Suzuki Jimny or Similiar

[NJA]

Need a really cheap local small runaround 4x4.  Won't be doing many miles at all, or pulling heavy trailers etc.  Bodywork condition not important but ideally needs MOT.  They come up on Ebay/gumtree from time to time under £2k so hoping I can get something for that.  Have been offered a 15yr old Toyota rav4 2l diesel for £1k, anyone had any experience of these?  I think the jimny would be ideal but tend to have rust issues...

[woody paul]

The little Jimmy is a great truck, my mate bought one a couple of years ago to use as deer stalking vehicle. Rust is a problem, also vacuum to lock front drive hubs. 

 

[openspaceman]

I have no experience of a jimny but my 2000 santana vitara has done me well, I only do a few thousand miles a year so it only recently clocked up 80k miles. 1600 petrol engine is a bit gutless and thirsty , 30mpg, and there is little stowage but brings my firewood home in multiple trips.

 

The rear body did rust through st the chassis mounts but my mate took it on as a challenge when the MOT tester said it was a write off.

 

My daughter bought it in 2004 for the soft top which I have never taken down in my 4 years ownership.

[eggsarascal]

The jimmy is a top 4x4, so is the Jeep grand Cherokee, both a lot of motor for little money.

[woody paul]

9 minutes ago, eggsarascal said:

The jimmy is a top 4x4, so is the Jeep grand Cherokee, both a lot of motor for little money.

The Jimmy is a little motor for little money

[Slad]

I have one.  It's lighter than most 4x4 so will travel in places others can't.  Narrow too.  I put 100mm spacers on the wheels because it felt tippy on hard slopes (but that's me being soppy).  There's a 1.6 engine which is a straight swap for the factory 1.4 and it's that a bit more powerful.

 

Not found much rust issue but I inherited a brake mod which loses brake fluid slowly so watch for DIY on anything you buy.  Mine was <£2k but raised, nobblies etc so I was really happy with that.

 

I would say if you can find a reasonable one you will be very happy with it for a general workhorse on private land.