Suzuki Jimny vs Zotye Nomad
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Jimny wins on money kept: 79% retained after three years vs 55%, worth about R 286 701 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Jimny | Nomad | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 444 900 | R 119 995 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 7 776/m | R 2 097/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 90% | 74% |
| Retained after 3 years | 79% | 55% |
| Value after 3 years | R 352 115 | R 65 415 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 92 785 | R 54 580 |
| Value after 5 years | R 303 628 | R 48 580 |
| Our tier | Legendary retainer | Orphan & discontinued |
Suzuki Jimny →
The three-door Jimny has been sold here since 2008, and the 2018 generation created waiting lists that lasted years. It is one of very few cars in SA that barely depreciates, with clean used examples trading close to new prices. The range is now GLX-only, with a 1.5 petrol and proper low-range 4x4.
Known for: waiting lists and barely depreciating
Zotye Nomad →
Licensed copy of the first-generation Daihatsu Terios, sold from around 2008 with 1.3 and 1.5 engines and later facelifted as the Hunter. At R119,995 in 2010 it was SA's cheapest SUV. The brand vanished quickly, so survivors are bargain-bin orphans that share some parts with the old Terios.
Known for: sa's cheapest suv, terios clone
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Suzuki Jimny or the Zotye Nomad?
The Suzuki Jimny. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 55% for the Zotye Nomad, a gap of 25 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Suzuki Jimny loses about R 92 785 over three years and the Zotye Nomad loses about R 54 580. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Suzuki Jimny runs about R 7 776 per month and the Zotye Nomad about R 2 097, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.