Buying Used: Suzuki Jimny (2018-2025)
Few vehicles get the tongues wagging like the Suzuki Jimny, and while not perfect, it excels at what it does – perfectly! We explore Suzuki’s characterful 4×4 as a used buy…
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The current-generation Suzuki Jimny is a fascinating automotive paradox. When the JB74 generation arrived in South Africa in 2018, it triggered a manic waitlist, transforming overnight from a niche rough-‘n-tough compact SUV into a boutique fashion statement. However, buying a Jimny based solely on its retro-chic styling is a mistake, because beneath the charming, boxy facade lies an uncompromising, old-school ladder-frame chassis with rigid live axles designed to conquer the toughest terrain. While the subsequent introduction of the much-anticipated five-door variant in 2023 addressed practicality shortfalls, the Jimny remains a highly specific tool.
- Also Read: Suzuki Jimny 1.5 GLX AllGrip Road Test
A rundown on the Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny’s exterior design is driven purely by function. The flat, clamshell bonnet aids off-road visibility, while the upright A-pillars and exposed drip rails scream classic utility. The 210 mm ground clearance, coupled with exceptional approach and departure angles, confirms its off-road pedigree. Inside, the cabin is unapologetically utilitarian. Exposed screw heads and scratch-resistant hard plastics dominate the space, and everything is designed to be easily wiped down after a dusty trail. Early entry-level, GL models were exceptionally spartan, but the GLX trim quickly became the default, featuring auto LED headlamps, cruise control, and a 7.0-inch (later upgraded to a 9.0-inch unit on the five-door) touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Image: CAR magazine
Space in the three-door is compromised. With the rear seats up, boot capacity is just 85 litres. The longer, five-door variant rectifies this, offering a more usable 211 litres and much-improved rear legroom for adult passengers.
Mechanically, all models rely on Suzuki’s robust K15B 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. It delivers a modest 75 kW at 6 000 r/min and 130 N.m of torque at 4 000 r/min. Power is sent to the wheels via the firm’s AllGrip Pro part-time four-wheel-drive system, which crucially includes a proper low-range transfer case. There’s a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. Due to the aerodynamics of a shoebox, performance is leisurely. The manual variant maxes out at roughly 150 km/h, while the automatic struggles past 140 km/h.
In our 2019 road test of the Jimny we noted:
“The Suzuki excels off-road. We put the Jimny through an obstacle course and thick sandy area at Honingklip 4×4 course close to Bot River in the Western Cape before making it scale a rocky incline. The little 4×4 has serious hardware, such as a ladder-frame chassis and a longitudinally mounted engine mated with a robust manual transmission. The low-range transfer case sends drive to all four wheels mounted on solid axles when 4H or 4L is selected via the stubby lever, which makes a welcome return. Impressive approach, departure and break-over angles, a result of the short wheelbase and truncated overhangs, allow the Jimny to scale most obstacles without brushing them with its chassis or bodywork.”
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What to look out for when buying a used Suzuki Jimny
- The “death wobble”: some Jimnys may develop a severe steering wheel shimmy between 70 and 90 km/h. While often cured by precise wheel balancing, it occasionally requires an upgraded aftermarket steering damper.
- Highway crosswind instability: weighing barely 1 100 kg and standing exceptionally tall, the Jimny is highly susceptible to crosswinds. Driving at the national limit on windy days requires constant micro-corrections and total driver focus.
- Thin paint and stone chips: the factory paint is notoriously thin and prone to chipping. Inspect carefully for any surface rust developing in these chipped areas.
- Wheel bearing ingress: because it is highly capable off-road, many used Jimnys have been submerged in muddy trails or water crossings. This can lead to premature failure of the wheel bearings and alternator brushes due to grit and water ingress.
- Auto gear hunting: the four-speed automatic transmission is outdated and lacks the ratios for relaxed highway cruising. It is prone to generating excessive engine noise.
- Suspension sag from aftermarket gear: Many owners overload their vehicles with heavy steel bumpers, roof racks, and rooftop tents. The stock suspension is soft and will sag under this extreme weight.
Image: CAR magazine
Which one to buy
The one to go for on the pre-owned market is the 1.5 GLX manual. The four-speed automatic transmission is simply too compromised for open-road use, and its lack of ratios blunts the already limited 75 kW output and noticeably increases fuel consumption. The five-speed manual, while requiring some driver effort, allows you to keep the small engine in its narrow powerband. Then, choosing between the three-door and five-door body styles depends entirely on your lifestyle. If it is a secondary vehicle purely for weekend off-roading, the shorter, three-door wheelbase makes it dynamically superior on technical trails. However, if the Jimny serves as your daily driver or you frequently carry more than one passenger, the five-door GLX manual is the only sensible choice.
The post Buying Used: Suzuki Jimny (2018-2025) appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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