Suzuki Jimny (1998-2020) Questions & Answers (page 2 of 3)

I just carry 2x20l jerry cans in the back which effectively doubles fuel capacity. Good for a total of about 1000km when cruising. The increase in fuel consumption carrying the extra fuel is negligible or so minimal I am unable to measure a difference filling at the pump. I'd imagine if you installed a larger tank and provided it does not interfere with the vehicles aerodynamics you'd come to the same findings.

In our Suzuki Jimny 1.3 JLX (year 2000), the seating is not hard, it is comfy enough. We drove 1900km inside the Arctic Circle during one week this summer and there were no ergonomic issues like back pain or anything (we did take breaks of course). Regarding roads, the Jimny is fine on secondary and dirt roads where speeds are 80 km/h or less. In my opinion, and this is just my Jimny driving opinion, the Jimny is at home on secondary roads and dirt roads, but not as at home on motorways (120 km/h) because the revs are somewhat higher at speeds above 90 km/h (even in 5th gear) than for normal cars, so there is more engine noise. The wheelbase is quite short and the wheels are rather big and chunky, so the Jimny is a bit bouncy and therefore requires constant steering attention at speeds above 80 km/h. However, the important thing to say now is that this is a feature (not a problem) of the Jimny design and handling, much like it is a feature of a short wheelbase Land Rover Defender in terms of design and handling (i.e. bouncy and requiring constant steering attention). The design and intended use of a Suzuki Jimny is for small roads and dirt tracks, not as much for motorways, but there is nothing preventing you from driving a Jimny on motorways if you are ready for constant steering handling and a high-pitched engine sound beyond 100 km/h. My overall judgement: the Suzuki Jimny is a very capable adventure and expedition 4x4 (albeit very limited luggage space), good seats, excellent material and build quality, great chunky wheels and a tough suspension, fun to drive, and it turns heads because there are relatively few of them (I wave at other Jimny drivers!). In my opinion it's akin to a Japanese version of short wheelbase Land Rover Defender.

Stop thinking go and buy one. I did 3years ago since then i have driven around australia 90000ks so far not one problem.i sat on 130kph in the northern territory the speed limit, i also drove on lots of dirt roads rough roads drove great. Never once had a sore back seats are very comfortable.

Love mine. The ride is 1000 times better than my old leaf spring Sierra. Noise much reduced too, you can actually listen to music and have a normal conversation too. Evolved beast.

No, it's only a two seater. Total width is around 980mm

Digger is right. Only 2 people in the back and it might get a bit cramped with 2 large adults. Fine for 2 children or smaller adults under 6ft. The Jimny isn't for a family of 5.

Join suzuki owners of Australia page on Facebook and ask this crowd, they know so much about Jimnys that im positive they'll have great feedback.

That would be the B series engine, so i think it has a timing belt. The later M series moved to a chain for reliability

Yes you can and in fact by road safety law you MUST fit a baby module in a rear-facing position on the back seat (never in the front). Being a three-door vehicle, placing, accessing and removing a baby module is perhaps not as convenient as with a four- or five-door car, but nor is it impossible since Suzuki Jimny front doors are long and the front seats slide far forward on the press of the lever, so then there's in fact ample room to step up and deal with a baby module (you'll just find yourself crouching a bit to do so, but that's never been any problem at all in my experience, just a very slight inconvenience). This is what http://www.bubs.com.au/News/CarSeatLaws-348/ says: "A child should be secured in a rearward facing child restraint up until six months of age. The department recommends infants remain in a rearward facing infant restraint as long as possible. The restraints must be anchored to the vehicle at two points — at the anchor bolt/tether strap and with the seatbelt."

You may find the reason for the low weight limit in the following pointer where someone wrote "The ends of the rails are plastic...The two ends of the roof rails (steel pipes) plug into the plastic "heads" of the roof rails, which are bolted to the roof screws...There is an option to buy the rails and rail ends both made from stainless steel". So if you go ahead and buy a Jimny, I;d strongly recommend you to get the ALL-STEEL ROOF RAILS factory-installed for safety. (Ref: http://www.bigjimny.com/index.php/forum/6-jimny-chat/47834-reason-for-low-roof-rack-limit)

As far as I know they suspension has never changed since 1998. 4" lift is "one helluva lift !!!!" in these little buggers, I think you'd be up for a lot more than just springs & shocks !.

not sure what you are asking ?

Sorry, I don't understand the question !!!!.

There are a lot of reasons why the JIMNY is such a great vehicle:-
1). They haven't really changed since their introduction in 1998, so it doesn't matter what year model you buy, the seats fold down very easily giving you more room for luggage. You can easily remove the seats as I have done, to make more room for all my camping gear, including a 35 litre Waeco fridge.
2). Jimny' are cheap to run
3). I put new springs and shockies under mine and raised it 50mm. This gives it better clearance and a better ride
4). The little buggers go anywhere
5). They are fun to drive & easy to park
6). They are bulletproof & reliable
Be aware that there is one downside.....they do lack power. Mine knocks out 59 kW....later models make 62 kw, hardly noticeable. For that reason I'm thinking of selling mine as we are crossing the simpson mid year and I'm a little worried about the big sand dunes, it may not have the torque to handle the big ones with ease.....hope this helps.

Thanks Digger,

yes i think I'm sold i will be getting one if they right my corolla off.
thanks for all your tips and info i ended up comparing my 2002 corolla and different jimny's on redbook and i did notice that my corolla has more power at 100Kw and 170Nm torque. have always thought i need a 6th gear she's a rally car for sure don't want to loose her but if i do i hope a jimny will fill her place nicely! not entirely sure ill be doing much 4x4ing just need it as my family lives in the country and gravel roads are no match for my poor corolla i take her everywhere hahaha

Simpson desert is a piece of cake for a Jimny. If the Jimny struggles it'd be a nightmare for larger 4x4's. The Jimny weighs only 1 tonne and requires far less power to stay on top of the sand than a midsize and full size 4x4. This is why on the fraser Island trip I was driving my Jimny in 2wd in areas 4x4's were struggling. I've done the simpson crossing solo on a DR650 and from what I've experienced it's a pretty easy ride for the little suzuki.

I'd check the O2 sensor too. With any vehicle they clog up, it can be cleaned but if it's done a few k's it probably needs replacing.
All of these sensors upset the fuel-air mixture via the computer if there're not right. A good mechanic with the right gear should tell you which one is failing. You can pick sensors on eBay at the right price.

ring a genuine Suzuki dealer and speak to the service manager they are ok offering phone advice

Could be a few things
Start simple cheap and then work up
e.g. you can clean the EGR valve with some carby cleaner
Try this site, they know Jims
http://www.bigjimny.com/index.php/forum/index?view=category&layout=list

Legally free i'm not sure about. Have a look at the forum on http://www.bigjimny.com, it may help with problems and maintenance

I had a sierra for 15 years with manual hubs, and manual transfer case without any problems. I’ve found on some forums people having issues with the piping and connectors leaking after a few years on the “fancey” setups (like mine), but not in large numbers. The fix is apparently simple and inexpensive, like all things Jimny.

If you get an older jimny, and it has problems with the system apparently you can change it to fully manual.

any 20w / 50 oil is fine..
I use a more upmarket oil as they tend to last better..
Good luck.. they are a GREAT little worker !

I have had several of these over the years/..
You will have NO PROBLEM!!

they are fantastic.

Pl,ease don t hesitate to call me on o411 420 888 for any other questions!

Cheers
Bob

I have just purchased 2014 Jimny for tow behind Winnebago - was looking at flat tow and can be done but requires a mod to tail shaft (similar to dog clutch) or remove tail shaft. Failure to do this will be fatal to the transmission!! Another way is to tow backwards on a dolly set up as per the Suzuki manual. Caution - one system has a turntable arrangement and allows a little movement to stop tyres following from scrub - but I believe road rules may restrict speed limit if using - the fixed dolly is better and wheels will follow when towed backwards so I'm told. I have eventually decided to go with a car trailer and have no wear problems on the Jimny. Lt car trailer (Tilta Trailer $4.100) is cheaper than the flat tow arrangement! ($5.200)

I don't think you will notice too much difference actually..it would increase your fuel consumption a bit and be a bit harder to handle and a bit more noisy on the highway. I have tried both stock and mud wheels on my jimny and it doesn't make a whole lot of difference on road in my opinion.

I find it is affected by wind no more than other wagons. It is a small car, therefore smaller surface area to be affected by the wind. I imagine it would be worse if you were towing something with large surface area or have piled things high on you roof.

As for cornering, I don't think you have much of an issue with flipping it unless, again, you have packed a lot of weight on your roof. The car is normally fairly light up top.

Rufusm is right .. they are great out on country roads.. and wind doesn't affect them any differently to any other vehicle.. I have never had any issues and cornering is like any other car !
Remember to keep loads INSIDE and preferably Not on the Roof!

Good luck and you will have heaps of fun!

They're not as tall they look so I find them pretty good in a 4x4 like any normal wagon as refusm said. DEFINITELY do not put stuff on the roof though, have made that mistake. It becomes very sketchy with stuff on the roof.

Great little cars though. LOVE my jimny

Hi Barrie..
I think you might be in for a dissapointment.. Apparently, there is some new design rule that makes the Jimny no longer able to be sold as a new car in Australia .. Damned shame !!
If you have a 2006 model, NEVER let it Go !!!
Hope this helps
Cheers
Bob

When is that supposed to apply. Plenty on market here in WA
Cheers
Barrie

It shines in the rougher stuff, but is a great little city runnabout as well.
Never regret mine !

Answers to questions 1) there are natural limitations to all 4WD's - my mates Navara Diesel D22 couldnt make it up a dirt hill that I could make it up - nor could I go up a grassed hill that he could. There are limitations and assumptions that you should look at in doing all that comes down to driver skill / tyres and perception - Manual gearboxes are just better in the Jimny no questions asked!!! 2) Manual gearbox for control - there is no great engine braking as its a 1.3 - however the gears are pretty good as factory to help! You will regret buying a Auto - everyone does!!! 3) Get the rear three windows tinted in Limousine black - the Jimny is classed as a Wagon and can have blacked out windows or even solid colour without worry from the police. I have 15% and can hardly see through them and all goods in the back are pretty well hidden - on trips away I use a large black bath towel that covers everything. So far so good!!! Hope it helps Alice!

I agree with Slazmo's response except for the comments about the Auto.. Mine is Auto and its never been a problem..

Thank you Slazmo for your very helpful reply. And GB as well.