[crzie]

Hi all,

New to the forum and am on the hunt for a jimny, there’s a crap load of information on this site. I’ve found some interesting threads for noobs looking for a jimny below:

viewtopic.php?f=37&t=40167
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=53503
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=54705

My question though which I was unable to find, but which Jimny year model is the better buy?

It’ll mainly be a daily driver with very minimal technical/beach/rough road driving.

From my research (just the 98 to 2017 models)

98-99
-g13bb
-shaft select for Lo gear
-gutless on Highway
-good transfer case

2000 - 2005
-new motor, makes a bit more power
-new gearbox ain’t great, something about the transfer case

2005+
-slight facelift
-vvt

Keen to hear everyone’s thoughts especially from owners.

Also is there a reason why they’re so expensive now, especially the newer models? Is it worth buying a newer model?

Thanks everyone

[Sookie]

I have had g13bb one that i had no issues with and was a good thing. I then put a non vvt m13 motor and gear box noticed next to no power increase haha.
I now have 2006 model vvt push button transfer case and the biscuit box manual. I have done almost 20,000k in it lots off road and also my daily, same deal tho honestly no more power that i can notice ovet other motors. No issues with transfer case or gear box but saying that its always in the back of my mind and i dont drive it like a race car. I really enjoy the nicer or more updated interior tho part from that everything seems much the same to me

[Sookie]

M series motors easy upgradeable to m15a 16 18 ect g13bb motors can be hard to find and usually more expensive than m series motors

[Gwagensteve]

Buy the latest car in the best condition you can. For the use you're describing the push button transfer etc isn't a negative like it is for the owners wanting to do substantial modifications.

Yes, Jimnys are inexplicably overpriced on the used market. They always have been, it's not a result of the new model coming out.

[sideways]

Welcome to the forum!

98-2005 all have the same gearbox (and all other mechanicals), just a different bellhousing/casing for the different engines. Both have stick transfer and are pretty much the same car aside from the engine and the M model having airbags.

Personally I'd look for an M engined version. They're pretty well bullet proof, parts/second hand motors are cheap and it's easy/cheap to convert to a bigger engine. G13BBs are prone to headgasket issues, second hand motors are more expensive and good G16s are much harder to find if you want to upgrade. Fitting a G16 is also more complicated, it requires an adapter kit and welded oil pick up. I'd agree with sookie, the M13 isn't really any more powerful, they're quieter and smoother though.

2005 onwards VVT, changed gearbox and transfer. Aftermarket gears for the 2005+ model are cheaper/more readily available. Diffs are the same but now a slightly lower ratio in the manual. Updated interior, it looks more modern but there's no more fruit.

2009+ got ABS brakes which resulted in a much higher towing capacity if that's something you're into. Late models with the bonnet scoop are the same as 2009+ except for the front sheetmetal and a bluetooth headunit.

[ZUZUKI]

Hi Crzie,

Welcome first off.
secondly, I agree with all of the above - for what you say you are going to do with it, any version will be fine.
The later year you go, the nicer to drive on road they are & the chance of picking up a lower km looked after car increases.
there is no raised air intake snorkel specifically made for the 2012 on bonnet scoop versions (which you may never be interested in doing anyway), but a snorkel to fit the earlier shape can sort of be made to fit ok.

If the budget allows & you aren't put off be the waiting time - go for a new (current) shape JB74 - at least test drive one & compare to the earlier cars - quite the revelation & work impressively well off road as well.

Rgs, Michael

[crzie]

Appreciate everyone’s feedback! Will keep an eye out for something that I can afford with the m-series engine, the new jimny looks really nice but unfortunately it is out of budget

[BlueSuzy]

Find an M series one. Don't get an auto. yr2000+ for the m13a. 98-00 has the g13bb but as said before, now they are old and harder to replace when something goes crack.. The m series are dime a dozen as they are in many different Suzuki's, and the m16a is still in production in the FWD/AWD Vitara's.

[vet 180]

BlueSuzy wrote:

Find an M series one. Don't get an auto. yr2000+ for the m13a. 98-00 has the g13bb but as said before, now they are old and harder to replace when something goes crack.. The m series are dime a dozen as they are in many different Suzuki's, and the m16a is still in production in the FWD/AWD Vitara's.

I dissagree with this. My auto jimny got thrashed hard as in extreme 50 deg heat and it was very reliable. I ran 28.5 onch tires an even overheated the engine a dozen times or so (good thing about the jimny was just let it cool for about 20mins and off you go.) I blew 5 other engines and 2 gearboxes on various cars with less abuse. In fact between myself and a mate I would go out with a lot that number is closer to 10.

I would however if choosing an auto try and find one that is running stock tires

Sent from my SM-N960N using Tapatalk

[pete_79]

I agree with Steve.
Grab the best value latest model you can find.

But I seriously struggle with the prices those things are going for at the moment.
I bought my 2011/12 (very last of the pre facelift model) Jimny for $18,990.00 brand new.
Sold it 3 years later for $16,500.00 (at the time I actually thought I was asking too much for a basically immaculate Jimny with reduction gears, 2” lift, 215 muddies, towbar and rear storage/drawers).

Now I see the stock standard Jimnys from the same year (with shitload more Ks) selling for $20,000.00
And a brand new model with tyres and a bullbar is seriously not worth the $40,000.00 that people are selling them for.

Each to their own, but I can’t believe people are still buying any Jimnys at all these days.
I loved my Jimny and had a heap of fun with it, but non of them are worth $20k.

Hope you end up finding a reasonably priced one and get to enjoy using it.