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Ssangyong has made giant strides in recent years, after it was taken over by a new owner and given a injection of investment to help its bid to become a credible car maker.

The result so far is a range of cars dominated by SUVs (as well as a single pick-up), most of which are below the class average standard but all of which have merits, including the amount of space and practicality they offer for the money.

The highlight in the range is currently the Korando, a Nissan Qashqai rival that offers all the space of that car but for a price closer to the much smaller Nissan Juke’s. It is very roomy and has decent engines, but it’s let down a bit by interior quality, high running costs and poor resale values.

SSANGYONG

REXTON

It's a lot of car for the money, but you have to sacrifice in some important areas

Used Ssangyong Rexton 4x4 2003 - 2013

Compared to most other 4x4s of the same size, the Rexton is a bargain. Cars like the Discovery or Jeep Grand Cherokee are far more expensive to buy, and the only other big 4x4 that comes close to matching the Rexton's price is the Kia Sorento. However, even that looks dear in comparison.

Of the Rexton's three engines, by far the most fuel-efficient is the 2.7-litre diesel, which returns 32.9mpg. Although that's pretty good for such a big car, it's not as good as a diesel Sorento. The 2.9 gets just 30.4mpg, or a woeful 25.0mpg with the automatic gearbox, while the 3.2 petrol can't even return 20mpg.

In terms of insurance, the Rexton is dearer than the Sorento, but cheaper than other mainstream rivals of a similar size.

Sadly, we don't have maintenance costs for the Rexton, but given that the engines are sourced from Mercedes, we see no reason why they should be overly expensive to service.

It's a lot of car for the money, but you have to sacrifice in some important areas

Originally, the Rexton came with petrol and diesel engines, but the 3.2-litre petrol was reserved for the top trim, making it too expensive for a supposedly budget car. It was also the worst model for fuel economy and insurance, so there's little surprise it was dropped in early 2006.

At the same time, the company dropped the 2.9-litre diesel, which is the easiest model to find on the used market and the cheapest. It's our recommendation as a used buy, but primarily because of its price.

The 2.7-litre diesel that joined the range in late 2004 (54-plate onwards), and became the only engine in the range from early 2006, is stronger and more fuel-efficient, but is too much more expensive than the 2.9.

Trim-wise, stick to the most basic models, as the whole range is well equipped.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all passengers</li> <li>Large boot with lots of clever storage solutions</li> <li>Good fuel economy and running costs</li> <li>All-round comfort</li> <li>High-quality interior finish</li></ul>

We define a large SUV as anything longer than 4.5 metres. These cars aren’t usually particularly cheap to buy or lease, so in return we expect a roomy cabin, a lengthy list of standard equipment and excellent cruising refinement.

A few models in this class are two-wheel drive, but the vast majority have four-wheel drive for at least a modicum of off-road ability.

Large SUV

SsangYongs are relative rarities in the UK, so it's very difficult to unearth any consistent problems with the Rexton. What's more, for the moment at least, the majority of models on our roads are still covered by the manufacturer's new car warranty, so any problems can be safely sorted at the supplying dealer.

Similarly, there has never been a recall on the Rexton, and SsangYong has never appeared in the JD Power survey. However, all the engines have been sourced from Mercedes, so we expect them to be sound.

Likewise, although the interior may not be the last word in style and some of the materials look decidedly cheap, there's no question that they're all put together well.

Last but not least, if the owners who have posted reviews online at whatcar.com are anything to go by, buyers should have little to worry about. Most cars have had trouble-free lives.

The real attraction of the Rexton is that it gives you a lot of car for the money, with something like Land Rover Discovery space for Freelander money.

Up front, the dash is well laid out, and the basically sound driving position gives a commanding view. Head and legroom are fine, although reach adjustment on the steering wheel would help taller drivers make themselves more comfortable. In the back, there's plenty of room for passengers, if not quite as much as in some rivals. The boot, too, is a good size, although it's not terribly wide, but it does house two extra fold-away seats on some models, which turn the Rexton into a seven-seater.

That's all very well - and, what's more, the Rexton is a fine off-roader - but the trouble starts once you drive on-road. The ride never really settles, there's too much body roll in bends and the slow-witted steering makes parking awkward.

Used Ssangyong Rexton 4x4 2003 - 2013 reliability

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Used Ssangyong Rexton 4x4 2003 - 2013 review

SsangYongs are relative rarities in the UK, so it's very difficult to unearth any consistent problems with the Rexton. What's more, for the moment at least, the majority of models on our roads are still covered by the manufacturer's new car warranty, so any problems can be safely sorted at the supplying dealer.,Similarly, there has never been a recall on the Rexton, and SsangYong has never appeared in the JD Power survey. However, all the engines have been sourced from Mercedes, so we expect them to be sound.,Likewise, although the interior may not be the last word in style and some of the materials look decidedly cheap, there's no question that they're all put together well.Last but not least, if the owners who have posted reviews online at whatcar.com are anything to go by, buyers should have little to worry about. Most cars have had trouble-free lives.

What to look for when buying a Ssangyong Rexton 2003 - 2013, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Ssangyong Rexton 4x4 2003 - 2013 reliability

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