[vanlinx]

Hi All,
I currently own a work ute (Isuzu Dmax) but I am starting a new job where no car is provided.

I am thinking of a Jimny because it will do the job of driving about a rugged construction site. Plus, it is very affordable. I also intend to do some beginner 4wd tracks or go into national park areas that normal hatches/sedans cant.

I am tossing between the JX, JLX and the Sierra. I read that the JX doesnt come with power steering? Whilst the Sierra has VVT. Does the VVT really make a big difference in terms of driving through mud? Current pricings I see on carsales are JX for 5k, JLX for 6k, Sierra for 12.5k.

Which model is best in your opinions?

Many Thanks,
Van

[pete_79]

Hi Van, you might cause some confusion referring to the Sierra part of the badge on the new Jimnys. After 1999 they are all Jimnys.

You're correct that the JX has no power steering. It also has no carpet and no central locking among the list of things that the JLX does have.

The 5-6k examples would be the average price for the older models.
For 12.5k it would have to be less then 4 years old, with low k's and/or have some decent mods on it.

If you have a look through this section and the nOOb threads you'll find some good info.

You might find it easier to search for Jimny specific info by using Google, the search function on here drops the word Jimny, making it kind of useless.

Copy this into google;
"Buying a Jimny site:www.auszookers.com"

The first 4 results should put you on the right track.

[watermouse]

The VVT gives a slightly broader torque range and improved fuel efficiency but doesn't really affect peak power much (or offroad ability)
The 2000JX will have the old G13BB motor. The 2001 will have the non-VVT M13a motor and the Jimny Sierra will have the newer M13A with VVT.

The non vvt M13 jimnys had stronger (from what I have read) manual gearboxes and these are sought after for M15/M16/M18 motor conversions. If you have that in mind I would choose a 2001-2005 (non vvt) manual jimny.

~2005 onwards had updated interior, a facelifted front bumper and the addition of VVT to the engine.

The M13a is a lot more refined than the G13bb it replaced.

Power steering is awesome.

If you aren't into modding the car to anything serious then the newest one with the lowest miles for the comparatively cheapest price will the one to buy.

If you want to go mudplugging get the oldest cheapest JX with vinyl floors and keep on top of the maintenance.

Good Luck!

[vanlinx]

thanks watermouse. I think I'll get the 2001 JLX. There's one on carsales for 6.5k with rego ending soon so I hope if I can get it for 5.5k I'll be happy. The wife has limited my expenditure to 6k for a stock jimny. Funny thing is she will allow me to get a modded on such as http://www.carsales.com.au/private/deta ... 400/?Cr=11 which is 12.5k.... I am no mechanic and therefore will not know if there are issues with buying modded vehicles.

Finally, will the JLX have power steering?

[Jezza86]

yes the jlx should