2006 Suzuki Jimny JLX+ 1.3 petrol

Summary:

Yes I would buy another and have found no serious problems yet

General Comments:

This car so far is fun to drive.

It handles very well on the road, but have not tried it off road.

I feel quite safe when cornering and do not feel any body roll from the vehicle so perhaps the "Unstable on the road" tag is only a rumour. The negatives are no light in the rear of the vehicle and don't go thinking there is plenty of boot space.

Therefore a roof box would be an advantage as space is limited.

Apart from that this is a fun vehicle to drive and not too heavy on the fuel if you're not too heavy on the accelarator.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th August, 2006

31st Aug 2006, 02:56

I wrote the other JLX+ report and read yours with interest.

Interestingly, the handling and stability has improved on mine as the tyres have worn in. However I now need a new front tyre as it has worn on the outside edge, and this is not down to tracking as it has been checked.

If you drive this car as it was designed to do, then it is perfectly stable, however on greasy roads in 2WD mode, the driven rear wheels will step out and cause over-steer if you are too enthusiastic with the throttle and steering at the same time.

I have driven with three adult passengers, and due to the increase in the centre of gravity, the car becomes very unwieldy and verging on dangerous.

This is owing to the short and narrow wheelbase, the agricultural suspension and very high centre of gravity. Not recommended for anything other than very short distances.

I increase the boot space by leaving the rear seats down. It is a shame that the head restraints have to be removed to do this. This is because they are an old style, not the new integrated type ones like in the 2006 Wagon R+.

If you fold the seats down, the interior light also lights the boot area!

I would absolutely avoid a roof box, as this will increase the height of the centre of gravity, and cause weaving due to increased wind resistance, and also exaggerate the handling and stability problems as indicated above.

I do find the Jimny to be fun and enjoyable to use on road, and get between 30-37 mpg, dependant on type of use and whether I use the air-con or not.

It comes into it's own off road, and this is where it excels. I live with the bumpiness, handling and lack of cabin space on road to have this amazing capability off road, which I use regularly because of the work I do.

If you don't need it off road, was this the right car for you to buy? If I could cope with less ability in the rough, I would have had the diesel SX4 which is far and away better to drive on road, larger and more economical.

Glad to see you give yours 10/10 for reliability, mine has been good. Just going in for the 9,000 mile service, and need an oil leak on the transmission sorting.

Otherwise 100%.

22nd Oct 2006, 15:36

What's the latest update with how the Jimny is performing, any problems or difficulties with it? I'd be interested to know about the handling in the wet and any views on motorway driving.

23rd Oct 2006, 11:01

The comment previous to yours were written by myself, who wrote the "Lethal on road handling" 2006 Jimny report. These Jimnys are beautifully built, with great reliability, but should be restricted to off-road or limited and careful on-road use, due to their poor stability and dynamics.

If you buy one for its agricultural capability, not its ability as a car, you will be fine. If you need on road safety, buy an SX4 instead, as it is infinitely more stable.

The Jimny's rear wheel drive in two wheel drive mode, with off road biased tyres, and no weight over the rear axle is an inherently unstable set up. You CANNOT USE 4WD on tarmac AT ALL without damaging the transmission.

It would have been a better and more stable design to have been designed as being front wheel drive in 2wd mode.

I am still reeling from just how easily this car rolled, in traffic, at such a slow speed, and how lucky I was to have avoided landing side-on the crash barrier, which would certainly have killed me.

Make a good choice!

26th Nov 2008, 07:19

You can use a Jimny in 4wd on the road, but only in slippery conditions ie snow, ice, gravel. It can be engaged into 4wd on the move.

2004 Suzuki Jimny JLX 1.4

Summary:

Very reliable and excellent value

Faults:

No faults the car is perfect.

General Comments:

Drives me mad not have a warning light for when the fuel is going to run out.

The car could benefit from additional storage.

I would have liked the opportunity to purchase a cover to hide items stored in my boot.

Drives very well on all roads including motorways all round a very good car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd March, 2006

19th Nov 2007, 04:08

About the fuel warning light issue... try looking down at the dials every now and then like you are supposed too.

20th Nov 2007, 03:40

Re: Jimny fuel gauge and warning light; do not work when car upside down, which it will be if you ever drive it on wet taramc.

12th Oct 2019, 17:22

So funny. :-)