Following on from my "have done the unthinkable.." now its Ssang yong or Nissan?

[Twin2bunny]

Folks, thanks very much for all your helpful and wise repsonses last week, its very much appreciated. Have explored all avenues suggested and rather than break the law or indeed put my wee family or anyone else at risk by towing illegally we are now going to buy a new car. Obviously having spent a small fortune on my perfect van we have limited options but have found a SSang yong or Nissan terrano - anyone any experience with either? As you can tell I'm not bothered with looks ( i think they are both fine actually) or badge credibility but haven't heard any reports either way about reliability - am keen to hear opinions.
Thanks
As always

 

[otherclive]

Both have a good reputation for reliability but I would chose the Nissan as there are more dealers and parts are likely to be easier to obtain as they were virtually identical to the Ford Maverick too (same factory). Take time to check them out for loading,space etc and test drive too. Good luck.

 

[Tony_5041742]

I bought an 05 Rexton last year and in some ways it's like going back to the sort of cars we had in the 80s and 90s around road holding, quality of trim, ride etc. Not unlike a Terrano actually, so in some ways they are quite similar. However, the Rexton is a way heavier car, 2000+ kg, the Terrano is more like 1800kg. At the time we bought the Rexton we were contemplating a twin axle van, so needed the heavier car. I think that unless you need the weight of the Rexton the Nissan is likely to be less costly to run, as while my Rexton has been reasonably reliable so far not many garages understand them or can diagnose them. This has meant I've had to use the main dealer for most things other than basic servicing, which hasn't been cheap. However, compared to any other 2000kg 4x4 towcars it's a bargain, and I've been quite happy with it.

 

[Martin24]

Just got rid of the Rexton after 3 years. It was absolutely fine for towing our twin axle with no major issues, most of the problems were minor electrical gremlins which are a concern whatever you drive!! Have to say that although we were very happy with the car the Defender gives a much more settled tow.

 

[topshelf]

Hi, ref the terrano, on to my second now a 03 plate 3L , better mpg than the 2.7 of the same year I am lead to believe and more bhp, I had a 2.7 on a P reg one that I pulled a twin with, slighty under power on steep hills . Engine was sound as a pound, 120k and not using oil,started fine, Now the 3L suffers from a common oil light problem, new oil switch required ( there are 2 of them ), somtimes a leaky dack door seal, better up hills but not much, trim inside is prone to dropping off, But now Iv stopped slagging it off, I love mine, 7 seats when needed, plenty of leg room in the back, for parts look at milner 4 x 4 at matlock, 60mph = 33 mpg if you run up to 70mph the mpg drops to about 27 - 28. towing at 60mph = about 25 mpg,
Hope this helps

 

[xtrailman]

My nephew has a rexton but won't be having another.
He's fed up of going back to the dealer for electrical faults.
While i don't recall him saying anything negative about his CRV previously.
He doesn't tow though, its the wife's car.

 

[Raywood]

The thing that would swing me in favour of the Nissan would be this would hold its value better.

 

[MrBell]

Folks, thanks very much for all your helpful and wise repsonses last week, its very much appreciated. Have explored all avenues suggested and rather than break the law or indeed put my wee family or anyone else at risk by towing illegally we are now going to buy a new car. Obviously having spent a small fortune on my perfect van we have limited options but have found a SSang yong or Nissan terrano - anyone any experience with either? As you can tell I'm not bothered with looks ( i think they are both fine actually) or badge credibility but haven't heard any reports either way about reliability - am keen to hear opinions.
Thanks
As always

Hi i would look at the Vauxhall Antaras! I have been looking for a decent tow car for a while and stumbled accross the Antara. Its a lovely car to drive, if you buy the 2WD version you get reasonable MPG, i went for the AWD but thats a decision i made. The antara has 80kg nose weight and tows maximum of 2000kg which is more than enough pull power.
I bought the exclusive which gives you heated seats and a few other gadgets like self levelling suspension.
The engine is a 2.2 164bhp which is more than enough.
You will also find there is some really good offers for example 0% over 5 yrs with out any deposit!! and life time warrenty!
I really like mine, worth just taken one out to see what you think.