ROAMS01E44 New Suzuki Jimny 1 Year Later! Is it Still for me?? [Honest Review] ROAM 

Jimny made you. And you made this Jimny. Don’t let it go. This is a humble little car that resembles a humble everyday hero. We love to see in your videos how it succeeds in everything.

As a Jimny owner this review is more of a paradox. The assumption is we knew what we signed-up for upon purchasing this car. Common sense dictates that a small car has less space, less power and less fuel capacity. All the qualities (or lack there of) the Jimny is what makes it THE Jimny. Which is why it has stood the test of time and service. The Jimny has no identity crisis, which is why we love it. Congratulations on the journey you have made and thank you for sharing them. SUBSCRIBED👆🏽

It brought you joys and freedom, and the most important thing Jimny brings you back home. You're lucky to have this ride, for us, just a dream. But every video you make, feels like we're on it. Don't let it go. Thanks and stay safe.

Why is this sounding like a breakup pitch?

The reason why i watch a lot of your videos is because your travels are unique. There's just too many land cruiser and wrangler vloggers out there.. The Jimny's lack thereof makes your videos quite interesting.. That vehicle reflects your personality.. The Jimny is just humble and low profile.............. You have very good video skills by the way.. keep it up..

One of the best reviews I have ever watched. Honest. Unbiased. Great.

Remember its You + Jimny who we love to see.... You two are best combination 🇮🇳

I’m a 1980 Suzuki jimny owner and they are just the best!!!

I have the Jimny for 4 months and the things that annoy the most are: very noisy power windows; window glass vibrates and makes noise when left just a little open (which is the position i mostly use); anti-colision system goes nuts for no reason sometimes, annoying beep when i open the door and have the key in the ignition. Other than that is great! Terrific offroad capabilities, looks and feels great to drive, confort and power is enough. And i find it really is quite economical. Small room for lugage is not a problem for me. I don't go overlanding, i don't do long distances. I do my daily like with that car, go for the supermarket, go to work, drive in the city and go offroad. For example today i met with a client, did my business and then i went offroad to relax a bit and then i came home. Love my Jimny despite some flaws.

Your honesty in this video means a lot. And of course I did a bit of my own research and found the Jeep Wrangler can also be a good option as a companion for the Jimny. But there comes a time when you outgrow your build and new things are on the horizon. Thank you for all the awesome content.

Looks like the long wheel base 5 door is coming towards the end of 2022 which would make for a more roomier option. I believe a supercharger kit is available which greatly increases the power and torque and hence towing capabilities. Also a long ranger fuel tank is available which doubles the capacity. All depends on how much you are prepared to spend.

You said it! This car is fun and has the spirit. I love my Jimny FJ and I use it as a daily driver, overlanding and long distance travel too. For me it’s also fun to figure out how I pack effectively with limited space. Adrian, thanks for lots of inspiration! Wish I could ride along with you and our Jimnys. Keep up the great work! Best wishes Dennis

I had mine since October 2019 and I'm still happy as a bug in a rug. We only have a bit over 100 of these in Sweden, so it's always turning heads. Kids just love seeing it. People point and wave. Smiles all around. For me, it does just what I need it to do. I converted the back seat with a CarBox(tm) so I can haul my crap around. Most of the time I'm driving my mom places, so no need for a back seat, and I never intended to have people in the back anyway. It's been great fun to get back into a manual gear box, learning myself to get good fuel economy and what not. My only big gripe with the car is the low hanging rear view mirror. That thing is in the way all of the time. Haven't had the guts to pull it down yet to see if I can shorten the stalk without destroying the entire thing in the process. Also hoping to get the 'Car & Audio Hannover' plug and play stereo upgrade kit some day, but things are tight at the moment, as it probably is for most of us. Happy trails!

Hello from Thessaloniki Greece. I can totally see where you are coming from when you say that you do not want to try anymore to make the Jimny something is not. I totally respect that. I did more or less the same with my '63 Willys M38A1, long trips, and a lot of stuff on a vehicle that I love but just pushed the boundaries far too much. Thank you for uploading your thoughts!

I haven't driven jimny but I say this is the best first car I will have

Yes yes yes thank you . Yes drive brave and spirited stay strong . No turning back .

The best and most honest review,and I watched so many of Jimny review!! Thank you so much!

I can feel you brother, when you love a vehicle soo much that you ignore it's shortcomings and want to just make it work, because you don't want to let it go or replace it with something else!

Thanks for the review. It is fine to outgrow a vehicle as your needs change. Don’t feel guilty, move on.... but always remember the contribution the Jimny made... I bought my Jimny Oct last year and can’t stop smiling. It is not a perfect car but it has so much spirit and character. When I do a 4X4 course the Jimny does not hesitate to follow in the footsteps of much more expensive and powerful 4X4’s. I aim to keep mine stock standard and enjoy the dirt roads of SA without expensive gear. For me “less is more”.

Really appreciated this honest and in-depth analysis. Everything you said makes total sense, and there have been a number of moments over the course of your videos where one could sense your frustration. You have to do what's right for you, what's going to make it enjoyable for you. If you're just fighting it and miserable...what's the point? I hope you're able to evolve your approach to your satisfaction and keep doing the traveling and filming you've developed a taste for. Your work is a pleasure to watch and I'm sure many of us will stick around and continue enjoying your films regardless of what you're driving. Applying what you've learned with this build to a new build will be excellent content.

Solid axles, light compact, wide stance, good approach ramp over and departure angles. And modern small engines can still pack enough power and meet good range. Great car for its size. But that being said, everything has its weaknesses. My 97 Vitara was completely gutless and couldnt handle anymore than 100kg of weight. But it was amazing on fuel, easy engine to work on due to the height and was so much fun to drive around scenic bends. Suzuki overall has made very good cars

Even though you’ve moved on from the little Jimny, I often find myself watching your old Jimny vids again, and it’s still very-very satisfying. Footnote: My Jimny now has a 80L Long Ranger fuel tank fitted which solves the range anxiety at last. Godspeed Adrian & Co and ROAM on please. 😁🙌🏻🤙🏻

Respect the honest opinions, man. For me, ground tents are the way forward especially for such light vehicles. For only 2-4kg you can double/tripple your living space and have a tent that handles better in bad weather...and doesn't effect fuel economy or handling. For a short weekend adventure, ok, who cares if you carry an extra 40kg rooftop tent, but over hundreds and hundreds of miles that 40kg will make a big difference.

Adrian, you're a gem bro! Your honesty is something is something. Thank you and keep being you!

Adrian, mate - thanks ever so much for your brutal, honest and frank reflection. Never forget, we follow your channel because of who you are, the things you say, and your wonderful enthusiasm for life!!. I'll follow you even if you buy a Mini Minor and turn it into an overlanding vehicle! Just don't stop making films. And you still have the touch, that beautiful turn of phrase - 'I have secret vehicle affairs all the time.' Priceless! God bless, Dave

Thank you for this honest review. The review answered many of my questions. I might run into you somewhere.

Thanks for your honesty and giving the hard facts of the Jimmy's limitations.

what makes jimny wonderful is the story behind it, despite of its size, it can do so much as the bigger offroad car. its just amazing what jimny can do.

I think you should concider a micro offroad trailer. It gives you your tent and all your extras, lots of fuel, water more weight etc. Also suits daily driving setup with long holidays. You can leave all your 4x4 stuff there. I think it will also make offroading more fun and challanging..

Great review my brother!! I own a previous model. The 92, also called the Suzuki Samurai. This little guy is not fast, I can't drive him fast (I think 100kmh it's his max), but boy, he never let me down! Reliable and classic, with no rooftop, it's the perfect everyday car!

One aspect I was missing is "reliability". I had two Jimnys, previous models, and they never let me down. Those japanese cars are pure reliability and that is one thing I demand from every vehicle, may it be car or motorbike. Did you have any trouble that was not to explain by heavy offroad use?

I know this video is old and I really do appreciate the honesty. After hearing what you’ve said, I think this vehicle would be great for me and my family’s camping trips! Thnx!

Thanx for this honest review Adrian. U really did great to promote the Jimny, I hope Suzuki acknowledges that. I was one of those who were do excited with the new Jimny, I went to the launch, ordered one, got it after 6months wait. I enjoyed it at first, but later realized it was not for me, for most of the reasons u mentioned. I let go of it in February, after 10months ownership. I'm in the lookout for something else. Maybe you will inspire me with something else 😁😁🤗🤗

I've sold my Canam atv because I wasn't using it much, looking at this car feels like it's what I need for escaping the city going on a mild trail.

Andrew st. Pierre white once said the Jimny towing a little trailer would be a good setup. Definitely agree, little Jimny with patriot campers x2 behind. Small light and very flexible trailer would make a good setup. Frees up the inside of the Jimny for camera gear/passengers etc.

It seems to me one should keep the Jimny stock standard and travel light. It is not a camper, it’s a day tripper. Either use it as a modified rock climber or general purpose road tourer that can handle some rough stuff. Go back to the original tyres. The fuel consumption is down because of your modifications. Most countries have fuel available every 200 miles. There are flat pack liquid containers. Bigger vehicles still have space problems and access to stored items problems. They also are heavy on fuel and the purse. If you watch off roading videos they are often towed to the site because they are not suitable for road travel. Off roading is not good for a bad back. If you stop off roading you solve half your problems. If you keep the Jimny do put in a good drivers seat. One with adjustable lumbar support. You may need a special seat to protect your back. Wreckers often have cars with excellent seats. Fitting is the problem. I see the Jimny as a two seater. It can carry two extra people occasionally but not cargo as well. With all vehicles we have to accept their limitations. All vehicles have their faults. Off roading brings down even the best cars sooner or later.

Jimny is the prime thing that made who you are now!why because if you were doing this overlanding with a jeep wrangler, you may not have got this much subscribers! Because people know thay vehicle is capable and they are out of reach for many.but on the other side its so satisfying to see a little car doing the toughest! Personally i also watched your videos to see jimny performing. But yeah you r right, now you need to explore more and needs more space. Keep this as a secondary vehicle and buy one premium offroader! If dont mind reply me, which all vehicles are you looking at!

For me it’s a class act that when you buy one you know it’s limitations, but the draw to its design overcomes any reason. For me it’s a great second car.

such a diminutive car to have a great impact on your life makes it bigger than any other.. it has performed way beyond your expectations considering its limitations... it's small, don't push it beyond what's real.. i love your honesty, sincerity and the quality of your videos..

I think you have outgrown the jimny. Time to move on to a bigger and more robust overall vehicle.

Love your honest open review. Really good to hear your overall experience and it feels so honest. Would love to see you review the 5 door version.

Well, if you want all the things you're missing with a Jimny, go and buy a car costing double. It is that simple. I don't understand the "complaints". Like buying a Volkswagen and wanting Mercedes comfort,

I own a 1987 Suzuki Samurai.. Its just an old very crude version of your vehicle, I drive it every day and I work in the city and also work in the fields (I'm a computer engineer and a beekeeper). I live in Michoacán, México. And were I live we have a nearby Volcano, forests, lots and lots of avocado farms, mountains, rivers, cascades, and so on.. for me is exactly the things you say but in a positive way. I also own a Jeep Patriot (not tough at all, but its just absolutly more confortable than de samurai, and my wife loves it for traveling). I'm dying to get my hands on a Jimny because I already know all the limitations that it has (I have overheated the motor 3 times, blow a pair of transfer cases and one Gear box). But Its just the simplicity of the car that amazes me, the crude, rough, spartan concept of the machine is the thing that I love. It doesnt use a bit of space and because is so old and intentionally dirty and rusty.. nobody wants to steal it... everybody underestimate the power and the capacity of this little bug. I think about it as my ugly millenium falcon, it flyes under the radar, unnoticed in a way.. but helps me go to incredible places and let me (with my limited budget) go to places were only Jeeps with a lot of costly modifications can go.. my little creature appears behind them (like an hour later but It gets there), and many egos are hurt. Thats the spirit I want. I hope that your love for the Jimny doesnt go away.. love it, have fun, make the best, but never get obssessed with the vehicle, understand the limits and have another options when it is nedded, I know that if we need to go out in the mountains or the beach or to any rough terrain, my samurai is the only option, dispite its limitations and hardness, but if we need a long road trip, and no rough terrain will be crossed, the Patriot is the best option. So, use the tools that are needed for any situation. The Jimnny will be great for some adventures, and a bigger truck will be better for other adventures. The essence of your channel is the overland adventures, NOT only the Jumny. You are not the vehicle, the vehicle is just a tool, it would be foolish for a mechanic to limit his work because he loves ONE tool a lot, use the appropiate tool for each job, but the objective is the important thing. Thanks for inspiring me to get adventures like yours, and to modify and customize my little bug, I love to see more videos of you overlanding.. Un abrazo desde México, mi amigo.

Absolutely awesome honest review, can't wait to see you evolve as a channel not just because of the Jimny. So excited for you.

Hi I’m from the UK, I’ve watched so many of your videos because I love the outdoors, I go camping anytime I get holiday and I work in an advertising agency so your story fascinates me because I find i connect with it so personally. I drive Land Rover defenders as our company vehicles and I love it! I honestly think you would love to own a defender, it’ll give you the space you need, there is so much excitement and spirit in a defender and so customisable!

I absolutely love his car. I am looking to buy one of these new Jimny's in a month or two and I can't wait. Anybody selling theirs?

The 5 door longer wheel base is just about out ...and your description and feelings about the car still very much holds..It is a car that challenges you (which i think is the best thing about it)..and after a while you want to share the adventure with some more people as co-passengers..I believe youv'e put the spirit of the Jimny into words.

This was good to hear. I’ve got the older version and I came to similar conclusions and my hope was that the newer version was something to aspire to. I’m realizing though that the Jimny is a special tool for a special purpose. We ended up needing another car so we opted to add a Duster as the second vehicle. Much longer range much more comfortable and plenty of space and can still tackle a few rough dirt roads. It will be a bummer though to be outdoors in the duster and know you can’t just hop up onto that Jeep track and go with confidence. I’ve been following those expedition earth guys and their Jeep seems to be treating them well. Might be a good next step for you?

I have had my white Jimny with no extras for more than a year now and I use it every day. I have attached a cheap roof rack and put in a big tough plastic box with a lid on one of the lowered back seats. 2 passengers fit comfortably and all the junk goes in the box. Once I had to fit 3 passengers and the box went on the roof rack with ratchet straps. I live on a little island in the Mediterranean where all the villages have narrow streets and you are off road in 5 minutes from anywhere. The Jimny is the perfect car here. I bought it when its price was relatively cheap but the local dealer has raised the price considerably now.

You know, it seems like every man finds that special vehicle that just speaks to them , and you will know when ya find it.. i found mine in my Jeep..

I've just ordered the 2022 Jimny (kinetic yellow), 19 years driving an old SJ413 both on and off road in some shitty country in outback Australia, I'm certainly used to simplicity, but some of the fruits on the new Jimny are pretty cool 👌Can't wait, and great in-depth unbiased review dude 💪

Thanks man, that info was very useful. Keep up the good work!

I really enjoyed this honest video. The important thing is that you get out there.

Thank you for your honest review. I hope so much that Suzuki is going to built and sell the 5 door modell in Europe. If so, I am going to buy it.

I think another reason interest has shifted is your content. I came to learn about the Jimny, but stayed because I just enjoyed your videos. They always feel genuine but still look polished. I share your love of exploration, but I'm not in that position right now, so forgive me if I live vicariously through your travels 😄

Wow, I can't believe it's been 15 months already!

Very funny experience from your sharing, thanks.

Just putting it out there, Landrover Defender 110 😉 If you're willing to deal with her quirks and maintenance Needs, you'll have a ton of fun with one. Would sit Nicely next to the Jimmny on the Driveway! 👌 Not Biased or anything !

Awesome video...answered a lot of questions..the whole its challenging is I think is the best part...doing a lot with so little is indeed cool & satisfying

Was not expecting some of your thoughts on the car after watching videos on your channel. But aye I guess you are being honest. The jimny is a light compact off roader, I think it fits the brief perfectly for what it’s intended for.

I’d love you to do the new Land Rover Defender build; it’s so new it won’t be easy but it would make a great change from the normal Toyota etc that most others do. It will be like your Jimny build but bigger, which fits your style perfectly...

Is it possible to just pull a small trailer with it to solve the lack of space? Or that wouldn't be overlanding anymore? Amazing car by the way, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

What I hate is the plastics interior got so many scratches on dash,they should of used the booster jet engine ,great upload thank you

There will never be a 1 car for everything car... if there is, we would be living in a perfect world... making the best of we have is the only way around it..

I started watching as I had an interest in getting a Jimny myself for weekending initially then overlanding. Luckily for me, I realised it wouldn't suit my long term goals after watching videos like yours so I'm now the owner of a 31yr old Land Rover Perentie instead. Keep uploading videos with whatever vehicle you decide on and I'll keep watching as the quality is great (maybe get a Perentie as not many of them on overlanding channels). Cheers and beers.

I looked at many different options and the zook never touched the sides. Great for a run about and off roading but it can't tow much, no power/low down torque, no comfort, not enough storage, not enough range. Pretty much good for one person who needs an a to b car with off roading capabilities. I ended up in an old land rover which ticks most boxes, I will spend some money on it when the funds are there, for now it suits me fine.

Very honest! That’s well said. Nothing like needing that extra space. Look forward to more adventures and reviews.

Jimny Man i would say, you are growing up in Overlanding and you need a Bigger Jimny! Nothing wrong with that🖒🖒

Great and honest video...and I have enjoyed how you tackle your challenges in relation to your needs...as opposed to just for fashion of it over the course of your ownership of the Jimny.

Hello, I started watching your channel because of the jimny. If at some point you decide to change vehicles I would love to own your jimny. But I’m in the US, which means you would have to bring it here and register it so that I could buy it.I really enjoy the content that you share, keep up the good work! I hope you have a wonderful day.

Jimny to me is a day tripper, something you take up the coast & national parks. I'd love a jimny but i'm leaning towards a FJ60 or 70 series with a LS swap.

Watching & Roaming in d wilderness through your vlogs.. Interesting content along.. Jimny or no Jimny. Keep going for more.. Cruiser will come.. Kudos!! God bless.. Honest review btw

After all she did for you bro, she gave you her best! Wasn’t her best good enough? Don’t leave her!

"It's not you, it's me."

Thanks for the honest review. Sounds very logical and the fact that you actually lived it.

It's like Daily driving a track car, That Jimny isn't for passenger carrying or get groceries with your set up. It's Great for what it is, nothing more, nothing less. If you make something that it's not there will be plenty of limitations ahead.

Good talking to us and explain everything.

I still think a small offroad trailer would solve some of your space problems and let you get the drag/weight off of your roof. Regardless, goodluck in whatever you decide. I'm looking forward to see what direction you head in. 🙂

This is great! I have been waiting for honest and real review after 1 year used of Jimny. Still love to have this one despite the flaws.

Hearing out your problems, from one heavy guy to another, I can offer a solution; A pick-up truck..

The 4 door model is coming out soon! It might be the proper compromise for you.

Wish more Japanese brands would go after Jimnys market. Subarus feels like they could use the dimensions better with there boxer.

Well done Adrien, great breakdown and your honest story. I certainly hope Suzuki take this all onboard.

Every car have their cons. In the jimny is the space for cargo and passenger (i my self got jimny). But you get very great reliability and cheap maintenance. With the Big boys like a wrangler/Cherokee/older land cruisers and so on you get more space and tank fuel and power but your cons compare to the jimny is worse reliability bigger cost on maintenance and modification. So you need to decide if you compromise on the stuff you said and save some $ or you get a bigger car but pay more in every respect of the car. + The price for new real offroader would be huge compared to the jimny so you will have to get older model. If you decide go bigger i advise old Toyota Hilux/wrangler any year/old Grand Cherokees/ older toyota prado. And about the seats just change to other 2 doors car seats you find comfortable (to maintain the sliding seat).

You couldn’t of summed it up any better, great video and review! Im excited to see what you bring to the channel next!🙂 Great stuff!👍🏼

I was about to buy one but I think there way over priced in Australia for all the negatives

Great video! I love my jungle green Jimny! It was worth waiting 13 months for delivery. It complements my other car, and it will always have that role. Can't ever be an only car. I do not plan to modify it - I keep my cars standard.

It’s sounds like the Jimny’s time is coming to an end, at least in your hands. Most of your cons, you must have known before you bought it but bought it anyway and that’s why I enjoy your videos. IT’S DIFFERENT!! Before you sell up, you should build a matching trailer. Super lightweight but transfer some of that gear out of the Jimny into the trailer. Water, fuel, RTT then keep your fuming gear within the comfort of the car. You said you thought of a trailer but couldn’t see why. It’s so that you can use the car as normal Monday to Friday then come Friday night, hitch up and go. Then sell as a matching pair and start again with something else. Not sure what you could go to next without deep pockets. Which is another draw for your videos, it’s almost the poor man’s overlanding. Good luck!

Yep this is where i get to with the Jimny love the looks, love the idea of it but it’s just too small to carry 4 people with all their stuff.

The problem with the Jimny has always been payload... same problem with the wrangler. You need to be able carry a decent payload and have a 1000km range to really get into Overlanding

The jinny is plenty big enough for long distance over landing as most of the guys I know overland on motorcycles and still run RU-vid channels with all the equipment required.

Awesome video man. Been amazing to watch the journey and I still haven’t bought a Jimny yet 😆 But I still think it’s for me :) tent and awning and half rack. Bag and Cooler. Weekend camper is the way to go. Keep it up man. Wonder what you’ll get next

Mate, if you want to do serious touring or overlanding with plenty of space. You will need to consider something like land cruiser, troop carrier or luxy. I have an old 2000 hilux and I shoot films. Sometimes I feel I need more room for that thing. Jimny is an incredible machine, but its a quick weekend away vehicle not a weeks/months at a time one. Best of luck, lots of love from Australia.

Danny from Blood Diamond now overlanding in a Jimny. :-p Nice channel mate!

Got mine in November 2018 as well, and still rolling strong. Only drove 20 000 km on the stock tires though. New 215 AT tires will be my first "mod" next week.

So, in short(no pun intended), SIZE matters.

Thanks - great insight from excellent adventures! I was thinking Jimny but am considering larger based on your heartfelt feedback! Keep the Jimny or sell - either way you're a winner as they seem to keep their resale value...

hi adrian, love your videos. is it possible to make a video in which you compare your jimny glx MT with blaine vorster glx AT, i mean whatever you can do but, i would like to see some hill climbs, muddy and rocky, advantages and disadvantages. there was an episode where you said that the AT feels like cheating ,and you made me curios because of course the wright way is to go with the manual, but comfort si also important. thank you!!!

I love my little Suzuki SX4, very well made lil car. Wish the Jimmy was 2 feet longer . I think my dogs would love it

Experiencing a new Jimny without experiencing the previous models is like watching a sequel movie without watching the 1st movie.