Thread: Jimny vs Sierra

Haven't owned either, but have mates who have.

Sierra is an awesome little 4WD. One friend in particular used to have a Sierra, sold it for family reasons, and has since bought a Jimny. Other than what you've listed as the differences, he says they are pretty close - so if the A/C, stereo (which you can fix in the Sierra anyway) and roof rack options are important to you, then you probably won't be going backwards.

But I would guess that the $ changeover would be more than addressing the issues you have with the Sierra.

If it were me, I'd keep the Sierra.

Keep the Sierra mate, parts and servicing is cheaper..also you won't worry too much about the paint job on a sierra..

sierra is a Jimny in japan. comes with wide range of specs. Im guessing you havnt got a cart spring 1000cc indian built model.


Japanese have electric power steer, A/C etc. they use a 650 cc turbo inter cooled engine for cheep taxes.


jimny in OZ was the upgrade to get the vehicle to comply with crash testing.
the injected engine is more economical that the old carby engine-but not as big as the vitara engine.


fitted loads of a/c units to sierra-locally they all left the dealer with free air. even see hydrolic power steer unit on some models. Japanese denso system or local sanden units.


local mail service had jimny listed by NRMA as cheapest car in OZ per KM.

So this is my Sierra. Good nick all around as can be seen - functional/tasteful mods, 1.6 conversion, and proactively maintained on every front. No doubt it's a fun little beast that goes absolutely everywhere and turns heads in the process, but there's no security on offer, no way to carry a board/ski to the beach (or bigger bits and pieces from Bunnings), and no relief from the elements... OK for a brief window, but not so fun at when summer is punching 35º+ for months on end, or in the cold of winter when water is dripping on your toes (and yes, I have a fully enclosed canvas top for the winter months). And as is with all 20yo+ cars, no matter how proactive you are there's always something needing attention... the sight of rust has all sorts of alarm bells ringing.




Checked out 2nd hand Jimny's today at car yards and I was super impressed. Maybe not the same immediate wow and charm as my Sierra, but basic looks = no theft appeal. I wouldn't be afraid to leave a Jimny parked up in the city overnight. And in comparison the Jimny is light years ahead in terms of refinement... it even has power steering (WTF?).

Can't cross it off the list just yet - it's still the same form factor I know and love. Comes down to the fact I could pump $5K into my Sierra and see no return but a two year window of maintenance reprieve, or I could sell it for $5K and throw $10K into a Jimny (and mods) which will likely last me until the zombie apocalypse.

Get the rust looked at by a pro it may only be surface,Turn it into a ute,fit air con,lockable fibreglass cover on the back with tradie rack,You know you want to keep it

Nice zook mate, love the camo paint job..

You mean olive drab, as Lewy said get a canopy and fit a good rack like what the Nato Landy's had.