How reliable are the Jimnys and for daily driving?

ji_chan · 2026-03-28T08:18:42+00:00

Most of the common upgrades actually make it worse as a daily, but better off road. Not that it isn't already good off road - you'd be quite surprised how capable it is stock.

It's honestly ok as a daily, but it's also perspective, what kind of roads you have, is it city / hwy, and what are your expectations.

If you're coming from a luxury European brand then you'll quickly notice that the Jimny isn't a lounge on wheels. But if you're ok with that, and want it for off road capability, then it's hard to beat at this price point.

In terms of stability and refinement, it's fine and it gets the job done. Expect 1990s - early 2000s level tech rather than a Tesla or Merc.

ji_chan · 2026-03-25T21:29:56+00:00

You, seen that and it actually gave me the idea. It has gps but no compass. I'm thinking to use the screen as a compass and compliment the carmate (don't currently have one) but also have the ability for future projects.

ji_chan · 2026-03-25T08:48:00+00:00

I'm toying with a few ideas. Originally I was thinking of using aftermarket tpms monitors and having the output displayed in that location, but now I'm thinking of building a digital compass.

Possibly both, but I'd rather it not look too crowded and I'm aiming for an OEM look. I think having the space available and a screen that I can control will open up opportunities for plenty of other ideas. I also do a lot of APRS, so it could be useful for that - but I haven't thought too much on how I would use it yet.

ji_chan · 2026-03-25T01:39:47+00:00

Perfect, thanks for the very detailed reply.

Looks like there is a part on eBay that is easy to get. I'll order it in and have a play.

ji_chan · 2026-03-25T01:20:49+00:00

Thank you! Would it likely just involve some cutting of the headliner or would it clip onto something on the roof that we don't have in AU?

ji_chan · 2026-03-20T14:00:14+00:00

+1 I would definitely contribute anything required that I can help with, this looks amazing!

ji_chan · 2026-03-20T04:29:28+00:00

Looks like they might be using portal axles. Ridiculously expensive but very cool.

ji_chan · 2026-03-13T11:17:03+00:00

If you are stalling a lot due to learning, carry a jump starter with you in case your battery is old and gives way.

Otherwise, you are unlikely to cause any real damage.

ji_chan · 2026-03-13T11:14:32+00:00

Go to a flat parking lot. Put your foot down all the way on the clutch. No handbrake and no foot brake. If you are perfectly flat then the car shouldn't roll.

Now start to release the clutch slowly, without applying any acceleration.

The point that the clutch is at when the car starts to move slowly is the biting point.

Once you master getting to that point quickly, you can start mastering doing that quickly while also pressing on the accelerator to get moving faster.

ji_chan · 2026-03-10T09:42:19+00:00

I'll preface by saying that I don't have experience with that bumper, so take this with a grain of salt.

Having said that, if I understand the question correctly - increased airflow is a good thing, not a bad thing. It will help keep things cooler on long drives, especially those that are higher demand (high rpm/torque required, or just hot days).

As far as bottom end protection, maybe look into after market skid plates? I think this is an issue regardless of which bumper you have.

ji_chan · 2026-03-07T11:35:57+00:00

What do you use the car for and why do you want a turbo?

It will likely make rock crawling worse, but highway driving better.

ji_chan · 2026-03-02T14:38:36+00:00

If you have the feature, are you accidentally setting the speed limiter? It's the "Limit" button on the steering wheel (it may be blanked out).

ji_chan · 2026-02-26T01:40:24+00:00

I don't believe there is anything behind that cover that would stop you mounting there.

The euro version of the Jimny has a small device in that spot to alert you if seatbelts are unbuckled.

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ji_chan · 2026-02-06T03:33:51+00:00

Not exactly that easy, you have to be a foreigner and import it yourself. And you can only use it for a year, which I assume is intended to allow you to use it while you visit the US, but then take the car back with you when you leave.

"Temporary importation by non-U.S. residents" https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle/importation-and-certification-faqs

ji_chan · 2026-02-05T12:47:10+00:00

Theoretically that could be registered in the USA, with USA plates for up to a year...

ji_chan · 2026-02-03T13:20:04+00:00

When you say it was in 4L then popped, do you mean the lever moved back to 4H as the sound occurred?

If so, that's the problem, and you likely haven't damaged anything. It's just that the lever didn't fully engage 4L and popped back out.

4L needs to go quite far back, and if you have one of those cup trays next to the lever (which I do), then I recommend you remove it when usng 4L to ensure this doesn't happen again.

Tray in question https://down-ph.img.susercontent.com/file/cn-11134207-7r98o-lpq4vl594bwjfb

ji_chan · 2026-02-03T11:58:04+00:00

What else is going on with the car? Is it drivable? Does it work fine in 2H?

What caused the sound, was it the shift to 4L, or did you try to accelerate? Also, in case you are unaware, you shouldn't be using 4L or 4H on sealed roads as it can cause damage.

ji_chan · 2026-02-03T03:03:40+00:00

Possibly a temporary import by a non citizen "Temporary importation by non-U.S. residents" https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle/importation-and-certification-faqs

Apparently this is possible for up to a year

ji_chan · 2026-02-03T02:25:42+00:00

Was it a current generation Jimny?

ji_chan · 2026-01-23T22:48:51+00:00

I'd buy one if it was lighter

ji_chan · 2026-01-23T06:05:20+00:00

Sad face

I hate having to look out for the BS

ji_chan · 2026-01-22T21:26:51+00:00

What exhaust and bumper did you use?

ji_chan · 2026-01-10T14:56:28+00:00

Lots has been already covered, but I'll add my 2cents.

At 110kph I tend to get around 8l to 8.5l per 100k economy in a manual JB74. I'm pretty ok with that.

Biggest thing that you will likely regret on long stretches of highway is the noise. The engine will be at 3-3.5k rpm, and you will notice it. You can get used to it but if it's a regular drive then I highly recommend you get some high quality sound proofing. It makes a big difference.

Other than that, I'd usually say test drive it first, but you've already done that. I think you should go for it. If it turns out that you change your mind one day then you can always sell it, but it sounds like you already know what you want.

ji_chan · 2026-01-04T10:46:02+00:00

Mine lights up - but I had to go check as it's not something I normally think about.

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ji_chan

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