehicled registered after March 2006, and then your vehicle drops into one of the new bands based on CO2 emmisions. Even if your car has a big engine, if thast engine handles CO2 efficiently, it may fall into a lower tax band.

The new tax band system has got nothing to do with how many wheels are being driven by the engine. All vehicles are banded, a 2 wheel drive Porche is gonna get hit with the tax equally as any big 4x4.

Martyn

24-04-07, 12:14 PM

Oh, and congrats on your purchase. Now get your angle grinder out, trim those wheel arches and put some propper wheels on there. :D

imagedude

24-04-07, 12:22 PM

You'll need 2 Suzukis, one for each foot! Can you get them in size 9s?

eraaij

24-04-07, 02:08 PM

Congratulations!

When my Daihatsu Feroza breaks down (which probably won't happen), one of these little ones is on my list also. The Feroza has a tad more power with it's 1.6 engine, but is heavier built and more thirsty.

-Emile

razors

24-04-07, 04:22 PM

http://www.rocky-road.com/media/flare1.JPG

http://www.rocky-road.com/media/muddy_zuk1.JPG

dont look too girly to me!!

Phil

24-04-07, 05:39 PM

Hey, this is praise indeed for something that I thought would get slated. I'm a little concerned about Phil's comment "30 - 35mpg" :O I get that out of my Isuzu Trooper 3.1TD! and I was thinking about downsizing whilst maintaining the off-road capability, perhaps I need to find a diesel engined one.

ATB

Ogri the trog

Yep, I stand by that Ogri. That's what I got over a loooong time.
Cracking little car though.
Mine was finally sold with some regret if I'm honest.
I took it all over Scotland, Ireland and everywhere north of the Humber!

Prophecy

24-04-07, 06:20 PM

My PA has one and she loves it. You can definitely get alloys for them. Only down side she has found is that they are heavy on fuel when thrashed. (And why would you want a towbar on a 1300?)

Merely for a small trailer to carry lawn mower and strimmer about locally. Nothing too harsh. :)

Prophecy

24-04-07, 06:23 PM

Mate, my Land Rover isnt affected.

The new tax laws only apply to vehicled registered after March 2006, and then your vehicle drops into one of the new bands based on CO2 emmisions. Even if your car has a big engine, if thast engine handles CO2 efficiently, it may fall into a lower tax band.

The new tax band system has got nothing to do with how many wheels are being driven by the engine. All vehicles are banded, a 2 wheel drive Porche is gonna get hit with the tax equally as any big 4x4.

Thanks Martyn. I keep hearing it as the new 4x4 tax law, but maybe that's just cos it affects a lot of them.

Hepotec

24-04-07, 07:07 PM

Merely for a small trailer to carry lawn mower and strimmer about locally. Nothing too harsh. :)

Oh, I see. Sounds so sensible now it is explained.

Prophecy

29-04-07, 10:38 PM

Martyn

29-04-07, 10:56 PM

Loving this little jeep. I can honestly say I find it comfortable to drive on the road. I had her doing 90mph today and she's still in one piece. My old car was a 115,000 miles Clio though...

I'm wanting to add some spot lights, and fog lights. And I see some cool bull (push?) bars online too. Any ideas on where to buy thing like this in the real world?

Buy it on ebay and fit it yourself. But before you do, check out some of the offroad forums (difflock.com) for advice on what to get and spend some time checking what is available. Decide what you want to do in advance - do you want street bling, practical subtlety or offroad monster?

I have seen some truly awful mods done to very nice vehicles.

Prophecy

29-04-07, 11:42 PM

Will do, thanks Martyn. :)

Prophecy

09-05-07, 12:43 AM

I think these would look good on my Jimny...:D

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Suzuki-Vitara-JLX-Jimny-SJ410-Rude-Rhinos-Stickers_W0QQitemZ300107033087QQihZ020QQcategoryZ1 0426QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

outdoorcode

09-05-07, 04:33 AM