Where most iconic off-roaders attempt to beat the scenery into submission, the pint-sized Suzuki Jimny/Sierra tackles all in its path by almost skipping over the top, imitating a mountain goat to get to places many larger off-roader could only dream about.

However, this incredible off-road ability tends to compromise the Jimny’s on-road dynamics, not to mention a near adverse attitude to safety, practicality, technology and creature comforts.

The third-generation Jimny/Sierra received several upgrades during its lifecycle, most notably in 2000, receiving a new 1328cc engine.

Then receiving interior and mechanical changes including Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and the traditional lever-shift for the two-speed transfer case replaced with a push-button set-up in 2005.

A facelift in 2012 added a more angular grille, front bumper and the addition of a bonnet scoop while new 15-inch alloy wheels, revised interior treatments and the addition of ESC came in 2014.

What goes wrong with a used Suzuki Jimny (3rd-gen)?

• Death wobble can generally be remedied with a caster correction by fitting eccentric bushes on the lower control arms
• Swivel housing bearings can be worn
• If used off-road, make sure to check drive and CV joints, wheel bearings, engine mounts, rear and front axle components. The alternator is also prone to damage
• We know of reports of fuel pump issues on earlier models
• Oil leaks can occur but at this age and mileage, this is to be somewhat expected
• Vehicle electronics can be problematic especially if used off-road
• Higher-kilometre Jimnys can have a tendency to develop a leak in their vacuum system for front wheel hub caps. This will directly affect the operation of 4WD transmission

• Due to Jimny’s relatively poorly designed steering knuckle assembly, there is a tendency for water, mud, dust and grit to enter the steering knuckles and then get into the king pin bearings
• Some petrol Jimnys made in the mid-to-late 2000s have a gearbox model “R72” which can be prone to fail prematurely with the main cause of failure being the bearings inside the gearbox
• Rust can occur around the suspension carriers, the various factory welding points on the chassis and on the axles as well, check the boot floor and below the rear seats, check inside the wheel arches, try to get in behind the plastic body cladding and check behind the front driving lamps
• Any aftermarket accessories must be of the highest quality and need to be fitted to a professional level

Should you buy a used Suzuki Jimny (3rd-gen)?

The Jimny isn’t all that practical, it’s not very safe, it’s quite thirsty for petrol considering its diminutive size and it is quite compromised when driving on any kind of sealed surface or the open road. It can also suffer from a number of mechanical gremlins.

Therefore, if you’re in the market for an efficient, practical, safe small car and have no real desire to go exploring the scenery, no, you should not buy a Suzuki Jimny.

However, there is nothing quite like a Jimny.

As long as you’re aware that buying a Jimny is actually entering into a relationship more than just buying a car, and you require a vehicle that will offer the ability to explore the wilderness and facilitate near endless experiences, yes you should buy one.

The only other car that can do what a Jimny can do is just a different Jimny.