Faults:

- Timing case seal leak.

- Minor interior damage.

- Rear hatch rattle.

- Indicator stalk failure.

- Ignition wiring failure.

- Park sensor failure.

General Comments:

The parts of this car made by Benz are spectacular, other than their standard automatic transmission bugs (of which, this has had remarkably few). By far the fastest stock 4x4 I have yet come across (including V8 cruisers, being far lighter and lower geared from the factory). The parts made by Ssangyong (interior, some wiring) have failed, but were not difficult to repair or replace.

I picked this up for very little; they regularly surface for a couple grand; if you are a little handy with cars, you cannot go past this thing for an easy to live with road 4x4 that can handle some moderate bush once in a while.

Faults:

Nothing to date.

General Comments:

Well what can I say, except it is a top 4x4 vehicle.

Putting it up, side by side with the 2000 Pajero I had before, this is a much better vehicle in all ways. When 4WDing, the Pajero was alright, but a bit dangerous due to its high centre of gravity, but with the Musso and its low CG, it is just so much more stable off road, and it rides far better.

Around town it is a bit thirsty on the fuel, but what do you expect, running an engine that has a very high BHP and torque, and that has slightly low gearing, but saying that, it will suck the door handles off 90% of cars from a standing start, and as a tow vehicle - AWESOME.

The ride is top notch, both on road and off. Mine has the full leather interior and all the bells and whistles, except for the sunroof.

Top car, and very under rated as a 4x4. Most people that bag them really do not know what they are talking about, or have never owned a Musso. I have owned Patrols, Land Cruisers, Pajeros and a Range Rover, and I must say the Musso is top of my list as a 4x4, along with the Range Rover. The others in comparison are just over priced rubbish.

Faults:

Automatic transmission overhaul at 120000Kms, - clutch for reverse gear broke. Transmission overhaul cost $3500Aud.

1 of 3 Ignition coil packs required replacement at 135000Kms. Individual Coil pack cost $250Aud (x3)

General Comments:

The SsangYong Musso is a great all round wagon.

An unusual looking car that was ridiculed for its design in the mid 90s, but fits in better with todays 4WDs and SUVs modern styling.

Originally styled by a Bentley Designer, it used Mercedes-Benz components, and was assembled in Korea by SsangYong (and later sold to Daewoo) Simple!

Although the automatic transmission clutch failed at 120000kms, this is NOT a common problem with the Mercedes designed 4speeds.

The Musso may lack that finished build quality you may expect from a similar model Hilux-Surf or Landcruiser, however it makes up for it with a high level of technology, luxury and performance not found in its competitors.

The Mercedes-Benz 3.2L In-Line 6 cylinder gives great smooth power, and the fuel consumption is fair for a 2 tonne car with this engine style. (450Kms / 65 Litres)

Off-road the Musso is a worthy contender, constant AWD with High/Low range and auto steep decent.

Comfortable and fair ground clearance.

The Musso is a purpose built SUV, luxurious and suited for everyday city driving and capable of serious 4WD work.

However most Musso's age may affect their reliability and I wouldn't be driving anywhere isolated where a life may depend on the vehicle.

But I guess that could be said for any 10 year older car.

Overall the Musso is a great value AWD SUV to buy (New or Used), and parts are fairly priced considering the vehicle uses a lot of genuine Mercedes parts.

But beware the scarce lack of dealerships and parts outlets in Australia.

You can find parts through some Mercedes-Benz dealers, but they are often reluctant to help you as they see the Mussos as a "naughty stepchild" to the Benz family.

Do a little bit of research and this car will score a 10/10.

Features including:

ABS.

Traction Control.

Cruise Control (!Auto only)

Constant AWD - electronic High/Low range.

Mercedes-Benz designed Motors and Transmission.

Central locking.

Power Windows.

Leather Seats.

Wood-grain look dash and trims.

Auto speed sensing wipers.