2003 Suzuki JIMNY

0 Comments 62 Bids Winner - landowner
7:39 PM, 22 Jan 2021Vehicle sold
Sold for

£8,001

Winner - landowner

Vehicle Story

Suzuki has been making compact 4x4s for many a year. Initially badged as SJ models, 1998 saw the third-generation model put in an appearance, along with the introduction of the Jimny name. Production continued up until a few years ago and they remain a familiar sight on our roads, especially in rural areas.

Some 42,000 cars have been registered in the UK and it’s a safe bet to assume that most are still in service today. Japanese reliability is still hard to beat.

Power comes from a 1,300cc 4-cylinder motor and what it makes up for in terms of power, its eager nature encourages frequent trips to the red line. The Jimny runs in rear-wheel drive, but a simple stubby lever allows the selection of drive to the front wheels when the going gets tough. In extremis, there is also the ability to select low range.

We have driven them off-road on many occasions and they are a veritable hoot to drive, shaming the abilities of much more expensive 4x4s. Light weight and brilliant traction are the key here.

Power steering and a tight turning circle make the Jimny very manoeuvrable, whilst the ride and handling are somewhat old school. Slow and steady is the order of the day.

  • JSAFJB43V00175372
  • 102296
  • 1328
  • Manual
  • Very Grey
  • Grey

Vehicle Story

Suzuki has been making compact 4x4s for many a year. Initially badged as SJ models, 1998 saw the third-generation model put in an appearance, along with the introduction of the Jimny name. Production continued up until a few years ago and they remain a familiar sight on our roads, especially in rural areas.

Some 42,000 cars have been registered in the UK and it’s a safe bet to assume that most are still in service today. Japanese reliability is still hard to beat.

Power comes from a 1,300cc 4-cylinder motor and what it makes up for in terms of power, its eager nature encourages frequent trips to the red line. The Jimny runs in rear-wheel drive, but a simple stubby lever allows the selection of drive to the front wheels when the going gets tough. In extremis, there is also the ability to select low range.

We have driven them off-road on many occasions and they are a veritable hoot to drive, shaming the abilities of much more expensive 4x4s. Light weight and brilliant traction are the key here.

Power steering and a tight turning circle make the Jimny very manoeuvrable, whilst the ride and handling are somewhat old school. Slow and steady is the order of the day.

Gallery

Vehicle Overview

On offer here is something quite unique and special. Take an aforementioned Jimny and turn it into a camper van. Why it was done is anyone’s guess but let us rejoice that it exists and consider its considerable merits and uses.

We can imagine a future owner using the Jimny as a comfortable day vehicle, travelling to some remote location, well off the beaten track. A picnic, a spot of fishing, birdwatching perhaps, with plenty of room for wellies, waterproofs and other essentials.

There is a bed too, so the option exists to have a night or two away. What fun, especially for one, two at a push!

The vendor bought the camper from the gentleman who carried out the conversion and he made a few further improvements to ensure it drove well and most importantly was properly waterproof.

Covid restrictions have dramatically increased the interest in camper vans, the idea of loading up your vehicle on the doorstep and heading off becoming exceptionally appealing. No airports, no trains, no budget hotels….

So, let’s take a closer look at what is on offer here.

Exterior

This Jimny camper has the ability to turn heads wherever it goes. You certainly will not see another and whilst there is always a plethora of motorhomes for sale, try to find a compact camper and you will struggle.

Immediately apparent is the rather fetching anti-scratch grey paintwork, which rather suits and gives the camper a futuristic look. It should be practical too, being not easily marked.

The wheels are fairly new and look to be in good condition and are shod in matching Hankook Dynapro all-terrain tyres. No getting stuck in the mud with these.

A drop-down ladder is fitted to aid access to the living area and the rear-mounted spare is easily accessed if it is ever needed. The roof height from the ground is 8' 6" (2.6m).

Interior

Up front it is standard Jimny fare. Two comfortable seats and a decent driving position, even for the taller amongst us. A Clarion radio/CD player will provide the tunes whilst you wander.

What you really want to know however, is what is on offer in the living quarters and here it gets really clever.

A fitted leisure battery is fitted to provide lights and power and there is the option to plug into the mains if you are on a proper camp site with hook-up facilities.

A two-ring gas burner is fitted, ideal for a quick cuppa or to help cook a simple meal. There’s a fridge too, with enough room for provisions for a day or two.

There’s a sink with water piped from a storage container and a small receptacle for wastewater too.

We have not tested the appliances, but we are told that they all function as they should. We would add a carbon monoxide alarm just to be on the safe side.

Headroom is at a premium, the interior height is just 5 foot, so a small seat is fitted over the rear wheel arch, practical when using the facilities.

Windows on both sides and a fitted rooflight ensure that the living space is light and airy.

Up top is a bed, able to sleep one person in a degree of comfort. The length is 7 foot however, anyone over 6' 0" would have their feet impaired by the slope of the roof. As for two sleeping together, you will be very intimate with your bed mate whether you like it or not.

Mechanical

The conversion to campervan is fairly recent but this has not stopped the vendor from making further improvements. A new clutch has been fitted and the battery replaced.

The engine underwent a full service and the Jimny has covered few miles since.

The MOT is valid until 4th January 2022 and it passed with no advisories, always a good sign.

History Highlights

As mentioned before, the tyres have plenty of tread so we cannot envisage any immediate expense being required.

The mileage is quite reasonable for the age of vehicle and the MOT history would suggest the vehicle has been used sparingly over the last few years.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

And please be reassured, we’ve undertaken a full COVID-assessment and put into place strict control measures to enable us to safely facilitate a no-contact, socially distanced viewing that includes disinfection of the vehicle before and after your viewing.

Or, even better, why not contact us with your mobile number and we can set up a WhatsApp video call? You get to direct us in real-time, giving you a virtual personal viewing experience while maintaining the lockdown.

What We Think

Look at eBay, try Google, consult AutoTrader… You will not find anything like this on sale today. Prices for camper vans have increased over the last twelve months and there is an acknowledged shortage with demand considerably outstripping supply.

We estimate that the Jimny camper will sell for between £4,000 and £8,000, though the sky’s the limit.

Intrepid explorers, outdoorsy types, don’t delay, put in your bid today.

Inspection is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Estimated value

Available upon request

Seller

Private: masters
Buyer’s premium
5% of the winning bid (minimum £500, maximum £5,000), plus 20% VAT on the Premium only.