1998 SsangYong Musso IL3200 review from Australia and New Zealand

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.

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.