1996 SsangYong Musso Reviews

The transmission stopped working at 96000 km.

The engine head broke.

The injector system failed.

The top cover started to leak.

This car is a very reliable vehicle, despite the many mishaps.

It's a good 4x4 off-road vehicle.

It has a strong body in case of vehicular accidents. It is good for a demolition derby.

The engine is noisy under heavy acceleration, and does not give as much power or as accelerate as smooth as expected.

The handbrake does not work.

The interior blower fan is noisy; sounds like it has leaves in it.

Cracks are appearing on the instrument cluster plastic cover.

Would not turnover/start 2 times after short stops. Suspect the gearbox inhibitor switch; started after a few minutes.

When driving in deep, soft sand uphill for 5-6 minutes, it started to heat up, but turning on the heater cooled it down again, so suspect it just needs a radiator flush.

Paint is starting to fade on the bonnet.

Recently purchased from auction for a 1000km 4wd camping trip. The car was great and handled the trip well. I have listed every problem, however they were not major issues for a car this old. Everything works, and the car is still very tidy, and solid.

Handbrake performance poor - awaiting further investigation.

Reversing Lights stopped working, sticking switch on gearbox.

Glovebox wouldn't open - easily sorted as hinge pin came loose.

Creaks from plastic trim, re-securing usually solves that..

Cold starts were a problem until Glow plugs checked and replaced (common fault on any diesel vehicle)

Overall this vehicle is outstanding value for money secondhand. If bought wisely and at the right price, a bargain 4x4 can be found. Reliability is built in from new, thanks to the input from Mercedes. Build quality is a poorer aspect, but at least it doesn't fall to pieces. Well equipped 4x4's don't usually come at this price - they seem to love gadgets in Korea!! The interior space is amazing, with plenty of storage where you need it, apart from tiny door pockets? The seats are very comfy, and it is a pleasure to drive long distance. The driving is effortless thanks to power steering and a good gearbox, which allows the 2.9ltr diesel to haul it along at speed on a motorway (indeed in excess of the legal limit for most of it if you don't watch your speedo!!)

Spares availability is a case of knowing where to source them from, but main dealers back-up depends on where you live.

Had gearbox changed due to broken 2nd and 5th gear.

4*4 motor changed.

Bosch injector pump failed. Had new pump fixed in.

Put in another engine recently, old engine had a crack on the block and it caused overheating.

Very comfortable cars.

Moves really well especially when at high-speed corners.

Generally excellent.

None so far.

Solid heavy machine, performance lacking on non turbo models, but will cruise comfortably at motorway speeds.

Handling very precise due to rack and pinion steering rather than the usual 4WD re-circulating ball mechanism.

Fitted with all the electrical toys you could want as standard.

Limited off road ability due to large overhangs, but otherwise solid.

Locks not working - fixed them myself.

Rear wiper motor gave up (again, I fixed it myself).

Nothing else wrong.

The seats are a little uncomfortable on long journeys.

Mine is the 2.9 diesel auto. It's a bit slow maybe, but it looks good, and I will never sell it.

For road use, it drives like a car, except when you get to a hill (needs a turbo).

Inside it's big, very big, which is refreshing after years of driving a normal car.

It's a little on the juicy side, but then it is a 2.9 litre.