2005 SsangYong Musso 290 Sport Double Cab 4x4 review from South Africa

The body panels are very soft and dent easily. Still need to find ways of protecting load body on top.

The clock is a disaster. Had it replaced under warranty. Still not working. I tried tightening the electric plug at back and seemed to have helped (for a while).

The radio can GO! - Tape decks don't do it!

Off-Roading the departure angle (load body over-hang) is non-existent and one needs to continuously take care, got some "brandy" marks on the sides.

Bought my Musso (3rd one) in May 2005 in Pretoria, RSA. Done 12000km which included highway, clogging through traffic in morning/afternoon and some off-roading.

Very impressed with smooth comfortable ride. Fuel consumption good. Ride comfort good. Off-roading excellent when compared to other open differential 4x4's. If you do not have one get one...

Overall:

Made some changes and additions to the vehicle to suite my need. This include:

(a) Fitting longer coil springs at back to stop sagging when carrying a load. In addition I turned up the front torsion bars, if too high one gets a very uncomfortable ride. Had to lower it. Stands a bit nose down, but comfortable and balance nicely when towing or load on back.

(b) Fitted after market shocks. Did not make much difference on ride comfort though scored more wheel travel as they are longer.

C) Fitted an ARB Air locker in the back. Had some difficulties as specs on diff changed from previous model and the locker did not. The guys did a great job and it makes a huge difference as the traction control requires a too high speed over rocky terrain and does not work if one wheel in the air.

(d) Made a protection bar below the back to protect rear, not tested yet.

Will definitely get another one after this one, hopefully they will bring it out soon with the 270XDI machine in the near future.