1998 SsangYong Musso IL3200 3.2 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

I am actually quite surprised with it

Faults:

It had a few minor niggling faults when I got it.

Most major was a leaking rear diff seal. The local Ssangyong dealer fixed this for under $100.

Other faults were rear door tricky to open from outside handle, annoying wind noise from rear quarterlight window and front passenger door. These were just lack of attention to detail as the car was put together and were really easy and cheap to sort out. IE rear door was a simple adjustment and the wind noise was fixed with some insulation tape down the window on the back and some foam weather strip on front. Total cost $8 and my time.

Only other faults are a faulty fuel gauge that never reads quite full and a rear auto lock that won't work.

General Comments:

I am actually quite impressed with it. The above faults are nothing when you consider the fact I got it for $9k - about 1/2 the price of a land-cruiser, patrol or a good pajero with the same mileage at the time I bought it.

Mine has the genuine made in Germany Mercedes running gear. I have to say that this is what convinced me to take the risk, not knowing much about the brand, and I have not regretted it one bit.

Quite luxurious with is "Plood" (Plastic wood) grain and velour interior, all of which looks brand new, even after 10 years.

It can seriously outpace 99% of cars at traffic lights, being low geared and having that powerful mercedes 6 cylinder under the bonnet.

Pretty good off road - you just have to be careful where you choose to drive sometimes. As mine is factory standard, ground clearance can be bit of an issue. That being said, it has some pretty serious traction in all conditions and it has never not been able to get me anywhere yet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2008

24th Aug 2010, 05:08

I got a 98 Musso over a year ago. Brilliant. Well the head gasket went, but the dealer fixed at no cost.

It is quiet, comfortable, and yes the windscreen scratches easily, but the body fit on my car is perfect.

It starts and stops fine. The hand brake is not worth using.

Put in S mode, and it is like hot... off a shovel, and loved the ethanol mix fuel - it goes much better on it.

Got it cheap because people don't seem to like them, so I love mine even more = bloody good car.

23rd Jul 2012, 23:02

People don't realise that the models with the Merc engine, they are buying reliability. That particular engine was in production for around 25 years, so is proven.

The fact it has Ssangyong on it is what people fear... fear of the unknown. I am buying this model in 2 days. My last car was a 97 model Musso, and I loved it (a neighbour wrote it off... don't lend out your vehicle!).

1998 SsangYong Musso Grand Luxe 2.9 turbo diesel from Iceland

Summary:

You always get what you pay for

Faults:

Both door lock motors in the back needed replacement. A known problem

Door lock plastic pins brake frequently when it is below 0°c outside

Manual transmission is damaged, reverse doesn't hold. A known problem and very expensive

Blown head gasket at 100k km. Know to happen.

4x4 computer exchanged

4x4 motor exchanged, known to happen.

Door lock button in dashboard broke off

ABS 12V wire suffered corrosion so the ABS system didn't work. Had to be rewired from Battery.

General Comments:

It's is wise to shop around for Mercedes parts for the engine.

Nice power when modified with turbo inter cooler and a larger diesel feed (155hp)

Too bad you can't rely on the car, it is very nice and seemed like a good value. Very comfortable and dust free.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th May, 2004

1998 SsangYong Musso iL3200 petrol 3.2 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

High performing comfortable 4WD

Faults:

Previous owner had some faulty parts replaced under warranty.

Engine misfired badly under load at about 110,000kms, after some trial and error replaced faulty coil-pack.

Central locking mechanism operates by itself (mostly in wet weather-shorting somewhere)

Recently bad oil leak from front area, Mercedes Benz mechanic said that this is quite common for this type of engine and was usually the timing case seal, but in a few instances it has been the head gasket.

The water-pump is now starting to also leak (service agent said this was unusual considering the kilometers).

General Comments:

The car is very quiet on the road (comments from friends who have traveled with me0, with very good power for over-taking and towing.

Considering that this model was sold by Mercedes B, I would have expected a bit more quality control, as the price was in the typical Mercedes range.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th September, 2002

6th Oct 2010, 21:23

I have the same misfire problem. I am just wondering what you meant by trial and error in fixing it.

I will post a comment when it's fixed.

Thanks for your help.