Ssangyong Rexton Review (2003 to date)

Quick Summary

New sales of SsangYong's Rexton have demonstrated that there are quite a few customers out there who want a big, shiny 4x4 but don't want to fork out telephone number figures for the privilege. That's good news for the used buyer who wants to capitalise still further. The RX290 and RX320 models that represent the bulk of used stock both have something to be said for them, but the best model in the range, the 270Xdi is still very hard to track down. Whichever model you opt for, that smug feeling you'll get when you see a premium-priced rivals come the opposite way is worth the price of admission alone.

Overall:

Models Covered:5dr 4x4, 3.2 petrol, 2.7, 2.9 turbodiesel

THE LAW OF GRAVITAS

We all love a bargain. There are, however, some cars that seem almost too inexpensive. Think that's not possible? You need to try buying a used SsangYong Rexton. Believe me, you will end up feeling strangely guilty at how little you've paid and how much you've ended up with. That's not a function of terrible residual values either, the Rexton being fairly healthy in this regard. It's just down to the fact that SsangYong seem to have priced the Rexton a good few thousand pounds cheaper than it by all rights should be, when new, resulting in even more outrageous savings for the used buyer. If metal for your money is a priority and you want something nigh-on new, the Rexton makes a very interesting bet.
Used Ssangyong Rexton for sale

History of the Rexton

Few cars sold in modern times have quite such a convoluted history as the SsangYong Rexton. It was first 'introduced' to the British public in 2001 although internal wranglings within SsangYong meant that none were officially sold here in the UK. SsangYong were then swallowed up by Daewoo who sold a few Musso and Korando 4x4s and even threw a press launch for the Daewoo Rexton but again never officially sold a car here. General Motors' buy out of Daewoo came at a cost for the SsangYong marque as it was cast adrift. A separate distributor, SYUK, then took up the reins in 2003, finally offering the Rexton for sale on these shores. At first the range consisted of versions of the RX290 turbodiesel and RX320 petrol powered model. In summer 2004 a more advanced diesel engine was also made available in the shape of the 270Xdi version.The range was rationalised in 2006 with only the 2.7-litre diesel engine from the 270 model surviving the cull. It was offered in S, SE or SX trim. Later that year came the re-launch of the Rexton. Christened the Rexton II, the new model carried over the underlying mechanicals including that 2.7-litre engine and the basic styling but it added a revised front end (grille and light clusters) an improved interior and tuned suspension for enhanced on-road performance. The S specification was dropped at this stage making the better-equipped SE the entry-level point.
Used Ssangyong Rexton for sale

Ssangyong Rexton Road Test

Although the Rexton rides well on road, it's not been designed for exclusive blacktop use. On tarmac, it defaults to rear wheel drive operation but the push of a button forces the Borg Warner transfer case to engage either high range four-wheel drive for when things get a little slippery or low-range four-wheel drive for those occasions when you really need to lug yourself out of a spot. When in all-wheel drive mode in SE models, a vacuum actuator serves to lock all the wheel hubs automatically, further boosting traction. In plusher SX models, there's a torque-on-demand system which engages 4x4 progressively according to conditions.The Rexton is built around a proper industrial strength ladder-framed chassis construction. Although immensely strong, most rivals have abandoned this architecture in favour of monocoque chassis structures that give a more car-like drive. Given the Rexton's luxury pretensions it seems a trifle odd that it uses this he-man set up but the upside is that it feels almost indestructible when taken off road and the wheel articulation will get you out of many a tight spot. It's ride on tarmac isn't the smoothest but if you need a 4x4 that looks good but can still walk the walk when the going gets tough, the Rexton is a good value bet. The RX320 possesses a fair turn of speed and body control is better than expected but it lacks that polished final few percent that convinces people to stump up big premiums for a premium product. Bear in mind that low price and any criticisms we make should really be put into context.
Used Ssangyong Rexton for sale

Buying a Ssangyong Rexton

The Rexton offers a decent blend between rugged engines and no-nonsense componentry. Even after being subjected to quite arduous off-roading, a Rexton can come through unscathed. That said, do check the wheelarch liners for rust-inducing punctures make sure the alloy wheels haven't been mangled. Get under the car and take a look at the suspension and exhaust for signs of damage. The car should not pull to one side or the other as this can be a sign of steering damage and groaning sounds while cornering can spell a damaged differential.
Used Ssangyong Rexton for sale

Ssangyong Rexton Typical Pricing

After a couple of false starts that would normally result in disqualification, the Rexton finally got going and it has fairly sprinted out of the blocks. There are quite a few used examples to choose from, although many may well be ex-demonstrator vehicles. Expect to pay from £15,000 for a 53 plated RX290 in S trim, with the 3.2-litre version opening at around £18,000. You will struggle to find the 270Xdi diesel model as it's still relatively thin on the ground. Insurance for all Rexton models is affordable, opening at Group 11 for the RX290 and topping out at Group 13 for the RX320.
Used Ssangyong Rexton for sale

Ssangyong Rexton Parts

(Estimated prices, based on a 2003 2.9TD). There's often a sting in the tail with many budget South East Asian cars and it comes when you need to replace a part. SsangYong bucks this trend, offering reasonably priced spares. A radiator will set you back around £115 while an alternator is approximately £180. A starter motor is again realistically priced at around £165 and you'll need to budget around £300 for a complete exhaust (minus catalytic converter). The cat itself will be around £170 while front brake pads will cost a mere £40.
Used Ssangyong Rexton for sale