2008 SsangYong Stavic

By Alborz Fallah | November 27th, 2007

SsangYong is slowly coming of age. There was at time when the Korean manufacturer was best known for producing the oddest looking cars in the world, but times have changed.

With every new model or facelift comes cleaner styling and more appeal. The latest model to undergo a much needed cosmetic surgery is the Stavic people mover.

The new Stavic borrows some design cues from the Kyron and Rexton to simplify the somewhat quirky shape of the preceding model. The update is obvious from the chrome grille that extends the new SsangYong styling theme across the range.

There is a new front bumper fascia, front grille and, on the Sports model, a moulded nudge bar. The top-of-the-range Stavic Limited also receives new 16-inch five spoke alloys while the Sports model receives 16″ steel rims.

From the back the new Stavic receives a redesigned rear spoiler with integrated LED stop light, and roof rails. Despite the changes, the rear still has a lot of convincing to do.

The interior has also received its share of improvements with SsangYong building the new Stavic with a Rexton II type steering wheel with integrated T-Tronic gear shift controls.

Additionally the 2008 range gets revised engine mapping for better driveability and lower fuel consumption. The Stavic is also Euro IV compliant after the switch to diesel power across the range.

The powerplant switch means the 3.2-litre petrol engine is no longer offered. The 2.7-litre diesel is coupled to either a five speed manual or a five speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

The Stavic is still available in both two or four wheel drive with a choice of either Sports or Limited specification level.

You wouldn’t know it, but given the lack of diesel cars in Australia, the Stavic takes the honour of Australia’s best selling diesel powered people mover, but it’s not hard to see why, with seating for seven and a long list of standard features starting from just $32,990.

SsangYong offers a 3 year/100,000 kilometre factory warranty with SsangYong Assist 24/7 roadside assistance.

Anthony

The front is an ‘improvement’.

But wtf is that thing on the back? Its a hunch back!
c1ockwork

“Despite the changes, the rear still has a bit convincing to do.” Surely this qualifies as the understatement of the decade? It’s truly unrivalled in terms of its rear end ugliness, though the Subaru Tribeca comes mighty close. What were they thinking? Why not fix it this time around? You can’t tell me that ass just happened to slip past all the consumer focus groups…
Dennis

YUUUUKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!! WOULD STILL WIN THE AWARD FOR THE UGLIEST CAR EVER PRODUCED.
Chris

I’m still of the opinion the Designers came up with the Rear end design on a napkin after a heavy night on the Turps. It literally still looks like an afterthought.
Say it how it is

On the payroll
bubba ganush

it looks like a stationwagon ran up the arse of a merc
golfschwein

No longer truly shocking, but still rates 1 out of 10. Do they supply a veil to wear over your face?

Unbelievably, this thing was designed in the first place by Ken Greenley (check spelling, someone) who penned any number of Astons and Jags in the eighties and nineties (I’m loose here, okay, anyone can correct me if desired)
Myke

If I designed something as ugly as this, I wouldn’t be taking credit for it.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/ alborz

Yes the rear isn’t the best looking in the business, but you have to remember, from what SsangYong used to be, to what it is now, is a massive improvement in terms of styling.
azza85

*barfs* That has to be the most ugliest people mover in the world! Nothing has changed, and to think they ‘reworked’ the front when the most obvious thing in need of a redo was the back. They probably though, “shit that’s ugly but what are we going to do *dumb stares into the distance*………oh let’s just to the front and hope we wooh people with that”. Absolutely disgusting!
Say it how it is

Improvement in styling. How much did they pay to get these reponses, the old one looked virtually EXACTLY the same…

redbookasiapacific.com/au/photos/SSAN/SSAN0027.jpg

They’ve made the grille slightly wider… woah huge improvement. Wasnt this car voted ugliest car of the year or something?
http://www.geardiary.com Mitchell Oke

It’s like they were making a sedan then said “crap, this was supposed to be a people mover!” and then stuck that thing on the back.
Reckless1

Finer styling than an AU, but still the ugliest creation on the market.

Even the Mahindra is better looking…….
Anthony

It’s kind of like a gangster with a mullet, stupidchrome ‘grillz’ up the front and truely shocking from the back. With no promise of anything notably visually attractive.
Minnow

“SsangYong is slowly coming of age”, what like a poo drying in the sun? Its an over engineered boat anchor. Why did Ssangyong have to make it soo massive as well? when its so big you cant help but notice it.

And there is a sports model… hahaha with steel rims hahaha, a van that looks like a massive out of proportion insect. Maybe SsangYong should be taking notes on designs of buses, or bricks thats a good start. Once they design a good rectangular shaped prism they can then move onto adding windows and eventually wheels because thats the stage their designers need to go back to.
Iamthestig

Um…

It has plenty of room inside…and that is it…
stiffmeister

I dont know what is going on the exterior designers head
but i think he’s on crack.
I personally can forgive the front looks of this people mover but no matter how long i look at the back i cant seem to comprehend why this design made it into production.
In fairness it may have a good engine and some specs…
but seriously, if they really want to market this hideous people mover why not hire a decent exterior designer…
heck why not hire me to design it…i bet anyone can think
of something better for the back…Geez fo’ REAL..pls change the back…the only good thing SSangyong did for this people mover is to make people laugh at its weird back.
i got entertained reading other peoples comments…lol
There’s this one comment i liked regarding the need of a veil…lol that is hilarious. Man this car looks like its giving birth to another car. Now seriously, why would anyone spend $32,990 to drive this car known to be the ugliest car ever produced? Pls for the love of God change the back…DRASTICALLY.
Eddy The Expert

I saw the Facelifted model at the Sydney Motor Show and the gold example they had on display had a black decal covering the C pillar to make the glass house appear to continue all the way along.
Jem

Looks like two cars doing it doggie style.
Bavarian Missile

I guess we can understand why the Asians copy everyone else’s designs now then……….

Ok there isn’t an uncool wall uncool enough for that to go on.
chris

from the rear it looks like one of those hyundai excels modified for wheelchair access
http://. Naughtyius Maximus

Looks too Kia Carnival (2nd last model).

Front passable just, rear is absolutely hideous and butch.
http://. Naughtyius Maximus

What the car needs is a normal back end…like really have readers on this website seen one. I have and they are hideously FUGLY.
Al Juraj

I’m no artist, but I know I can design a better van than that! Is it like a yacht that ran over a fridge? It’s just terrible that rear.
http://caradvive.com.au CHRIS PARR

And the ugliest new car of the year goes to Ssangyong again for the 5th year in a row, well done!!!
harry

jeez… whats going on with these wanker designers! this is one ugly mother… very close, possibly worse than the subaru tribeca in terms of down right jaw dropping dead set ugly, with the new, spongy subaru impreza not far behind. i think the ssangyoung designers are screwing the subaru designers and their off spring have spawned this filthy looking hearse like, smacked in shite box. if you got behind this thing in traffic, you’d bust your ring to get past it. this is a very tragic looking car. good luck!
http://caradvive.com.au CHRIS PARR

Harry i take offence to you comparing SSangyong to subarus!!! new impreza is actually good looking in the flesh, espicially the rs and wrx,, as for tribeca its no where neer as bad as ssangyong and about to be replaced by more mainstream better lookiing shape anyway..SUBARU is qaulity japanese product!! Ssangyong is just CRAP!!!
harry

its a matter of opinion chris, i disagree with you saying the wrx looks good. wrx looks cheap and nasty to me.. i’ve owned 5 subies, no more till they toughen up again. they’ve lost the plot at subieland.
Brian

I think the tail design came from the Benz A-class. Similar C pillar, didn’t like on the Merc, and is even worse here with the upright glass. Yuk. If they sloped the glass it would sorta look a bit like the Lexus Rx350 4×4.
Dave Hopkins

WOW nothing but criticism i have owned 2 stavics now my latest is the 4×4 limited yes the back isnt the easiest on the eyes untill they adapt lol i am wondering if any of you that have posted have kid(s) and need or want a people mover the reason i bought one was the size of them, nothing on the market could come close to the room the stavic offers with the fuel economy it offers aswell i mean 8.9ltrs per 100kms that aint bad for the size and weight of the vehicle but anyway thats my opinion

leanne

Hi Dave,
So nice to read a comment about the car itself rather than about how ugly the Stavic is. We took one for a drive today & are looking to purchase, We have 4 kids (4-12yrs old), we were pleasantly surprised in how this car drives & amazed at ALL the luxurious extras. there is sooooo much room in this car, we used to own a pajero and as far as space goes this car is awesome and really goes! This car we feel is under-rated, I’m personally looking forward to driving this car )

Lasharna

Hi there,
We bought a Stavic about 4 weeks ago and love it. We previously had a Grand Voyager that gave us nothing but headaches. We have 5 kids ($ to 15) as yet no complaints about not enought room from any which is a bonus. We are thinking about a in the roof dvd player. Have any of you had one installed?

Brendan

Thank you Dave for a voice of reason. Anything SUV that seats a third row of passengers requires those passengers to be sitting in the boot with their heads on the back window and there goes the load space. If you want to put three kiddie seats in a Tarago (same $ second hand as a new Stavic) you have to use the whole second row because row three has no anchor points and because the only access to the back row is by folding down one of the second row seats you would have to take out one of those safety seats everytime you wanted to use the back row?!
We have four little people to seat and what that big ugly Stavic rear end provides that nothing else in it’s class can is a third row with child safety seat anchor points,(and NOTHING else we could find had this) a third row that can be accessed without folding down and climbing over a second row and enough room beind the third row for a stroller and the groceries. The choice we had was a marvelously economical and practical family wagon with a big bum or a prettier 7 seater that was no bloody practical use to a large family at all. You’re all focussing on the look and maybe they could do something with it but from the inside the priorities are very different. Might I also suggest that 2.7 diesel will be just run in around the point some of the Stavics petrol powered competitors will be on their second motor? (to the tune of “The Carnival is Over” say no more)

Dan

I was looking at a stavic today and could only find 2 anchor points that go between the legs of the folks on the outside of the 3rd row . but could not find anymore (unless the cargo anchors can be changed)and sadly with the new laws i now need 3 child anchor points in the car any advice you have on this would be great.

Jodi

Thank you Dave and Brendan. I am looking at buying a Stavic today and read these comments with a sinking heart until I reached yours. We have 8 year old twins, a 6 year old and a baby on the way. Looking for an appropriate car has been nothing short of painful!!!! The vast majority of people movers that are aimed at families like ours have literaly no luggage room. I mean not even enough to fit a good pram and three school bags – our every day requirement not to mention groceries etc etc and this is every day not going away. The only thing we have found comparable in size and price is the Kia Carnival Grand. The Stavic feels more like a car (not entirely I know) than the Carnival and has some added luxuries which is nice for the parents who yes are sacrificing looks for practicality. Lets face it a Carnival wouldn’t win a beauty contest either! We spoke to a taxi driver who has a Stavic and says it is the best he has owned, it has just done 400,000 kms has required no mechanical work other than your normal filters, brake pads etc. It is looking like he might need a new gear box soon. I am not a car person (another reason this has been a painful process) and I know nothing about motors etc but combine that with the fuel econamy of the 2.7 diesel this has to be positive for the family budget!. We do all look at cars for different reasons and larger families must look for practicality and often budget!
Grammen

I own a 4WD stavic for 2 years now. Not much of problem… Well changed front windscreen once due to a small crack near the A pillar (followed too close behind a truck). Quite contented with it. I only have 2 kids and they never gives me problem cuz got their own ‘playground’ in the people mover. Even a 400 miles (5 hours) drive are just so relaxing and the kids are as fresh when arriving at the destination. My first look about Stavic was eww…! But after considering the whole package that it offers, just can’t resist. Now, I don’t think it looks eww.. anymore. I am proud to drive one and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
http://google Tom Byrne

Again, we are a family of 6, and recently arrived from europe. The Stavic in europe is a hugh seller, very pracical, fuel efficient ( diesel ), and most of all for our little darlings hugh on safety and comfort. We purchased one today from City ssangyong after exhausting our efforts (out of curiosity) to find one to match it for all mentioned above. It’s very sad that people still go on looks, a.k.a face value and don’t care to look closer to home to find the real meaning of beauty is only skin deep ! !. This s.u.v. can and will only go from strength to strength here, as it did in europe, riding the storm of negative comments about looks, and letting i’ts performance and price speak for i’ts self. From a very proud owner of a Ssangyong Stavic, built for reliability and comfort.
Richard

There just people who have nothing else to do on their lunchtime but write rubbish comments on a car and jump to conclusions. Write whatever you like about the Stavic, but its a great car which is packaged well for big families. After owning one for 3 1/2 years and just a tad under 100,000 kms. I can still it is still one of the best well put together car in the market for its class. Sure you can buy a mundane looking Carnival but you will pay heaps for running cost and maintenance cost (our car before we bought the stavic). Worse vehicle in terms of reliability. Where else can you find a car this size that can do 9ltrs/ 100 kms with 7 passengers plus all their luggages.
jorge

I just bought one here in Peru. Great Van!!. We have here just the 11 seat model. You can take all your family members plus your in laws!! The Stavic is very practical, fuel efficient. The price was US$ 38,999 with leather seats, tinted windows + turbo timer.
Jim

Hi Tom!

Hope it’s going well.

I am a SsangYong salesman and I have never lost a Stavic sale over looks. I really believe it to be the most underrated car on the market. It has no competitors for size, fuel economy or reliability. Yes, reliability! I have sold all the major people movers during my time in the industry (Tarago, Carnival, Voyager etc) and SsangYong beats them all for build quality and reliability. Yes, even the Toyota. Don’t assume that because the name sounds funny that it isn’t a quality product.
Steph

I went for a test drive and I love it. Yes of course the interior couldn’t win the nissan presage but looking at the room stavic have, I would love to be the one who is sitting behind rather than driving. I am considering this car for sure but a bit worried about the spareparts problem after a long run. It is still a diesel and diesel car wouldn’t last long. Agree?
alba

No se si alguine lea esto en español, pero lo pensamos mucho antes de decidirnos.

Somos una familia de 5 ( 3 niños ) y es el mejor carro que hemos tenido:: confortable, economico, facil de manejar.
Puede que no sea el más bello pero no hay perfeccion y con gasolina de US$ 3.5 / galon la belleza es lo mque menos importa si puedes tener una carro diesel .
Cranky

I LOVE the back…it is so different from the other mindless trash out there that it just screams futuristic, sci-fi & a difference in thought
Andrew

I’ll second, third, fouth ad infintium all the positive comments made – let all the rest get suckered in by the dumb blondes, my Stavic is our family hero. Had it for about 16 months now – first service at 10k, this is just one saving we made. But considering that the closest car in luxury fitout (we’ve got the Limited model with leather heated seats etc) was a Tarago or VW at about $70k, our ~$45k Stavic was a bargain. We have 5 kids – 3 older, two in baby seats (when we bought it). As mentioned – this is the ONLY car in its class that has the 2 captains seats in the middle to allow the older kids to walk through the middle to their seats in the back. Our second car is a Holden Zafira, which was the family car before this. The Stavic feels like a touring bus in comparison. We fit a large, double pram in the back, as well as a few bags, any shopping and heaps more (* without having to fold down seats to do this!).
It’s simple – if you want to be vain, buy one of the inferior “pretty” products out there. But if you’re a large family, get over the looks because this is the best buy you’ll make in a long time. And when people point and laugh, have a quiet giggle of your own while sitting in pure luxury!
shaun

Just had to write because of the several comments about ugliness, who I am sure have never owned one. We have had one for 2 years and it is the best choice I have ever made. We had new born twins (plus 2 other kids), it is pretty well the only one that could easily fit a double pram, whilst actually carrying children. The diesel engine is gives performance and absolute power whilst Kia’s ting their way up hills, like a truck the SSangyong powers on. You don’t feel like your sitting on the road or dash like the Tarago. And the standard additions put others to shame, considering its price. And anyway, I wonder if the negative commenters think the Tarago is a good-looking car?
Jim

The Tarago isn’t a good looking car, but it isn’t bad either. It is sort of anonymous in its styling. Infact, like all Toyotas, it has no style. To many, that is a good thing. The Stavic on the other hand looks HIDEOUS, so hideous infact it stands out like a particularly ugly example of a smashed thumb, and people turn to gawk and gasp at its ugliness as its massive unmissable shape trundles past. It may be a good, practical car, it may be a bargain, but I am sure its complete dearth of appealing styling turns potential buyers off before even going near a SsangYong dealership in the first place, so they’ll never find out. And I am sure its resale value would be pretty horrific too. Looking at it parked in your drive would give you zero pride of ownership (except among rare other Stavic owners, sympathetic to your lack of choice). It is soulless, whitegoods on wheels. It’s the sort of car you buy purely for function, no other reason, and you have to put up with its styling because there is no other choice. To everyone else, it’s an object of ridicule.

Russell M

Jim, your a sick puppy.

John Buysen

After having a Nissan Patrol 4wd for the last 20 years and 600.000km and being 73years of age we decided in January 2008 to purchase a Stavic 2wd Automatic, we have had problems with the automatic gear stuck in limb mode at 24000km and we were unable to reset the safety mode and had the car towed back for 560km to the dealer. The car got stuck again in automatic limb mode at 30.000km on 4th February 2009 however this time we were able to reset the safety mode and have it checked out under warranty. We purchased the car for its size, economy and comfort and are very happy in that regard. We have removed the third row of seats, carry all our gear and are able to sleep in the car in case of emergency on the many Australian outback trips we do every year, our average consumption over 30.000km is approx 10.2km/Ltr, our best consumption on the long trips is 13.2km/Ltr, our worst consumption is 8.10km/Ltr around town. Our biggest worry is the automatic limb mode, otherwise we are very happy with the car.Lookd do not worry us, we cannot all be good looking
Jonno

I’m looking at the main 9 people movers at the moment getting ready to purchase one to replace my 5 year old Kia Carnival. The Carnival engine blew up at 65,000km. Mostly it’s been reliable and great, but every now and then it reminds me that it’s getting old and needs replacing – like when the gasket blew on the engine again last week and needed towing… I’m seriously looking at the Ssangyong, however am put off by the diesel engine. Aren’t they REALLY expensive to service and fix? Everything else about the car, even the rear, I love.
David

In 2005, I was working at the Brisbane Motor Show and thought I’d look for people movers as our 4 kids were now too big to fit into the extra seats in our Falcon wagon. I saw the Stavic and walked straight past as I thought it was damn ugly. After checking out all the competitors and finding to get anything decent would cost $70k, I thought I should check out the Stavic. I was sold on the practicality of it. The back 2 rows can move forward or back depending on your need for leg room or luggage space. There was heaps of room for luggage on a long trip with 6 people. You can walk through the centre to the rear seats instead of having to fold seats down. I bought one and can honestly say it has been the best car we’ve ever owned. Apart from a loose lamp wire when we bought it, we have not had a single problem with the car and the servicing costs are quite reasonable. On fuel economy, I bought a Camry as a work car based on it’s stated economy. I consistently get 250 to 300 km more per tank in the Stavic versus the Camry with only 5 litres more fuel. The power is great. Even with 6 kids and a heavy trailer behind, the Stavic powers up mountain ranges effortlessly. Almost 4 years on, I still can’t see any competition that comes close to the value of the Stavic.
James

I’ve owned a stavic now for nearly 5 years and have found it to be a great car. The only downfall to having a car like this is that the parts are hard to come by for e.g. to find tyres there’s only two brands to choose from, Kumho’s, and Hankook. The brakes are hard to get if you don’t know where to look and when you change the brakes the rotors need changing at the same time because of excessive wear from using original pads. At the moment im going through this problem of sourcing these parts and so far have only found the pads and no rotor disks. God give me strength to carry on with this. The stavic also has this annoying case of using too much oil; within 7000km it would use 1.27L which is the marks between the dipstick. The engines been striped and nothing found to be causing the problem, on further investigation Ssangyong have said it is well within usage parameter. As 2L/1000km is acceptable what a crock of you know what. Oh one more thing if you get a service technician that comes out and says you need to drive the car harder because its a diesel and the precedes to take you and your family for a gentle high speed cruise around the block to show you how to drive it, give the idiot a gentle clip around the noggin for me.
Phil

Well what can I say about the Stavic. I have owned one for 4 years and have traveled from Perth to Tassie and back and most recent from Perth to Exmouth and back thru Tom Price back in to perth. I have 5 Children and with the 15″ DVD and all the room in the back it has kept the kids intertained.
The vehicle is a pleasure to drive and the running cost are very good (except for brakes). The diesel engine is very quite and powerfull and I am geting 10+l per 100km.

I will keep this vehicle for another couple of years and will definalty buy another as there is no other vehicle out there which has the same features at the price of the Stavic.

Once you drive the Stavic you forget aboout the looks which I say is great anyway
michael

Ihave own a Stavic for years all you have to remember this is the best people mover around it can carry 7 adults plus luggage haven’t found anything that comes close. This people mover was design to be just that not a pretty maybe. Stavic has 2.7 Turbo diesel 5 speed for more power than others in same class. I’ve taken wife, kids(5) luggage and towed 6 berth caravan on holidays someone tell me which pretty boy mpv that can do that ?????
Kirsty

WOW….I can’t believe all the people who can be bothered to leave a comment just to say its ugly!!! We are in the market at the moment for our family of 6. Up till now we have had a Jackaroo which has been okay because of the rear split seats. With one folded up we could fit a little bit of shopping etc. But now the kids are bigger and we want to do more driving holidays its just not going to cut the mustard. I think the Stavic is GREAT looking. I do agree it looks a little like its got wheelchair access at the back….but its certainly not a deal breaker for me. The positives FAR outway an unusual back end!!! Just for the record I think the Tarago is REVOLTING!!! I would need something to cover my face to ride in that!!!
As for the Carnival (no better looking than the stavic) that too has some great features BUT it has this flimsy fold down drink holder between the driver and the passenger seats.It looks so cheap and nasty, the Honda Odyssey has that aswell. They cost a s##t load more than the Stavic for no good reason. We are looking at low 40′s to get leather seats, sunroof and dvd player for the kids.
I am not surprised to hear they are big sellers in Europe…they have great taste over there!!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=728328538 Remy Cheng

ssangyong stavic have any problum
cause i want to buy this car
if the car are new
use for how many year will have many problum
or small matter problum
ecw

own a 2008 stavic and had to replace (front and back) brake pads and rotors at 40,000kms. we have never experienced anything like this with any other vehicle we have owned. expensive too – AUD$1800 through local Ssangyong dealer.
Steven

For Starters, I have a 2005 model Stavic. For those harping on about looks, Who Buys a people mover for looks and I challenge you to identify any good looking ones. I will immediately take you to the optometrist to get you Eyes checked.

For those people that are focused on the looks, then suggest that you do not need a people mover and start looking for the type of car you need.

Now the Stavic is by far the roomiest most economical, i easily get 10L/100km (Better on long Trips) around town and most comfortable People Mover in the market, To big for some.

Also as previously mentioned can fit 7 people with luggage for a long trip, climate control, Leather seats Turbo Diesel Power, Independant Rear suspension, and drives/handles more like sedan than any other MPV. That has to add to the safety. By far the most comfortable Driving positions in a MPV.

In Addition will tow 2500Kgs braked, not to many 4×4′s will do that and they definitely don’t have the comfort or practicality.

As for the Brake Issue, it is a 2050 Kg Vehicle and if you ride the brakes then that is what you will get. Mine has just done 50K (2005 model registered in 2007) and is due for brakes. It is now due for brakes because the mainly in town use.

If you are looking for a large, comfortable, nice handling, well appointed 7 seat MPV, that also can tow a large load, is reliable and economical then look no further.

If your looking for a stylish and good looking 7 seater MPV then good luck with your search because just based on the dimensions of the vehicle then you are going to be looking for the rest of your life. Want Stylish buy a Ferrari
http://moosicradio.com Mark Chapman Smith

Well well well!!!
what an interesting page of comments about the Stavic, firstly there is nothing wrong with the finish and the general stlying except for maybe the smily mouth front grill does look a little lame, later models than my 2005 are better.

Televisions Top Gear program set all these styling opinions into currency and the attitude has not changed that much since, my Gold Coast Stavic Taxi has done 400,000 since Oct 2005 and yes the brakes were a concern until I was told about Queensland Friction Materials Pty Ltd db1450 taxi 69 pad for the front. Phone 07 55961099.
This is their wholesale factory outlet, you may need a business to buy them direct.

The db1673 for the rear, is I believe is a Kia car pad avaialble at your local spare parts shop, the QFM front pad solves the high wear of the original pad and rotor as well as the rear db1673, both being more gentle on the rotors, those pads front and rear solve the problem big time.

Yes when you have a fuel system problem the deisel mechanics can whack you pretty good for pumps,injectors, filters but for normal non commercial motoring as long as you use the SSang Yong original fuel filters and your fuel does not get contaminated with anything you should have a great run.
New after market Bosch and other brands pumps,software mapping and injectors are mooted as being avaiable in about six months which will dramatically lower the costs for these items for private and commercial operators.

This car eats the competition for breakfast, it is without doubt the best car I have ever owned, the spec sheet comparison with other brands should tell you this before you even drive it, great fuel compsumtion, reliable Mercedes bases deisel turbo, absolute perfect torqe curve for highway motoring, independent wishbone suspension, great handling,rear wheel drive, great turning circle,great forward and rearward vision and the most comfortable vechicle for short or long journeys,the smoothest diesel engine Ive encounter, space and exceptional tyre milage except for commercial work.

There is a tendency in commercial work to lean on the LF tyre on rounabouts which feathers the edge of the tyre, rotation at regular service intervals solves that problem, after 400,000 kilometres I am buying a new one for my Taxi Licence and retiring my 2005 to a more reasonable lifestyle as my daily driver.

Spare parts are generally available quite quickly through your dealer but some odd items could take six weeks to get, finding a wrecker with one could solve an urgent problem, SSang Yong do need to review their parts prices, but aftermarket bits for these cars is increasing.

Gold Coast Taxi 701
Come for a jaunt up to Surfers with me from the Airport, you will enjoy the ride a whole lot better than the plane seat inside those alloy tubes.

Mark Chapman Smith.
0410687600

Rocky

mark,
Ill be in surfers in Jan 2011, I own a stavic and I wontnt mind a conversation on parts with you.
regrds
Rocky
Dan

For anyone looking to replace brake rotor’s check out getting solid rotors (blanc) and getting them machined at your local engineering shop to suit. should only cost about $80 a rotor(to get drilled and bored to size) and you can get what ever brand of rotor you want.Cause all it is , is that main stream break manufactuers don’t yet do parts for ssangyong (hole paterns , bore sizes) , so you cant get them at supercheap auto.I am a machinist by trade and have to do this with my Hoysung motorcycle (korean as well)so in know it will work.
P.S . Ask for a cash price.

Justin

I purchased a 2006 SV320 (rare petrol model) a year ago and would rate it as the best vehicle I have owned. Previously I have had many European and Aussie cars and the Stavic build quality, layout, options and price are all far better than previous cars.
As mentioned, if you need a true people mover, not a 7 seat sardine can on wheels with no boot/luggage space, you will not find anything in the class of the Stavic. We enjoy space and luxury for 1/4 the cost of equivalent people movers. I love how those who have never been in one let alone driven one, use words like ‘trundle by’ when the 3.2 petrol leaves many family 6cyl cars behind – I mean this thing gets up and goes when you need it, amazing hill climbing and overtaking power. Our other car is a VX commodore and I cannot keep up with the Stavic! As for handeling, you would not know it is a people mover but feels more like a medium sedan, very stable, even with big cross-winds.
I am a fussy person when it comes to cars and would rate the Stavic on par with the S Class Merc I used to have.
We love our Stavic and will not buy another brand again. I urge anyone looking at a vehicle with 7 seats to test drive a Stavic, it will grow on you. When the Commodore dies, looking forward to a SV270 Stavic.

filippo

Faster than a VX Commodore? On par with an S Class Mercedes?

Anything else? More luxurious than a Maybach? Handles better than a Ferrari? More economical than a Prius? How about more attractive than an Aston Martin DBS?

Justin

That’s right filippo – unlike you I have actually owned and driven the Stavic, S320, SAAB 95 and 9000, Range Rover P38, BA V8 Fairlane, Audi A6, WM Statesman for example. And I can therefore make an informed comparison and stand by my comments. Here they are again as you don’t seem to get it – A Stavic SV320 will outpace a VX V6, I know becuase I own these two cars and have tried. The Stavic has similar build quality to the Merc W140 S320 I owned. I have to say the paint is not as good but the way the car is put together is fantastic.

I bet you have never driven a Stavic and have no idea what you are talking about so keep up the good work, great to see you are trawling car sites and depositing useless drivel.

Lasharna

We have just purchased a 2010 (first brand new car we have ever owned) and are thrilled. We bought it for the room, and lets face it if your buying one of these you obviously have a need for it. We have 5 kids ranging from 4 to 15. We are wanting to get a dvd player installed in the roof does anyone know around about what the costs are?

carzrawsm

nar but pretty expensive
nickdl

Sorry can’t help you with the DVD player but may I ask why you didn’t buy a safer, longer warranty Hyundai iMax or Kia Grand Carnival? They are of a simliar price brand new and there are plenty of near new examples in the country.

Lasharna

We have 2 friends that have a Ssangyong and have had it for 4 years. They have had no trouble with them. We have heard alot of people saying that they had troble with the Kia Grand Carnival and the IMax is huge. It is more like a Van then a people mover. Sure it does have heaps of room. We took them for a drive and decided on the Ssangyong. We had Chrysler Grand Voyager and had nothing but trouble with it so we really debated about what to get. The Chrysler did a gear box at 90000km so we had no intention of getting another one of them. We sold it because it was nearing 180000km and new what was around the corner.
We are more than happy with the Ssangyong are you looking at one?

Russell M

We have had our Stavic for 5 years since new. It has been an excellent vehicle, I have no idea why people dislike the shape. It is extremely individual and easy to spot in a car park. Spacious,takes 4 people camping with all the gear inside, had 4 bikes inside and family of 4. Coming up to 90,000km changed the tyres once and brakes. Replaced the water seperator thingy (Diesel), I just tossed away the origional CD/Tape/Radio player and installed a touch screen with bluetooth.I get 10 lt to 100km around town and under 9 lt on a trip. Wife took it to 175km an hour out west and it was still building up speed. Excellent air conditioners, low road noise, comfy seats with a great viewing position.

Dave Hopkins

Hi Russell,

Did you have to replace the water seperator due to the alarm going off constantly? I have had this issue aswell but i unscrewed the cap off the bottom and released the condensation then obviously done the cap back up and have had no problems for about 3 months.

Phil Gorman

I have a brand new directed 15″ flip down DVD for sale for $750

contact me if you are interested

I have a stavic and also 5 kids and the dvd I have was the best investment i mande

George

I’ve owned a Stavic for 4 years. Good car, as a new car, but not worth anything secondhand. The reason is fuel problems are very common in these, and very, very ,expensive to recify ($5000 upwards). There is no cheap fix either. It is a very complex and expensive fuel system. After spending over $12000 fixing just fuel problems (car was only worth $15000 secondhand), in my fourth year, I got rid of it, because I could see there was not going to be an end to the issue. Do not buy a second hand Stavic, it will cost you. They sting you big time on parts and very few mechanics can repair them.
SSangyon need to do a lot more work in fuel system reliability and cost of repairs, before I will ever look at onother one.
Rocky

Got an 2005 Stavic, the only issue I have is that there is very little information out there.It would be helpful to know the type of merc engine and what type of gearbox it is.I know that the musso has a ford gearbox for example, so when one needs parts quickly one can ask the appropriate suppliers.
Dealer prices are very high and takes ages to get
Daniel

I bought a second hand 2005 Stavic three years ago. Admittedly it’s wierd looking. Apparently it was designed by a guy that ran the auto design course at the London School of Art – a guy who had previously designed Aston Martins, Bentley’s and Mercedes Benzes. The brief was to design something that had the feel of a luxury yacht but I think it came of more like a Pokemon character.

I’ll go out on a limb here and say that the front, at least, was ahead of its time. It does not look quite as ugly these days, and other cars seem to be coming out looking a bit similar.

One benefit is that no one is every going to try to steal it.

It is an awesome car for a family. It has heaps of power and torque, is well built, the motor and transmission are mature mercedes technology and see bullet proof. It is Auto, has hinged doors rather than sliding, has seven real seats, lots of natty features like meal trays, good fuel efficiency especially for a people mover, and piles of luggage space. It is also amazingly configurable. You can actually flatten out all the rear seats and, with an esky (cooler) in between the middle seats you can throw a doubel mattress in the back. I go camping and surfing with the kids and it is perfect for this. The only thing that looked similarly good was the Caravelle/Multivan but you are looking at twice what I paid.

It does drive a bit like a bus, but hell, it is a bus! One great surprise was how comfortable it is on long highway drives with the cruise control and large wheels.

I would definitely buy one again.

I have had a minor fuel problem, and yes parts are expensive and it is hard to find a qualified and equipped repairer. I have found one (GMA Motors in Yarraville, Vic)
Shane

Can these stavic’s be easily modified to accept wheelchairs, does anyone have info in regards to this???

Peter Devenyns

Shane

If I can fit my sons YFZ 450 Quad in the back of mine I am sure you will get someone to kit one out for a wheel chair

Peter Devenyns

I also have owned a Stavic AWD Limited since 2006.I copped a lot of flack when i got it.I lived in Qld and did a lot of K’s up and down the ranges,nothing gave me more pleasure than a Tarago or Voyager trying to keep up with me on these ranges and also leaving them behind at the coast to drive on the beach at Moore park.
Daniel, you summed it up well they dont look so weird today compared to some of the latest shapes.
My kids have all grown up and now its just the wife and I so its time to trade . The new Korando looks like a nice replacement.
Phil Gorman

I have a 15″ Directed DVD player to suit stavic if any one is interested.

I have owned a stavic from Oct 2005 and the vehicle has been great to me. We have had no problem with it, I have 5 kids and there is heaps of room. We have been to the eastern states two times and up north of WA also two time. I am planning to go east again in May and again will have trouble free motoring.

Looking foward to the new 4×4 duel cab due in 2012
Jess

I had a look at a 2005 model today and I really like it and will be taking it for a test drive on friday. I saw that there was 2 anchor points for child car seats in the middle 2 seats but what about the back row? I didn’t see any. are they hidden or can they be fitted to it? any help would be greatly appriciated.

Dennis

Yes there are three child restraint points across the floor of the cargo area under the mat that are for the rear seat row.
I’ve had a 2005 model for awhile and they are very popular with the kids.
as mentioned by others the Stavic makes the Tarago/Voyager/Carniaval etc look sick when it comes to performance – not to mention much better fuel economy.

Blake

Never Busy a Ssang Young car. My best mate brought this as a safe family car. The car has not even done 60,000 kms and the Gear Box has gone 4 times on the car. It stopped dead in the middle of the highway (all while his young kids) were in the car. Never buy this vechicle. When he approached customer service for a full refund they would not do it. I would like to see one of the salesman put there kids in the back of the car and see how they feel when it stops on the highway. This car is a joke and a serious liability.