What goes wrong

The engine fitted to early incarnations of the Jimny is an agreeably simple thing, and with a modicum of regular maintenance should soldier on without too much bother. But therein lies the rub as nigh-on two decades have now passed, so a meticulous service regime may be a distant memory.

Oil changes every 6000 miles are needed to keep it healthy, and you’ll want to ensure that the cambelt has been changed at 80,000 miles – the kit is less than £100 and fitting is fairly straightforward, so there’s little excuse to ignore it.

With plenty of these capable off-roaders bought as workhorses, and the need to access all of the engine’s modest output, it’s worth checking that hard use hasn’t taken its toll. Excessive exhaust smoke, signs of a compromised head gasket, or a cooling system in less than tip-top condition are all worth checking for, while an erratic tickover or generally lumpy running is usually down to failing cam, crank or O2 sensors.

Parts can be pricey if bought from Suzuki, so shopping around is advised. If all else fails, secondhand engines can be found on the internet for £250-500, whether it’s the earlier motor or later M13A unit. And speaking of the later engine, it’s similarly tough as long it’s not been ignored, and having a timing chain means one less thing to worry about assuming oil and filter changes haven’t been neglected.