Daewoo Musso Estate 1999-2002

The Musso started off its life as the SsangYong Musso which was later bought and taken over by Daewoo. It comes with two very reliable engines built by Mercedes in both petrol and diesel forms. The Musso is very large inside and the cabin can easily accommodate five adults and any luggage they may have. It is also priced in the same price range as smaller 4x4's, although you can understand why when you see the quality of the interior.

Pros and Cons:

• Good on fuel
  Seats are comfortable
  Reasonable off-road
  Good value for money

• Expensive repair costs
  Poor ride quality
  It can be tricky to find spare parts
  The cabin is of low quality

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Exterior and Interior

The Musso comes with plenty of room for even the biggest of families with plenty of leg and elbow room for passengers in the back. The boot is also extremely large and should be able to accommodate a families worth of luggage and still have room for a tent and the rest of your camping gear. The interior does look extremely cheap and tacky when compared to all of its rivals, and most other cars for that matter. There is only one level of trim for both of the engines but it comes well equipped having all-round electric windows, ABS, alloy wheels and air-con.

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Engines

There are only two engines available in the Musso, the 2.3-litre petrol and 2.9-litre diesel. Both of the engines were made by Mercedes-Benz and are the same ones used in the Korando, the Musso's smaller brother. There is also the option of an automatic gearbox.

Towards the end of Musso's life, the 2.3-litre petrol engine was dropped. The diesel was and still is a better option, although, it costs a few hundred pounds more than the petrol alternatives on the used market. The diesel produces a better fuel economy and has stronger low-down pull, making it far easier to drive in daily traffic.

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Performance and Economy

Both of the engines are proven to be extremely reliable which is to be expected really as they were built by Mercedes. The more powerful 138bhp 2.3-litre petrol is a lot quicker to drive, but guzzles fuel at an alarming rate and doesn't have the pulling power of the diesel when fully loaded. The 120bhp 2.9-litre diesel on the other hand has plenty of power being able to carry a full load as well as towing a trailer or boat with ease. It is also more fuel efficient managing about 30.7mpg, which is just as good as the Land Rover Discovery. Both of the gearboxes are good with the automatic proving to be extremely smooth. The Musso falls in to category 14 when it comes to insurance which is what one would expect for a big 4x4.

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What it's like to Drive

The ride quality of the Musso is poor to say the least. The ride is too firm, jerky at low speeds, with lots of body roll in the corners and lethargic steering. The diesel engine is better to drive through town as the stronger low-down pull makes it easier to drive in daily traffic. However, off-road it is a much more enjoyable vehicle being able to cope with almost everything you throw at it and surprisingly being almost as good as the Land Rovers.

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Faults and Repairs

The main problems with the Musso have been with the electrics, transmission and coolant system according to the company's claims department. Spare parts are also hard to find and can be expensive.

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