The demand for the Suzuki Jimny is soaring worldwide, with one owner in Oklahoma City taking advantage of a potential loophole to legally drive the off-road SUV on US roads, even though it is not street legal in the United States. The owner is selling a pristine, Sizzling Red five-door automatic Jimny for a hefty price of $54,995, which is significantly higher than the US price of a Tesla Model 3 and similar to a BMW i4 electric sedan.
The dealer selling the Jimny, Exotic Motorsports of Oklahoma, claims that the vehicle is on consignment and is investigating how it obtained a title from the initial seller. It is speculated that a loophole in Oklahoma state law may have allowed the Jimny to receive a title it technically should not have had, based on Title 42 which allows for a legal paper trail for certain types of vehicles.
This sale raises questions about whether this method of selling imported vehicles that do not meet US federal safety and emissions standards is a viable option for other vehicles in the future. It is worth noting that similar practices have been observed with right-hand drive Holden and Holden Special Vehicles cars being sold in Tennessee without meeting legal importing standards.
Despite the high price tag, the demand for the Suzuki Jimny remains strong, with the asking price for the US model being one of the highest in the world. In Australia, the official price for a five-door automatic Jimny starts at $36,490, making the US price seem exorbitant in comparison.
The popularity of the Jimny is evident by the lengthy waiting lists and high asking prices seen in Australia even before the fourth-generation model arrived in 2019. The US market has also shown a keen interest in the Jimny, with enthusiasts eagerly watching as Australian buyers set new sales records for the brand.
Overall, the sale of the Suzuki Jimny in the US highlights the global appeal of this rugged SUV and raises interesting questions about the legalities and implications of importing vehicles that do not meet local regulations. As demand for unique vehicles like the Jimny continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how regulations and market dynamics evolve in response.