I required a vehicle that could handle most conditions & it's done that in spades. My truck has taken me all over NZ & I've enjoyed every mile of the journey. It had a very small amount of kilometers on the clock as it had been used as a demo model but was new in every other way. I also required a vehicle that could tow well & pull a decent weight, (in this case >3ton), plus I put on a commerical roof rack capable of taking planks & ladders.
I liked its shape plus the fact that with it's high seats I could see over other vehicles in heavy slow moving traffic. I had always wanted a diesel powered vehicle. The 4 wheel drive appealed as I liked to take photos of NZ's mountain system & the many off road & logging tracks around Mt Ngauruhoe & Mt Tongariro were visited as the dog & I headed out for some very early photo sessions. The heater is fantastic but it too had a shelf life......more later
Parts are difficult to find. The Rexton model was the next up from the Korando & while I would like to have had one of these I couldn't afford it.
No parts available when you need them but the team @ Ssangyong have done a pretty good job all the same.
I really love my vehicle. I don't drive like an idiot & am quite willing to pull over to let people pass. I hope I'm still driving it 10yrs from now. Since the price of diesel went up I've removed the roof rack & given it to one of the mechanics @ Ssangyong who has done most of the work on my vehicle as a way of saying thanks. It may not be the flashest looking 4 wheel drive on the road, it may not have bluetooth but I can @ a pinch keep a meal hot under the bonnet & that's what I really like - it's practical. My heater gave up the ghost but the Manchester Ssangyong team fixed as best they could, 2 speeds now fast & stop. In theory I'm looking for another heater.
Star ratings:
- Reliability - 5/5
- Features/technology - 4/5
- Performance/economy - 5/5
- Value for money - 5/5
- Overall rating - 5/5
Lastly, would you buy this vehicle again?
Yes
Why would/wouldn't you buy it again?
I would love another new Korando cos I know I would love it as much as the first but this time I would get a yellow or bright orange paintjob as they are much easier to see on the roads although red/plum has got me this far. With the back seats down there is plently of room to include all my stuff especially on long trips & I try to get away every year.