Ssangyong Rexton

The Rexton is likely to have a worse resale value than the Pathfinder, but it has proven mechanicals whereas the Pathfinder is all new(ish). No-one knows how the 2.5 diesel will perform in the medium term but to my mind it's following the same philosophy as the Patrol - that is, large car very small engine. Result is overstressed engine compared to the opposite philosophy of small vehicle large engine which historically has resulted in everlasting drivetrains ( but lousy fuel economy)

I can't handle the styling of either one but you should buy what impresses you not what others think you should have.

A friend is a Mercedes Vito salesman and he gives the Rexton a big mechanical rap.

We drove a Rexton and a Terracan a couple of weekends ago.

We were quite impressed with both, but liked the Rexton a lot more. Much comfier, roomier, and quite quick off the mark. Underbody protection is good, with steel plates everywhere.

When it comes time to trade up, I think the Terracan will get a good look in. Not as comfortable as the Rexton, but still quite nice, and there are some aftermarket accessories. We got a spec for 2" suspension lift, 2" Body Lift, Winch mountable bull bar, rear wheel carrier, long range tank, diff lock, and a couple of other little bits and pieces. The dealer rekoned he could get 235/85 wheels on, but I dunno....

Still, we still got a good deal of change from $46000, and that was before the negotiations really started..

Two problems we found with the Rexton were the lack of aftermarket gear (ie.. nothing), and the dealers themselves. The Parramatta dealer refused to take us for a test drive unless we had made a booking! So we looked at the car for 15 minutes or so, and watched him sit on his bum the whole time, then we tried to get a test drive again. Basically told us to bugger off! So we did, to the dealer 10 minutes down the road at Strathfield....... This guy was a bit better, but not real helpful.

Lol - they are Ssanyongs, fer christ sake, not bloody porsches!

Cheers,

Chump

I have a good friend who bought a Rexton last year and is very impressed with its power, economy, size and comfort. Averages around 8l/100 around town and better on the highway.

His only criticism is the suspension, the front tends to nose dive easily under moderate to heavy breaking. He has been trying to source new springs and shocks but has yet to find anything. This is the only problem as mentioned already is the lack of after market gear.

Cheers

Have a look at this.

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/car-review-full.aspx?RT=456