Generally speaking, when it comes to used cars, it is a given that the value of most cars depreciates over time. It is also the same reason why we often do comparisons between new cars and used cars, as the latter has depreciated a fair bit, making it a worthwhile option for some.

However, some cars, like the all-new, fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny seems to buck that trend, as prices of used Jimnys have surpassed that of new units. This trend can be observed in markets such as Australia, Indonesia, and Japan.

The Suzuki Jimny defies used car depreciation logic

Take Australia for example. Prices of a new Suzuki Jimny range between AUD 28,490 (~RM 92,000) to AUD 29,990 (~RM 96,000) – pretty decent prices for a brand-new unit.

However, things are a little different for used units, as Australian news outlets have been reporting that there are no used Jimnys that are priced below the AUD 28,490 mark. The cheapest used Jimny is a 2019 manual unit, listed at AUD 34,000 (~RM 110,000), roughly 20-percent more than a new unit. Sitting on the other end of the scale is a 2020 automatic unit, which is listed for AUD 50,000 (~RM 161,000).

It’s the same case in Indonesia, as the value of used Suzuki Jimnys has skyrocketed. The average price of a used Suzuki Jimny in the archipelago is roughly IDR 530 million (~RM 153,000), a massive increase over the original price (IDR 365.5 million to IDR 411 million).

Even in Japan, where the Jimny is currently made, prices of used units have exceeded new car prices (JPY 2.5 million to JPY 3.0 million for a used one, versus JPY 1.95 million to JPY 2.057 million for a new one).

But how is that remotely possible?

Simple – demand for the Jimny is outstripping supply.

Prior to Suzuki’s Gurugram plant producing the Jimny, it was up to Suzuki’s Kosai plant in Japan to supply the little SUV globally.

Also Read: Suzuki starts export of India-made Suzuki Jimny, is Malaysia on the recipient list?

Needless to say, judging from how well-received the Jimny is, there are only so many units the plant can produce each day, eventually leading to months-long worth of waiting period for buyers.

At the moment, Australians have to wait up to 12 months before they can get their hands on a brand-new Jimny. If you think that’s bad, Jimny buyers in Indonesia have to wait up to two years for one.

Also Read: RM 200k Suzuki Jimny sold out in Thailand, what about Malaysia?

Now that the Suzuki Gurugram plant has gone online, it should help ease the supply issue faced by Suzuki. The new plant has begun exports of the made-in-India Jimny to Peru, Colombia, and the Philippines.

Also Read: Philippines' Suzuki Jimny is now CBU India, Malaysia to be CBU Japan

What makes the Suzuki Jimny so special?

Unlike a lot of modern-day cars, the Suzuki Jimny is an honest little SUV. Its design is retro enough to pay homage to its heritage, yet modern enough to look towards the future. There's no other SUVs out there that balances that as well as the Jimny.

But if the Jimny’s standard looks are too mainstream for you, bodykit makers like Damd have created various designs for the Jimny, including a mini G-Class and a mini Land Rover Defender called Little G and Little D, respectively.

Plus, the Jimny is not a pretentious SUV that lacks off-roading capabilities. Quite the opposite, really, as the Jimny is far more capable than a number of “SUVs” these days. 

If you need convincing, just check out videos of the Suzuki Jimny tackling off-road courses. The combination of the Jimny’s short wheelbase and part-time 4WD system is the perfect recipe for it to conquer off-road courses with ease.

At the end of the day, the Suzuki Jimny is not seeking for your validation. It is Suzuki’s way of saying that modern-day cars can still have a character amidst the sea of soulless machines.

Granted, the Suzuki Jimny is expensive for such a tiny little SUV, but few can match the Jimny’s overall appeal and therein lies its appeal.

Naza Eastern Motors have plans for the Jimny in Malaysia, but the local launch timing is uncertain, owing to the supply shortage.