1999 Suzuki Jimny

tle rear privacy tint. Aside from a few light dings, chips, and scuffs, the body is in good shape and this pint-sized SUV is fresh off a recent service. We also wanted to note a bit of corrosion on the floorpan, which isn’t structural but is more than we see on the average Jimny. Boasting the big block 1.3L engine and manual gearbox, this Sierra is better at managing our higher American cruising speeds than its 660cc stablemates. Offered with only 93k verified and documented miles on the clock, our Suzuki has tons of life left in it. Ideal as a fun city roundabout or cool weekend warrior, this Japanese Classic is affordable and reliable, too. Best of all, this 4×4 punches above its weight, and is the consummate overperformer. Unlike most Kei-sized vehicles, you don’t have to hunker down to enter the cabin. The tall ride height allows the pilot to slide in and out of the truck with ease. The front two occupants would have a hard time believing they were driving in a small SUV unless they turned around. The view up front is commanding, and the dashboard lacks any cracking or fading. Unlike the last generation Jimny, this one is equipped with dual SRS front airbags, which should add some peace of mind for those who may be safety conscious. The driver benefits from power windows, power locks, and power mirrors to make daily use more enjoyable. They all work, as does the upgraded Pioneer touchscreen head unit that pipes audio through the cabin. The headliner and door cards are in good nick and the carpets have escaped the past 25 years without sustaining major abuse. A bit of the tan cloth upholstery has been repaired in Japan, and it currently lacks any major rips, stains, or tears. The rear seats have cupholders integrated into the door plastics and can be folded up against the d-pillar to accommodate more cargo. All in all, the Japanese owner seemed to care about the cockpit, and we have even included rubberized floor mats with the purchase of this vehicle. There’s hardly anything to complain about however the rear hatch plastics have seen better days, and show a few light scratches and scuffs. Underneath, this truck is a 2/3 scale Land Cruiser. We say that in jest, but it does look like a smaller version of some of our toughest, most capable units. The G13B under the hood starts promptly with the twist of the key and is fresh off an oil and filter service in the shop. Its linked to a five-speed manual gearbox that can power the rear or all four wheels. For beach outings, a low range is on standby and the light curb weight pays dividends on loose surfaces. One of our trained techs has refreshed the suspension to improve the ride. Four new shocks were installed while it was in the shop and we also added new panhard bar bushings. For VA state safety inspection a new steering stabilizer was installed, too. The approach angles are fantastic and the ride height is tremendous for such a little Ute. The brakes are tight and tidy and this little guy slows down promptly when brake pressure is applied. Grip is handled by four new 30′′ tires. Freshly aligned, the new rubber will provide plenty of year-round grip for a long time to come.