Ssangyong Musso (1995 - 1999)
9 turbodiesel
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
When it comes to badge equity, youve either got it or you havent. Whilst Mercedes and BMW drivers pay a big premium for the guaranteed residual values and snob appeal of their smart badges, there are other marques that have to forge an existence on the strength of their hardware. Take SsangYong for example. If youre asking yourself Who?, that illustrates the point exactly.
The Musso 4x4 was launched in the UK in 1995 and failed to create much of an impression for four years, largely due to the fact that we like our premium badges on big 4x4s. The ironic thing is that if you pop the bonnet, youll see a premium lump of Mercedes-Benz iron staring back at you but most never bothered to investigate that far. As a used buy, the Musso makes an excellent value family 4x4. Before you sign up for an MPV, give one a look.
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Thats impossible due to the fact that, unlike many competitors, you dont get occasional seats in the luggage compartment. Still, there is ample head and legroom for five people. Another point worth making is that, at only 67.7 inches high, it's still able to scrape aboard `Le Shuttle` (unlike some other 4x4s), should you wish to venture across the Channel. Another unusual feature is that the rear seat is set higher than those at the front. This novelty, copied from Korean executive cars unseen in Europe, was adopted to give rear passengers a better view. Other useful features include an intrusion-free 1120-litre, luggage compartment and split/folding rear seat.
Due to the paltry sales, it may be difficult landing a Musso in an exact colour/trim/condition combination. Prices begin at £2,700 for a 1995 registered Musso 2.9D Standard, with the more appealing-sounding SE model retailing for £500 more. The oddball 3.
2-litre GX220s prices are hovering around the £4,700 mark for a tidy 1997 P registered vehicle.
The engines and gearboxes are proven items, and the ladder-framed chassis boasts good ground clearance, so the Musso wont cause any great concern in these areas. As with any vehicle that purports to offer serious off road capabilities, check the underbody for signs of damage. Concentrate on the suspension, exhaust and chassis, and make sure the steering and differential are still serviceable. Inspect the wheelarch liners for rust-inducing punctures and ensure that the four-wheel drive selector works properly, as these shift on the fly mechanisms are prone to accidental damage.
Otherwise, the usual reminder to obtain a service history applies.
(Estimated prices, based on a 2.3). A new starter motor for a Musso will relieve you of approximately £578. A new alternator will demand the sum of £390.
A radiator is more reasonably priced at around £145, and a clutch assembly will be in the region of £165. Things begin to go a trifle pear-shaped with a £450 exhaust system and a £735 catalyst, whilst front brake pads wont give you any change from £100.
The Musso comes as standard with the high driving position and bulletproof feel that all good 4x4s engender. Despite being based on a proper off-road ladder chassis, the on-road ride is good. Coil sprung rear suspension gives a relatively composed ride, and stability feels good. Theres none of the tilting, toppling and swaying that some 4x4 owners have become used to, that feeling that when the steering wheel is turned the upper and lower halves of the vehicle are going in opposite directions.
Reassuring anti-lock brakes are fitted as standard, and the front suspension resists dive quite well. The four-wheel drive selector takes the form of a simple dash-mounted button rather than an awkward lever, and this can be operated at speed of up to 43mph. Once off-road, the Musso is not as agile as its sister car, the Korando, as sheer bulk mitigates against its ultimate capability and ground clearance is not the greatest.
Just because youve got a growing family and the outgoings to match doesnt necessarily mean you should cave in to mediocrity and buy an ageing MPV. A SsangYong Musso has a whole lot more about it and offers the opportunity for weekend off roading fun. The Musso is big, tough and is unlikely to depreciate a whole lot further. If a premium badge doesnt concern you, the Musso could make an interesting bet.
Its worth it just to be able to confuse people who think they know about cars.
