1998 Suzuki Jimny – XC AWD 3D 4WD

This is one of the most significant Japanese 4x4s you can buy right now – the 1998 Suzuki Jimny XC in the all-new JB23W chassis, the third-generation platform that launched in October 1998 and went on to become the longest-running Jimny generation in history, produced for an incredible 20 years through 2018. Now fully legal for US import under the 25-year rule, this gray-over-grey XC hardtop represents the very first year of a legendary platform, powered by Suzuki’s turbocharged and intercooled K6A DOHC three-cylinder producing 64 horsepower through an automatic transmission and a selectable 4WD system with hi/lo transfer case. The JB23W was a ground-up redesign over the outgoing JA22W – featuring a completely modernized interior with curved molded plastics, a washable dashboard, push-button 4WD engagement replacing the old mechanical shifter, and vacuum-locking front hubs that made switching between 2WD and 4WD seamless and effortless.

VIN JB23W-108332 confirms this is an early-production third-gen – a first-year example of the platform that Jimny enthusiasts worldwide consider the gold standard. The XC trim is the top-spec grade in the JB23W lineup, sitting above the base XA and mid-range XL, and it came loaded from the factory with features that make it an outstanding daily driver and trail companion. The automatic transmission is a standout feature for buyers who want the full Jimny off-road experience without the fatigue of clutch work on steep technical terrain, and with 117,000 km (approximately 72,700 miles) on the clock, this K6A turbo engine is well within its comfort zone – these powerplants are proven workhorses with a timing chain instead of a belt, meaning one less major maintenance item to worry about. The JB23W also brought meaningful improvements to passenger comfort, with proper rear footwells that finally made the Jimny a true four-seater, and fold-flat rear seats that create a surprisingly usable cargo area.

The Suzuki Jimny has built a global cult following that spans continents and decades – from Dakar Rally support vehicles to Japanese mountain rescue rigs to the thriving off-road communities across America that are just now discovering what the rest of the world has known for years. The JB23W generation is the sweet spot: modern enough to live with every day, analog enough to feel connected to the trail, and supported by an enormous aftermarket ecosystem with lift kits, suspension upgrades, turbo kits, roof racks, and virtually every accessory imaginable from companies like Monster Sport. Finding a first-year JB23W stateside with the automatic transmission and the top-spec XC trim is an exceptionally rare opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a trail rig for the Arizona desert, a compact daily driver with real off-road DNA, or simply the coolest vehicle at any gathering – this Jimny delivers. Currently in Japan with an expected arrival date of April 30, 2026 – secure yours with a $500 refundable deposit before it’s gone.