Vic wrote on Nov 21^st, 2023 at 7:01am:


Its the same as the Ssang Yong Stavic.  I had two of them as Cabs.  The first went for about 950,000 klms in six years.  The second I sold, as the Cab Licence conditions changed.

Yes, they were "Mercedes" engines, but built in Korea under licence.

Five cylinder diesel.  The current versions are four cylinder I believe.

Two issues:

1.  Getting parts.  Expensive.

2.  The bllodyt engine, for not apparent reason, would put itself into limp mode sometimes when under pressure like going up a hil with a load....like pulling a van.

To resolve it, ytou had to puill off the road. Turn off, and restart.  That cleared the limp mode.

And:

3.  Occasionally, the gear lever would stick in the park position.  It is easily released if the bastards who sell you the car tell you how to do it.

Yes, it is cheaper than any of its competitors, and has bells and whistles but.......be warned.

The dealers had no idea how to fix that limp mode issue.  Some Ssang Yongs have the problem, some don't.  Luck of the draw.

Since reading that, I have also had a look around, and others have had the same experience I have referred to.

I was reminded of another one of its tricks.

You'd get out of the car, and walk away to do something. The bastard would lock itself, and you are stuffed if you did not take the key with you.

As a result, I had all of my drivers issued with a second key which they hooked to the belt loop-holes so when it happened, they could always get back in.

Vic wrote on Nov 21^st, 2023 at 1:18pm:


Taxis, especially Toyotas, easily go that sort of distance.  They are probably the  most regularly serviced vehicles you can imagine, and because they are working just about 24/7/365, stay 'warm.'

I have a Hybrid Camry with 787,000 ks on it still going strong.

Keep any car up with the liquids and routinely have services done, and Bob's yer Uncle.

It is far cheaper to replace, for example, engines of Toyotas than to buy even a second hand one.  That Camry I will keep on the road, I'll keep replacing every bit that needs to be done, fully detail regularly, even paint..........and it runs, and looks, like a new one.

Unless money is the issue, despite my own good but annoying experience with those SSangYong Stavics, as I'd rather not be in one touring Australia, I'd look elsewhere...even to something used (not abused) and pay the same amount you are willing to pay for a new Rexton.

Jasin wrote on Nov 21^st, 2023 at 3:31pm:



Thanks Jas - good advice.    The other thing is to keep my current car which can happily tow a gross of 2400kg and stick with a smaller van.  What I have seen is some Jayco Vans and some imported vans from the UK that are virtually made of plastic!  They have all the good gear like full fridge, stove, ensuite etc but weigh only around the 1400Kg mark.   They are expensive though.  As for the Lambo, I definately don't need to compensate for manhood by driving a long, red car, I need to tow a van!

If you think you're getting a high spec car for better value think again. A car like that will get hit very hard with depreciation so you pay at the back end.

Jasin wrote on Nov 21^st, 2023 at 5:09pm:



That’s true, but the only ones interested in resale value will be the people in my will.   If I was younger and my Wife a little more agile, I would go a Landcruiser, but I can’t do that.  I am more after comfort, warranty and reliability rather than resale.    It is surprising when you look for towing ability how many cars you thought could tow a decent van actually can’t.