[Mugwui]

I'm looking to buy a Jimny for my cousin's kid around the 1999-2000 model as she wants a small compact 4x4.
Can anyone tell me what to look for in these models, eg common faults, mechanical problems, electrical etc etc. Is this the right car for an adventureus 17 yr old Female?

[parfittron]

this isn't specifically the type of advice you may be looking for.. but shop around really well!

I originally planned on buying one similar, and ended up getting an 06 model with the newer (better) motor & vvt.. plus it had done under 50'000ks, and I got it for a price very close to others I had looked at much older that had racked up quite a large number of k's.

I guess the price curve drops until a point it sits relatively flat.. from the earlier model ones to the more recent used ones.

Also, my looking found that ALOT of them have been used as tow-cars for people doing bus/camper trips etc, so many have been getting the wear that would occur from one end of the drivetrain constantly being dragged along on a tow hitch, which wouldn't show on the odometer.. so I guess try and find out where its been in that regard.

Other than that, I have been stoked with it so far.. very comfortable, relatively efficient.

Good luck
Chris

[Rockhopper]

Look at it's service history. It's better to buy one with 120000km's on the clock thats been serviced regularly, than one with 60000km's that does'nt get serviced.

[Mugwui]

Thanks guys that's good to know. Did the ealier models
have engine problems? As it is mentioned that the later model
Has a much better one?

[Rockhopper]

I've heard the really early ones had some bottom end problems but I'm not entirely sure. I havn't heard anything negative about the later ones. Personally, if I was buying one, I'd be looking for a later model one, but having said that, if you plan on servicing and repairing it yourself and you only play around with cars on the weekend, then you may be better off sticking with the earlier model as it will be simpler to repair.