Ssangyong Musso Problems

THE Carsguide regularly has reviews of dual-cab utes, and we have run reviews of all new models as they have been released. The Musso is a strong, rugged ute that uses old Mercedes-Benz engines and transmissions dating to the time there was a connection between the two companies.

THE Musso flew under the radar of most buyers because the SsangYong brand was unknown here, but talk to a Musso owner and they will almost certainly tell you they love their car. I know of one that has done well in excess of 250,000km without a problem. The Musso's engines and transmissions are basically old Mercedes units, so they're well designed and developed. The rest of the car is pretty well built. One downer is that the 1996 model doesn't have an airbag. In my view the asking price is about $1000 too high, particularly if the sunroof doesn't work. It might not bother you that it doesn't work, but it might bother the person you want to sell it to in a few years, and so reduce the potential resale value.

I DROVE the Musso a few months ago and thought it was good value for money. The diesel, a Mercedes-Benz unit built by SsangYong under licence, is quite smooth with enough power. The finish seemed good, and it was certainly capable off-road. Based on feedback from the trade the old Musso 4WD wagon, really the same as the ute apart from the body, is reliable and highly thought of. I can recommend it.

THERE'S nothing sinister about it. The Musso has simply been replaced by the Actyon Sports. Musso owners are generally happy with their cars. Some have done big kilometres without a problem, and we receive few complaints about them here at Carsguide. Dealers are offering run-out deals, so it's probably a good time to sign up.