Used Ssangyong Tivoli 2015-present reliability
Category: Small SUV
As alternatives go, the Ssangyong Tivoli does offer you a longer warranty than most rivals and lots of equipment; it’s just a shame it’s not nicer to drive or cheaper to run
What should I look for in a used Ssangyong Tivoli hatchback?
While the Ssangyong Tivoli is a small SUV, you can still get more off-road-worthy versions of it, and some owners might have taken them off the beaten track. Look for any signs of mud-plugging such as loose bits of plastic underneath the car and lots of dirt.
On the inside, look for scuffed and scratched interior trim. Lots of cheap-feeling plastic is used, and this can mark easily. Also, the storage pockets on the back of the front seats and in the boot are made up of large, elasticated bands that wrap over hooks. Because these can be removed, make sure there aren’t any missing on the car you go to view.
What are the most common problems with a used Ssangyong Tivoli hatchback?
There was a recall for Tivolis produced between 1 July 2015 and 31 January 2016 for a possible fuel leak. A line in the engine bay could discharge fuel, and the driver might notice a lack of power, accompanied by a pungent fuel smell. Contact your local Ssangyong dealer if you are unsure whether your Tivoli has had this remedial work carried out.
If your Tivoli has a diesel engine, it is fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). This means that the car will need to be taken on regular motorway journeys to ensure that the DPF can regenerate, because this process is only triggered at high speeds. Check how the previous owner has used the car if you are unsure.
Other potential problems with DPF-equipped cars come if it has been shut off part-way through a regeneration. The result could be contamination of the oil system with fuel, leading to the oil level rising gradually over time. This might cause damage to the engine, if it hasn’t already, so it’s worth getting the car checked out.
Is a used Ssangyong Tivoli hatchback reliable?
Ssangyong backs up its reliability with a five-year warranty, so many models should have some manufacturer-backed cover left. Not that you'll need it: in our 2023 used car reliability study of cars between six and 20 years old, the Tivoli was rated the third most reliable small SUV on the road, finishing way ahead of more common models such as the Renault Captur, Mini Countryman and Nissan Juke.
