The Mega Car Review Podcast
Choosing a car? We review all the top selling (and the not so top selling) cars, from the popular to the supercar and also discuss how much they cost and all the facts you need to know about comparable cars, running costs, insurance and much more.
Your hosts, Marv and Claudia will talk you through the types of each make and model, discuss the best features, engine types, running costs and highlight the nest and worst of each.
At the end of each episode they will also identify comparable cars and discuss how many are for sale and the prices you are likely to pay.
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The Mega Car Review Podcast
Buying the Suzuki Jimny: A Budget-Friendly Off-Road Adventurer
Ready to embrace the rugged charm of the Suzuki Jimny and explore whether it's the right vehicle for you? Discover the secrets behind why this compact 4x4 is often likened to a mini Mercedes G-Class and why its devoted fan base swears by its off-road capabilities. We promise you'll gain insights into the Jimny's practicality and unique specifications, such as its ladder frame chassis and low range transfer case, which make it one of the most budget-friendly adventurers on the market. Whether you're considering it for daily commutes or thrilling weekend escapades, we've got you covered with all the essentials.
Let's navigate the terrain of buying a Jimny, especially if a used model has piqued your interest. Uncover the critical issues to watch out for, like rust and interior wear in older models, and how a thorough pre-purchase inspection can save you from costly surprises. We'll weigh the Jimny against its competitors, from the Land Rover Defender 90 to the Jeep Renegade, highlighting where it shines and where it may fall short. Plus, get the lowdown on insurance factors, maintenance costs, and why taking the Jimny for a test drive could be the decision maker. Tune in to arm yourself with the knowledge needed to make an informed purchase and ensure you choose a Jimny that's perfect for your lifestyle.
Welcome to the Mega Car Review Podcast from Confounderit, your go-to show for everything cars, whether you're a gearhead or just shopping for your next set of wheels. Every week, your hosts, marv and Claudia, dive into the latest automotive trends, give hands-on reviews and share the insights you need to make the smart decisions in the world of cars From the hottest models to market secrets. Marv and Claudia have you covered. Get ready for expert opinions, lively debates and all the details you won't hear anywhere else. Now let's join Marv and Claudia for another episode of the Mega Car Review Podcast, for another episode of the Mega Car Review.
Speaker 2:Podcast. So you're thinking about a Suzuki Jimny? Huh, Interesting choice.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 2:This little 4x4 has a pretty dedicated fan base and I know you've been doing some research.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 2:I am In fact. I think you sent me an article from Top Gear that called it instantly desirable.
Speaker 3:Yeah, they did.
Speaker 2:They even compared it to like a Fiat 500 that can climb a mountain. So we're going to take a deep dive today and figure out if this little off-road icon is the right choice for you.
Speaker 3:You know it's interesting. You mentioned the whole cult following thing.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:Because Jimneys have been around for over 20 years.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:The people who love them really love them. Some people even sell their sports cars to buy a Jimny. So what is it about this car that inspires that kind of devotion?
Speaker 2:Well, it's got that boxy kind of retro look right Like a mini Mercedes G-Class, but the Top Gear article that you sent me also highlighted its off-road capabilities, and they talked about the ladder frame chassis, which I know is strong. What does that actually mean for someone off-roading?
Speaker 3:so that ladder frame chassis means that the chimney can handle really rough terrain okay it can twist and flex without breaking. And then on top of that you've got rigid axles and four-wheel drive with the low range transfer case okay, hold on low range transfer case.
Speaker 2:what is that? Hold on Low range transfer case. What is that?
Speaker 3:So imagine you're crawling over rocks. Right, we're trying to go up a really steep hill.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:You need a lot of torque at low speed.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 3:The low range transfer case basically gives you a super low gear.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:Which gives you incredible control in those situations.
Speaker 2:So it's designed for some pretty serious off-roading. But what off-roading? But what about just like everyday driving? I know the Top Gear article also mentioned the engine 1.5 liter petrol, no turbo, no hybrid. Is that enough to get around?
Speaker 3:It's not going to win any drag races, but it's perfectly adequate for what it's designed for, which is efficiency and reliability. You know it's a tool for a specific job. It comes standard with a manual gearbox, which gives you more of a connected driving experience, but you can get a four-speed automatic if you want.
Speaker 2:Okay. So speaking of practicality, let's talk about the interior Wipe down surfaces, steel wheels. It doesn't exactly scream luxury, does it?
Speaker 3:No, not at all. It's Spartan, but that's part of its charm. It's designed for people who need function over frills. So imagine you're a rock climber and you need to haul your gear up a muddy mountain. You don't want some plush interior that's going to get all ripped up and stained. You want something durable and easy to clean.
Speaker 2:So who is this car for? You know, top Gear called it a mountain goat in a tuxedo. But is it just for hardcore off-roaders, or can it be someone's daily driver?
Speaker 3:I think that is the key question. The Jimny can definitely be a daily driver, but it depends on your priorities and your lifestyle.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 3:Practicality, fuel efficiency and the ability to handle any terrain are important to you. The Jimny could be perfect, but if you want a smooth, luxurious ride and you're mostly driving around the city, there are probably better options.
Speaker 2:Okay, let's get into the cost of getting into one of these. You found that the average use price is around 26,700 pounds up.
Speaker 3:Yeah, that's from Market Check UK. But there are some pretty big swings in price depending on the year.
Speaker 2:Really.
Speaker 3:Yeah, older models can go for as low as 18,999 pounds, but I found a 2024 model listed at 43,990 pounds, but I found a 2024 model listed at 43,990 pounds.
Speaker 2:So even if you're buying used, you've got to be prepared to spend a bit.
Speaker 3:Yeah.
Speaker 2:What about insurance costs?
Speaker 3:So every Jimny falls into an insurance group based on its value and performance and things like safety features. Higher group means higher premiums, and newer models are usually in higher groups because they're more expensive to replace.
Speaker 2:So it's not just the sticker price you have to worry about. Then there's the day-to-day cost of running it too right, Absolutely Like fuel.
Speaker 3:Fuel efficiency is always important. Officially, the Jimny claims 36.7 miles per gallon, but real world results will vary.
Speaker 2:I bet driving up those mountains is not very fuel efficient. What about servicing costs? Are there any years or models that have particularly expensive repairs?
Speaker 3:That's a great question, and it's one we will definitely dive deeper into.
Speaker 2:Okay, so before we do that, let's talk about how the Jimny stacks up against some of its competitors. Okay, I know, we talked about the Land Rover Defender 90. Those are both pretty iconic off-road vehicles.
Speaker 3:The Defender definitely is more luxurious. It's got a larger interior, so it's a good choice if you need more space or if you want a more premium feel. But that comes at a price Literally, literally and figuratively. The Defender is much more expensive to buy and to maintain.
Speaker 2:So if you're looking for a pure and affordable off-roader, the Jimny might be the better bet, but is it as capable as the Defender off-road?
Speaker 3:That's where things get interesting.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 3:The Jimny's small size and lightweight can actually be an advantage off-road.
Speaker 2:Oh really.
Speaker 3:Yeah, it can squeeze through tight spots and get over obstacles. That might be really challenging for the bigger defender.
Speaker 2:So it's like David and Goliath. Exactly the smaller, nimbler Jimny, might hold its own against the bigger, more powerful defender.
Speaker 3:Yeah, and it's also more fuel efficient.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 3:Arguably anyway.
Speaker 2:Okay, so let's dig deeper into those potential issues and running costs after the break. That's good. Welcome back Now. Before the break, we were talking about some potential issues with the Jimny. What are some things that people should be watching out for, especially when buying used?
Speaker 3:Well, one common issue on older Jimnys is rust.
Speaker 2:Oh really.
Speaker 3:Yeah, specifically on the chassis, the wheel arches and the underbody. You know these cars were built for off-roading Right, so they often encounter some pretty, some pretty harsh conditions yeah it's really important to check those areas for any signs of corrosion okay.
Speaker 2:So even though it's tough, it's not invincible yeah, exactly what about specific model years? Are there any that are known for having more problems than others?
Speaker 3:for models made before the 2018 redesign, the interior can really start to show its age.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:You know those older Jimneys were really known for their utilitarian design, so you want to make sure everything is still functioning properly.
Speaker 2:Like what.
Speaker 3:Like the seats, the switches, yeah, the air conditioning.
Speaker 2:So it's not just about how it looks on the outside. It's about making sure everything on the inside still works Exactly. What about the models made after 2018? Any red flags there?
Speaker 3:Well, with the newer models it's less about age and more about usage. So you know, a thorough inspection is always a good idea, especially for a Gemini. Has it been heavily off-roaded? You'll want to look for any dents or scratches on the underbody, check the suspension for wear and tear and make sure the engine is running smoothly.
Speaker 2:So, no matter what year you're looking at, getting a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who knows Suzuki's or 4x4s is probably a good idea.
Speaker 3:I would definitely recommend that it's better to be safe than sorry, especially with a vehicle like this.
Speaker 2:Okay, let's get back to those running costs. You mentioned fuel efficiency, but what about servicing? Are Jimneys generally expensive to maintain?
Speaker 3:You know, servicing costs can really vary depending on the model year and the condition of the vehicle.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:But overall Jimneys are known for being pretty reliable and having relatively low maintenance costs.
Speaker 2:That's good to hear, but are there any specific repairs or parts that? Are known to be really expensive.
Speaker 3:Well, that's where that pre-purchase inspection comes in handy. A good mechanic will be able to spot any potential issues that could lead to costly repairs down the road. Like what Things like worn out suspension components, leaks or signs of engine trouble?
Speaker 2:So it's about being proactive and catching those problems early.
Speaker 3:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Now, before we talked about the Defender, what other vehicles are in the same class as the Jimny?
Speaker 3:Well, the Jeep Renegade is another popular choice. It's got a more modern design than the Jimny and it offers more features and technology, but when it comes to off-road capability, the Jimny is still the king.
Speaker 2:So it sounds like it's all about choosing your priorities. If you want more comfort and gadgets, the Renegade might be appealing, but if it's all about tackling tough terrain, the Jimny seems to have the edge. How does the pricing compare?
Speaker 3:So the Renegade can actually be more expensive? Yeah, both to buy and to maintain. It's a more complex vehicle, you know, with more electronics and features that could potentially go wrong. The Jimny, with its focus on simplicity and durability, tends to be more budget friendly in the long run.
Speaker 2:OK, so you get more bells and whistles with the Renegade, but you might pay a premium for them. Now we can't talk about the Jimny without mentioning the Mercedes G-Class.
Speaker 3:I know they're in totally different price brackets Right, but you can't deny the resemblance.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:In terms of styling, it's like the Jimny is the G-Class's fun loving little cousin. You know, the G-Class is the ultimate luxury off-roader and the Jimny is. It's more affordable.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:An approachable sibling.
Speaker 2:Yeah, the G-Class is aspirational, the Jimny is attainable, but you said they're both capable off-road. Yeah, how does the Jimny actually compare to the G-Class in terms of performance?
Speaker 3:You know it's funny the Jimny's smaller size can actually give it an advantage in certain off-road situations.
Speaker 2:Really yeah, because it's more nimble and maneuverable.
Speaker 3:It can handle tight trails and obstacles that might really challenge that bigger G-class.
Speaker 2:So it's not just about brute force, it's about agility and finesse as well. Right, and the Jimny has that in spades. Okay, before we wrap up this deep dive, I want to go back to insurance for a minute. You mentioned that insurance groups play a big role in determining costs. Can you break that down for us a bit more? How can someone figure out which insurance group a specific Jimny model falls into?
Speaker 3:Well, there are a bunch of websites and resources out there that give you insurance group ratings for different car models. You can also check with your insurance provider directly. But you know it's important to remember that these are just guidelines. Your actual premium is going to depend on a bunch of different factors like your driving history, your age, your location, the level of coverage you choose.
Speaker 2:So it's always worth shopping around and getting quotes from different insurers.
Speaker 3:Definitely.
Speaker 2:Okay, so I think we've covered just about everything when it comes to the Suzuki Jimny.
Speaker 3:Yeah, thanks sir.
Speaker 2:From its history and features to its running costs and potential issues. We even compared it to some of its competitors, like the Defender, the Renegade and even the G-Class. What are your final thoughts? Is this a car you would recommend?
Speaker 3:You know, the Jimny is a very unique vehicle. It definitely won't appeal to everyone, but for the right person it can be an incredibly rewarding and fun car to own. It's rugged, it's capable and it's got a personality that's hard to resist.
Speaker 2:It's definitely a car that makes a statement. Yeah, but before someone runs out and buys a Jimny, what are some key takeaways they should keep in mind?
Speaker 3:Well, I think the biggest thing is to think about how you would actually use the Jimny.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 3:Will it be your daily driver, your weekend adventurer or a dedicated off-road machine? And you also need to consider your budget, not just for the purchase price, but for insurance, fuel and maintenance.
Speaker 2:And, of course, do your research.
Speaker 3:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:We've given you a lot of information, but it's important to go deeper and explore those areas that really interest you. Read owner reviews, watch some videos, maybe even test drive a journey to see if it's the right fit for you.
Speaker 3:Ultimately, the decision is yours, but hopefully this deep dive has given you the knowledge you need to make an informed choice.
Speaker 2:Well, on that note, I think we're going to wrap up this episode of the Deep Dive. We hope you found it informative and engaging.
