Unusual Unattainable Want

"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg) 04/28/2016 at 17:31 • Filed to: None

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When I left the shores of the good old US of A for the first time, I saw a car that captured my imagination and has been a burning desire of mine for quite some time now. That car was the Citroen C6. That shouldn’t surprise many of you, because my love for full-size luxury vehicles is well-documented here on Oppo. I understand the concept of “less is more”, and I get why people might want a little, basic, bare-bones car to toss around, but when it comes time for me to pick my wheels, “little, basic, bare-bones” are not going to be on the list of features I seek. Which is why I cannot for the life of me figure out why, upon first seeing a Suzuki Jimny, I absolutely fell in love.

Unlike the C6, which I had known and wanted long before actually laying eyes on it, I had never heard of the Jimny before I saw it. I was smitten by the chunku, boxy little body, like a miniature Discovery II. I loved that it works as a relatively economical, reliable, and practical city car, yet is apparently capable enough to go as far off-road as you would ever really need to go. It may be small, but this little Samurai warrior (literally, this is the previous generation of this car was sold here as the Samurai) features body-on-frame construction, a 4x4 system with a low-range transfer case, and good ground clearance for a car with a wheelbase two inches shorter than that of a Fiat 500. I feel like you can’t describe the Jimny’s appeal without using worts like “spunky,”, “nimble,” “zippy,” or making analogies to some sort of small dog. From everything I have read, it drives just as eager as it looks both on and off the pavement. I can’t believe I could ever bring myself to drive a car with a 0-60 time of over 14 seconds, but while I abhor the thought of such sluggishness in any other car, I’m more than willing to get over it for this one.

In Israel, where I first saw the Jimny, there is absolutely zero car culture. Zilch. Nada. And as much fun as it would be to buy a used C6 or Alfa Romeo 159, chances are that if I do end up over there, it will for a year abroad during or after college. A used luxury car wouldn’t be in the budget. Frankly, this is the only car that I could buy over there on a shoestring budget that I’d actually want to drive. Luckily, I want to drive it quite a lot. It may be out of my grasp for now, but one never knows where the future may take them.

MultiplaOrgasms > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/28/2016 at 17:38

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A friend lives on an old Farm. They have had one for over ten years. Indestructible buggers. There are also supercharger kits available for those 1.3L engines.

Berang > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/28/2016 at 17:38

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These were super popular on Okinawa, I saw them everywhere.New ones, old ones, customized ones.

I personally prefer the older, more angular versions like above.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/28/2016 at 17:39

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I’ve driven one and they have fairly few redeeming qualities, but they are FUN. ‘Skippy’ almost in their ability across rough ground and an absolute joy in a slippery wet grass field :)

Steve in Manhattan > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/28/2016 at 17:48

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I have also written about my love for the C6 in this space. If I moved to the EU and needed a car, I’d likely get one. And I’ve never driven one ....

Cé hé sin > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/28/2016 at 18:04

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There are several C6s on sale near me, usually the 2.7 V6 diesel with loads of toys and costing about €10,000. Will I buy one? Not a chance. The annual road tax is €1,345 and the insurance would quite likely be as much.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/28/2016 at 19:02

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I love these little fellas as well! I’m not a big SUV/Off-Roader person, but if I would consider one of these for a DD...they are just a reliable, go-anywhere, no-nonsense little ride that do not pretend to be anything other than what they are! :)

Svend > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/28/2016 at 19:20

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I looked at the Suzuki U.K. Website the other day and they are still making them.

85hp 1.3 petrol manual or automatic for £13,000.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Svend 04/28/2016 at 19:21

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Indeed. One of our hotels was across the street from a Suzuki dealer, and they had tons of these new.

slipperysallylikespenguins > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/28/2016 at 21:36

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When I rented a car in Belize last year they were all out of Jimneys and I was so dissapointed to end up in an Exterra. I have dedicated myself to someday renting a Jimney and abusing it appropriatly.

Nolan Knight > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/28/2016 at 22:01

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I feel your pain. I saw a Lada Niva this weekend and now want one desperately.

duurtlang > Cé hé sin 04/29/2016 at 05:45

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Why would insurance be that high, assuming you’re beyond 25 years old?

About taxes: it would certainly be more expensive here, for the diesel at least. I’m already paying about €1150 a year for my LPG converted 406 coupe, €700 for the Galant and €600 for the 306 convertible. The 205s are off the road and thus not taxed for now, but they’d be in the €300 range. These taxes are bankrupting me though.

duurtlang > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/29/2016 at 05:48

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A friend of a friend owns one. She usually only drives short distances, but the last time I spoke to her she’d just driven it 400 km in one go. Not that much for a normal car, but in the Jimny it was a bit more challenging. She noted it wasn’t really made for highway speed. Small disclaimer: highway = German Autobahn.

Cé hé sin > duurtlang 04/29/2016 at 07:45

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I’m already paying something like €650 for my FTO and a 2.7 litre car with a higher value isn’t going to be cheaper.

Just got a quote : €623 for compehensive, €466 for third party. Less than I thought.