[zukenutter]

I was originally going to answer GV or one of those 2.0 Vitaras SWB like Fatzook's but after reading through the thread and all the pros and cons other people have mentioned I'm unsure what I'd suggest.

Jimny is great fun around town, easy to mod, can be parked just about anywhere. People are usually amazed at how much stuff can be packed into the back once the seat is removed. The engine, particularly the VVT is fun to drive although with tyres over 215/75R15 will become a fuel hungry slug. It can tow capably but you'll be working it.

I'm no Vitara or GV expert so just going on what I've seen and read are also easy to mod, particularly if you only want 40mm, are still fairly economical and you'll have a heap more comfort.

I love my Jimny but if I wasn't a mad fan of the 1.3 SWB and live axle ... who knows what I'd be driving! Like someone else has said, take them all for a spin first and decide from there. If you really like and want the Jimny you should buy it because they are a heap of fun to drive.

[Philbilly]

All good info- thanks heaps!

Yep, probably gunna jump in one at a car yard soon and go for a blat. The guys that kindy offered for a run are just too far away . But thanks anyway.

Had a look at a few of the build threads- very insperational! And spotted a few at Coffs Harbour today. One had a few mods, slightly bigger tyres and a lift of some sort. Looked good and very capable- with a degree of comfort.

So, with 215 / 75/ 15 tyres, is the fuel eccon goning to blow out much? I'd prefer bigger again (235 / 75), but if I ruin any fuel savings, there's no real point really.

Cheers,

Phil

[gman]

Philbilly wrote:

All good info- thanks heaps!

Yep, probably gunna jump in one at a car yard soon and go for a blat. The guys that kindy offered for a run are just too far away . But thanks anyway.

Had a look at a few of the build threads- very insperational! And spotted a few at Coffs Harbour today. One had a few mods, slightly bigger tyres and a lift of some sort. Looked good and very capable- with a degree of comfort.

So, with 215 / 75/ 15 tyres, is the fuel eccon goning to blow out much? I'd prefer bigger again (235 / 75), but if I ruin any fuel savings, there's no real point really.


Cheers,

Phil

running 215/75r15's will be a good compromise I'm running 235/75r15s the speedo has been corrected and I'll get between 10 and 11 ltrs per 100km's Tread pattern can effect fuel consumption to as the rolling resistance of the tyre can change for the worst with a tyre designed for other than the black stuff, I don't know alot about this.
I find tyre pressures can make a noticeable difference in fuel use too normally I like to run 20 to 25psi If I'm running 30 to 35psi I'd get an extra 50km's out of a tank but the ride is much harder.

what shits me is my hilux (09 D4D 4wd running 31x10.5's) will also get 10ltrs per 100km's but its no where the fun or character of driving the Jim Jim.