Ask an expert

Hi,

I presently drive a 97 Daihatsu Rocky diesel which has been ultra reliable and has good fuel economy.
Am looking for a upgrade and was considering the previous model diesel Korando which is a similar size to my present car. Are these reliable? Have heard differing opinions on websites and magazines.

Am looking for an offroadable 4wd, with good fuel economy of less than 9L/100kms and is preferable a manual. Have thought of Suzuki grand Vitara, Jimny and newer Daihatsu terios as alternatives. Budget less than 20 K.

The Korando is a high risk vehicle hence the differing opinions on websites etc. You may almost fluke a great run out of one then again you may not.

The Ssangyong company has struggled over the years to build a vehicle with high quality levels and to build a reputation for a motor company heading in the right direction. In fact in-house issues have stalled their progress in terms of technical, safety or quality improvement.

Too many questions marks and doubts for me.

A Suzuki Grand Vitara would be a much better and safer bet.

thanks Jack.

You have confirmed what i thought.

Also how reliable is a Jimny? I know they are far smaller, but late model VVT ones with low kms are cheap to buy. Remember i am coming from a vehicle with a bouncy ride and noisy engine, so that lack of refinement isnt such as issue.

If you are prepared to put up with their bumpy ride, road and engine noise then they do offer excellent value for money.

Apart from their knowm shortcomings there are no known major mechanical problems that I am aware of.

Past service history and a little about the terrain it has been used over would come in handy before committing to purchase. I suspect some of them have been exposed to a hard life.