69 replies to this topic Post Order

[Weight Weenie]

I'm looking at maybe selling/trading in my Opel Corsa Utility for one of these at the end of the year.
Had a look at the new Chev Utility but I just can't get past the looks of it, just looks weird to me.
I've also considered some of the smaller cars like a Kia Picanto but with my lifestyle of cycling, fishing, hunting, running, camping etc. the Jimny just seems like a logical choice.

It's not too expensive, has good off-road capability and still seems like it would be a OK to park and drive in the city as it's not a huge car and shouldn't be as heavy on fuel. Spec isn't bad either.

As far as bike racks go though, the rear spare wheel is gonna be in the way of a towbar mounted rack unless I get an extension from Thule ? What would be my other options here, roof rack is the obvious one. I know one gets racks for the spare wheel by they are the hanging type which I detest. Maybe a rack strapped to the body over the spare, I know Thule makes a platform rack like that.

Anyway was wondering if there are any owners of Jimny's here and what they think of it or anyone else for that matter.
Any other options I should consider ?

Thanks,
WW.

[dracs]

can't comment on the suzuki, but re the spare being in the way, i have a thule euroway which fits just fine on a friend's Prada (complete with spare on the tailgate) so the extension may not actually be reqiuired...

[4M41_Jero]

I was in the same position a few years back. Was considering a Jimny to replace my trusty old Corsa Utility.

My cycling buddy had a Jimny at the time, and the best option for transporting bikes on a Jimny is to get a towbar extension(if necessary) and carry them on a ride-on type carrier. I have read on another forum about damaged door hinges on a Jimny after carrying bikes on a spare wheel mounted carrier.

I went for three test drives in the Jimny, and in the end I decided to draw some more savings and go for a 2nd hand Mitsubishi Pajero SWB 3.2DiD, and I am very happy. I use a 100mm towbar extension and carry my bikes on a ride-on type carrier(my sparewheel is also on the rear door).

I tested a spare wheel mounted carrier once, and I really was not pleased with the performance(Two full suspension bikes, with shocks in the way of the straps etc). This is just my experience, so if you maybe ride a hardtail such a rack might work for you, best is to go to a shop and try it out.

The Jimny is awesome, great quality, looks cool, but space is limited. If the limited space is not a problem for you, you will be very happy with the vehicle.

Also check out the suzuki section on www.4x4community.co.za to get some more info(reviews, mods, ideas etc) on the Jimny.

[DJR]

We've had the Jimnys predecessors in the family for about 20 years. They were super reliable and cheap to run vehicles. They are easy in the city and NOTHING can outrun it in the sand and the dunes. I carried a single bike on a spare-mounted rack and never had issues.

[danger dassie]

Had the Jimny's predecessor, the Samurai SJ. Was prob the best car I ever owned, if the Jimny is anything near it should be a great little car for you.
Space is definitely an issue, but then you might be ok with that if it's just you and a partner.
Thule also make a rack called the 'Spare Me' which fits to the spare wheel, had mine a while now.

[Sharkie 2]

Rather buy a 2nd hand bakkie or Pajero

[DJR]

Sharkie 2, on 07 February 2012 - 01:24 , said:

Rather buy a 2nd hand bakkie or Pajero

Pajero, out of warrenty? Running costs about 5 times ? that of the Jimny.

[Weight Weenie]

Thanks for the info chaps keep it coming !
Glad to hear good things about it.

I don't think space will be an issue, will mostly just be for 2 people so with bikes outside there should be enough packing space.
If 4 peeps need to go in there it will only be short distances in the city. Still studying this year so will mostly be city trips with the odd weekend excursion or holiday, so seems perfect to me.

I know the engine is small but it seems like it has a bit of torque, how does it do with a trailer ? Maybe a small boat but that's probly pushing it a bit ?

Also it's not a very long car, would it be ok with kayaks on the roof like those from Sportsmans warehouse/outdoor warehouse ?

[Weight Weenie]

Sharkie 2, on 07 February 2012 - 01:24 , said:

Rather buy a 2nd hand bakkie or Pajero

Have driven my dads double cab and it's great for cruising but for a city run around it's just too big and combersome for me, nevermind the running cost. Should get a better condition Jimny for the same money than a larger car I would think.

Why do you suggest the bakkie/Pajero ?

[Cejay]

We have a Jimny for the exact same purpose as you want it for,the spare wheel is not in the way of our Thule carry 3 bikes with ease (standing).
the 4x4 capability of "Mighty Mouse" (given by my wife) is exceptional,went up Sani Pass the other day,only at the last switchback did I have to engage 4x4.Space can be a problem but for 2 of us it is manageable.I had a Jeep Cherokee and thankfully got rid of it.


My choice would be a Jimny anyday

[Sharkie 2]

Weight Weenie, on 07 February 2012 - 01:33 , said:

Have driven my dads double cab and it's great for cruising but for a city run around it's just too big and combersome for me, nevermind the running cost. Should get a better condition Jimny for the same money than a larger car I would think.

Why do you suggest the bakkie/Pajero ?

Pajero's you car pick up now for the same price as new Jimny's if you are looking to purchase new and the Pajero is a die hard work horse has decent space and the fuel consumption will not break the bank if you going the diesel route

[4M41_Jero]

Jimny is the dream vehicle for a student!

[danger dassie]

Just be careful if looking a second hand diesel, do your homework otherwise those engines can work out costly.
If you can find someone willing to sell their old Samurai SJ, that'd be first prize!
Pajero wise I went for an iO, well priced and the engine is the petrol one of the Colt bakkies. Am over the moon with mine, good space, great offroader, perfect for daily use and the fuel economy is decent enough.
Only expense is the clutch kit stuffing out and gearbox needing a recon after a mate loaned it a bit in Dec.

[ramsew]

Cejay, on 07 February 2012 - 01:37 , said:

We have a Jimny for the exact same purpose as you want it for,the spare wheel is not in the way of our Thule carry 3 bikes with ease (standing).
the 4x4 capability of "Mighty Mouse" (given by my wife) is exceptional,went up Sani Pass the other day,only at the last switchback did I have to engage 4x4.Space can be a problem but for 2 of us it is manageable.I had a Jeep Cherokee and thankfully got rid of it.


My choice would be a Jimny anyday

+1 used one when I went to Jamaica on holiday - seriously bad roads there! very good engine and a very capable 4x4

[4M41_Jero]

DJR, on 07 February 2012 - 01:30 , said:

Pajero, out of warrenty? Running costs about 5 times ? that of the Jimny.

Me thinks you need to do some research before shooting from the hip.

I keep record of all vehicle related expenses as well as fuel consumption.

After two and a half years of driving a pajero SWB the maintenance is about 45% higher than my Previous vehicle: Corsa Utility 1.8i, and the fuel consumption is only 20% higher.

Total running cost is 60% more than Corsa utility.

Only high cost is tyres but I am on 85 000km on a set of BF Goodrich with about 10 000km tread left. On the Corsa I managed 50 000km on one set.

So the running cost will be more in the region of twice as high as a small vehicle.

[TNT1]

Stephan, on 07 February 2012 - 02:01 , said:

So the running cost will be more in the region of twice as high as a small vehicle.

Although not quite 5x more, twice as much is still a lot.

What I'd like to see is a comparison between the two cars in terms of environmental impact.

Although you lot of sand dune driving hunters are probably not too concerned about that.