If one thing’s for certain in the unpredictable world of used car prices, it’s that the more unusual a car is, the more likely it is to hold – or even increase – its value as time goes by.
And if you needed evidence of that, look no further than the third-generation Suzuki Jimny, of which there is no shortage in the classifieds yet which still generally commands a healthy proportion of its original list price.
That’s largely because if you want a small, fun off-roader that’s also up for the odd urban foray, little else comes close.
Of course, a new model has arrived (and departed again, at least in four-seat guise) since this bite-sized brawler went off sale, but such is the Jimny’s commitment to utility and charm that you barely miss out by opting for an older example.
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You would do well to avoid the Santana-built soft-tops, because the five days per year you can enjoy open-air motoring will be overshadowed by the 360 days spent chasing leaks, battling rust and sourcing rare parts.
We’ve gone for a delightful 2011 hard-top example that has covered around 3000 miles per year (all safely on the road, we would wager), doesn’t appear to have a single scratch or ding and is specified in top-of-the-line SZ4 trim – meaning it features black leather-style seats, alloy wheels, electric windows and reassuringly chunky-looking roof rails. The Jimny already seems a sound investment; throw in a low mileage and a hefty kit list and you’re all but guaranteed not to lose your hat in the next few years.
Controversially, our car of choice is also equipped with a four-speed automatic gearbox, and that’s because driving a Jimny can often be – and we say this in the nicest possible way – a bit of a chore, so assistance when it comes to shifting is welcome. Besides, with just 83bhp on tap from a naturally aspirated 1.3-litre motor, this is no driver’s car, so give your left limbs a break.
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