Should You Buy the Irish Jimny Commercial or Import a Passenger Version?

Most customers who come to us at The Jimny Co ask this exact question.

Buy the Irish Jimny Light Commercial Vehicle if:

• You’re fine with two seats and no rear seats

• You want cheaper annual running costs and commercial vehicle VRT

• You don’t want to deal with import or conversion paperwork

• You want something brand new with full Irish dealer backup and warranty

Import a Japanese Jimny Passenger Car if:

• You want four seats with rear seats for family or passengers

• You want higher spec options like heated seats, dual-tone colours, and unique trims such as the Sierra or special editions

• You don’t mind the VRT calculation — we handle that anyway

• You want the full flexibility of a passenger car with the classic jimny charm

In our experience, families and outdoor enthusiasts almost always choose the Japanese import route because it gives them the full flexibility of a passenger vehicle while keeping that classic Suzuki Jimny experience.

How We Import Jimnys for Irish Buyers

A big reason customers choose us: we take care of everything.

We handle:

• Sourcing in Japan through trusted auction channels

• Professional inspections before bidding

• Shipping and customs clearance

• VRT calculations and payment

• NCT preparation and registration

• Warranty options

• Accessories and off-road upgrades including winches, lifts, and chunky tyres

We’ve done this process hundreds of times, and we know the quirks—like how some Japanese jimny passenger cars need headlamp adjustments to pass NCT, or which models consistently arrive in the best condition.

If you’ve ever dealt with Revenue or VRT for a personal import, you’ll know it’s a headache. That’s why so many Dublin customers drop the whole process into our hands.

Is the Jimny Van Actually Good on Irish Roads?

Short answer: yes—but it's a niche off roader.

On Dublin city streets

The high driving position and tiny footprint make it brilliant for threading traffic and squeezing into tight parking spots in Ranelagh, Rathmines, or Blackrock. The jimny’s short wheelbase and cutaway bumpers give more grip and excellent visibility of the front corners.

On rural roads and tough terrain

Irish backroads are where the jimny shines. The 3 link rigid axle suspension with coil springs and high ground clearance provide outstanding ground clearance, while the selectable four wheel drive system and low transfer gear make it unbeatable in muck, snow, and wet fields. AA Ireland has praised its off-road capability in the past.

On motorways

It’ll do the M50, but it’s not a motorway cruiser. The 1.5 litre petrol engine is naturally aspirated, so maximum power is at higher revs, and the five speed manual gearbox means it’s noisy at cruising speeds. We always tell customers: the jimny is happiest at 80–100 km/h.

What the Relaunch Means for the Irish Jimny Market

We’re already seeing demand spike again—both for the Irish jimny commercial van and for passenger imports.

• First-time 4x4 buyers love the price point and quirky styling

• Outdoor enthusiasts want the versatility of passenger versions

• Small business owners like the commercial angle and lower running costs

• Collectors are eyeing Japanese domestic models before they become scarce

Yes—the jimny van is introducing a whole new wave of interest. Many who buy the van eventually come back to us later looking for a full-spec import once they realise how much more the Japanese passenger models offer.

If you’re weighing up whether to buy the Irish jimny van or import a Japanese passenger model, we’re happy to talk through it.

Thinking about a Jimny import? We handle it all – from Japan to Dublin. Contact The Jimny Co today.