SsangYong Actyon Sports
Verified68 reviews
Troubles with uphill rpms – As a farmer I use this everyday to commute to and from towns. Recently brought the truck from car dealership. Only had 1 previous owner. Haven’t serviced it myself as before purchasing it was serviced at 50000kms. Only done 54000kms so far. Well one thing I have noticed with the truck is when going up hill in 5th I have to slam it into 3rd just to… Read more
pick up speed. But as soon as I have speed and put into 4th speed just drop faster than I picked up. It just doesn’t have that gas behind the accelerator as my other trucks. When in 3rd the rpms at 2000-2500rpm and speed picks up to 80-90km/ph but when changed to 4th rpms at 1000-1500rpm and speed slows down to 60 and below. Serious issue in my eyes. Not an enjoyable ride going up hills. But over everything else is good just a few step backs.
I can't believe all the bad reviews – We purchased our Actyon Sports SX new in 2015 and have travelled 135,000 absolutely trouble free km in it. This has been the best value for money vehicle I have owned, full stop. It cruises quietly and comfortably and provides reasonable fuel economy. It tows well and is pretty good offroad. I had it raised by 40mm with Dobinsons springs when I… Read more
got it, retaining the factory shockers and this has proven time and time again to be a very good decision off the bitumen.
Servicing and maintenance is not an issue, some commonly used service parts are shared with Hyundai. My local mechanic has worked the car since 15,000 km, every 15,000 - and he always comments on how easy it is to work on and what a good quality vehicle it is.
Being a late build model, it is the 5 speed Mercedes auto transmission with the newer 2.0 engine. The transmissions in these are as tough as nails - many Mercedes vehicles have surpassed 400,000 km without issue, so long as they are serviced every 50,000 km. The engine is a Ssangyong developed unit and is perfectly suited to the vehicle. While only being 2.0 capacity, it's Low End Torque design means that it never feels out of puff and is more than adequate for everyday driving and towing.
Being coil sprung all round means that it does have a lower payload for the tub (only 450kg) and it will sag if you load it to that weight but the massive benefit is ride quality and handling. Given that we bought it as a daily drive to work, with carrying capacity being a secondary need I am more than happy with the compromise. I'd much rather ride in comfort the 90% of the time I drive it with nothing in the back.
Given it's low purchase price of $34,990 back in 2015, which included towbar, canopy on the upgrade SX model that has stability and Cruise control, I'd rate it as somewhat of a bargain.
SsangYong lemons – 2010 SsangYong actyon has 200000 kms on the clock. Serviced regularly but lately needed $6000 worth of repairs. Car written off just like it's predecessor SsangYong Stavic. Long wait for expensive parts. Show details
Reviews with attachments
Biggest heap of crap I've ever had - who wants in on class action lawsuit ? – I had a 2011 Actyon auto 4x4 "Tradie" sports ute. Loved it, comfy, capable, economical and would have loved to have kept it...........It was purchased 20th June 2014 and it should've done us for years to come. Rego: 399*** Make: Ssangyong Model: Actyon Sports 4X4, Body: Dual Cab Chassis, Build_Year: 03/2011 KM: 27,454 VIN: KP*************70 … Read more
Compliance_Date: 05/2011 Engine: 2.0L 4 cyl Turbo Diesel
Now the car was great and we really enjoyed it, used it quite bit for camping and four wheel driving. I always serviced it regularly at 5,000 k intervals and it did have a service history when I bought it even though it had very low k’s on it, it had been done when recommended. So we drove it around for roughly 12 months until a public holiday long weekend ( of all times ) trip venturing to the Watagans and we weren’t even off the freeway, and the auto seemed to slip into neutral on it’s own. Pulled off the road into the dirt and we had nothing at all, no forward, no reverse, no transfer case – nothing ! So we got a mate to tow it to a relative’s house up that way and then on the Monday rang NRMA to come and have a look at it. The NRMA bloke had no clue at all, said sorry and shut the bonnet. We thought maybe, just maybe fingers crossed that it may just be a little low on fluid however a trip to Supercheap and an auto fluid top up didn’t help……..still nothing !
We had it towed from Maitland home, cost ( to NRMA ) was over $800 – OUCH ! Had it towed from my house ( $180 ) to one local automatic “specialist” – he had no clue and couldn’t even get the fault codes right.
I paid my mate again ( another $180 ) to tow it to an auto specialist in Penrith who was fantastic ! and they diagnosed it straight up – auto totally dead ! So $7,500 for a brand new Chinese made one from Ssangyong or $3,000 for a pre-owned out of a wreckers yard. For a vehicle worth only $9,000 if running, I went the pre-owned wrecker option. So on the 2nd July 2015, I blew $4,000 ( that I didn’t have ) all up supplied and fitted and away we go again. Just 60,000 on the clock remember…….
Fast forward, with regular services along the way including both diesel fuel filters, air and oil filters, to October long weekend 2017 and with only 110,000 k’s on the clock we were coming back from Lithgow and it starting belching huge plumes of dark black oily soot out the exhaust when under load.
As we coasted down the other hill, the “check engine” came on. Pulled over, thought maybe a bit of water or crap in the diesel filter so drained it out and managed to start the engine again with Aerostart. But not 1 k up the road more putrid black soot. So we limped it home and then on the Monday towed it yet again, another $140 odd, to a diesel “expert” at Smithfield. They quoted me $695 to diagnose what we already knew, 1 or more faulty injectors. So I paid and said go ahead with quote to replace the 4 injectors - $3,900 odd all up.
They rang me after a week or so, told me that snapped off two injectors below the surface of the head and the third one just above the head and didn’t try the fourth injector near the firewall, too hard to get to apparently.
They rang me and said the quote now is approximately $8,000+ depending on how many hours labour to remove manifolds and the head etc as they now had to punch the injectors out from below. I nearly died ! All this for a car, if running, I would be lucky to sell for $7,000 or $8,000 max !
I told them not to do anything, and I had it towed, yet agaaaaaain at $170 odd, out to my dads house where it then sat under his carport for almost 2 years. My dad bought me the new injectors, $1,850 thank you very much, and proceeded to spend countless hours pulling this crap heap apart removing all the necessary bits and pieces to enable us to get the head off and hopefully the old injectors out. Now this proved impossible – we tried heat, cold, hammering and even a 30 tonne press with specially made hardened steel collars, dad forged himself, which just bent and twisted under the weight and we could not get the back two injectors out !
We had quotes from machine shops at $100 to drill them out on CNC machines but with no idea of how many hours we would be looking at so basically write an open cheque. And none of them really wanted to do it either in case they stuffed it and had to replace the head at their cost, we found them online for around $2,000+ so they weren’t keen like if it had been a common Hilux or LandCruiser head.
In the end, I cut my losses and sold the car a month ago for $1,800 including the brand new still sealed injectors. I am so pis*ed off because the guy who bought it off me, and a number of others I’ve spoken to, have said that Ssangyong recommended their dealers push customers to have injectors removed, clean and reinstalled with new washers etc at 50,000 k intervals yet they never mentioned it because it would make their perceived servicing costs unrealistic due to the labour they would have to charge. Also it is very common in this model for the injectors to seize themselves in the head due to cast steel injector casing and the softer aluminium or alloy head.
I contacted Ssangyong Australia and was verbally told ( they wouldn’t put anything in writing due to liability ), that they would not entertain any sort of help mechanically or financially.
After this happened, I started researching the issue and have since found another 4 or 5 people who all suffered the same fate. I believe these automatic boxes, the same used in the EF Falcon and the Ford Territory’s were failure prone. Once Ssangyong’s new owner Geely, China’s biggest car manufacturer closed the Australian manufacturing plant of Drivetrain System International and shipped all manufacturing to China, the gearboxes became a throw away item. No parts were available even for a rebuild. So throw it out and just spend another $7,500 for repairs worth maybe $1,000 !
There are countless cases on this website of people that have similar issues as me. I won't copy and past them all here but if you simply filter the 1 star rated reveiws and read for yourself, these cars are absolute rubbish !!!! #ssangyongarecrap I wouldn't be so angry had it just been my car alone but there's literally hundreds of cases the same as mine ! One guy I found selling his - his was still under warranty when his injectors died and the dealer didn't even know what was wrong it - said it may be the diesel fuel pump and wanted to just start replacing everything ! And tried, not sure how successfully, to get the owner to go halves in the cost too ! What a rort - why is this not on A Current Affair ? Maybe if I can get enough people involved we could get it on there.
Never again would I touch one of these money sucking pits !
Common rail diesel is fraught with problems purely by design and when it’s not the best design or brand of common rail components, the problem is ten fold !
For anyone who may be thinking I’m just a little bitter or twisted because I had a lemon, check out this product review page and you’ll find countless cases like this. https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/ssangyong-actyon-sports?rating=1
***I am interested in anyone who wants to put their case forward in a class action lawsuit - please contact me through this page. I am not looking to get rich quick or anything like that, I just want Ssangyong as a manufacturer and importer to be held liable for this rubbish and I want my $20,000 back that was lost in this money pit pile of crap !
Who’s in ?! Please contact me today ...
In-depth reviews
What a lemon – I bought the 2wd vehicle for personal use. It has 72,000 km's on the clock. I have a list as long as my arm of the things that have gone wrong with it. The vehicle has had regular services. Airbag sensor light has come on twice, seatbelt light has come on, engine light has come on and de rated the vehicle so it needed towing. It stopped on me… Read more
again 300 km's from home. I was without the vehicle for 4 days while they "figured out" the cause. Leaving me stranded and having to hire a car and accommodate myself for the duration.
It had a 3 year warranty, after all the issues with it I demanded an extension of 12 months which the dealer honoured. The latest problem began mid January 2019 when the ECU failed, I've been waiting 3 months for the part to arrive from Korea. I was told I'd have to wait about 4 weeks maximum. The part arrived in Cairns. The Cairns dealership I bought the car from has folded, now have to tow the vehicle to Townsville for installation. The ECU cost $1400, towing $1500 and I'm to be charged also for the computer device to install the ECU I find out this morning. Having to fly to Townsville to collect it also.
Do not buy a SsangYong.
The SX ute is a great all-rounder with class-leading fuel efficiency and quietness – Having owned several 4WD wagons and Hilux utes in the past this easily eclipses them all in comfort, practicality, quietness and fuel-efficiency. Fuel efficiency is definitely a major selling point these days and this ute is class-leading. Cabin noise from both engine and wind is ridiculously minimal, even compared to smaller passenger cars and… Read more
much better than similar utes I tested.
The traction control system on the SX does an amazing job in tricky situations offroad. For the gravel, rock and mud conditions I use it in, it has always impressed me and got me out of situations where I was sure to be stuck without it.
The ute is very sturdy and has a robust undercarriage which can happily sit on rocks without breaking anything. Compared to other 4WD wagons and SUVs I have owned in the past I have fewer concerns when I bottom out over rough trails. Approach and departure angles are good but if you want to ruin them you can add on a bullbar. I'd recommend against it especially since the front end on this ute is it's best looking angle.
The coil sprung multi-link rear suspension gives it a much better ride and handling for most of my use. All the other utes I drove had a very harsh and bouncy rear end unless heavily loaded. My work loads are bulky but usually not that heavy (<300kg) and when travelling with the family and camping gear this superior suspension system is just so smooth and practical. It drives more like a 4WD wagon, but still retains the practical benefits of a ute. If you need to carry heavy loads you can add air bags to the rear coils and just pump them up harder when loaded and then let them back to normal when unloaded and enjoy the best of both worlds. If you do really need to carry a full tonne in the tray on a regular basis then this is probably not your ute.
The tray comes with a sturdy ute liner and tie points as standard and the load space is wider and deeper than other utes but significantly shorter, meaning you can fit just as much stuff but don't have to crawl all the way in to reach a box that has slid to the front. The Hilux had a long but narrow tray that I found less practical for most of my loads. Overall the vehicle is nearly 30cm shorter than competing dual-cab utes which makes a big difference when using it around town carparks.
When it was time to change tyres, I upgraded to 245/75R16 BFG AT's on the original alloy wheels (16x6.5). This gained me a little more clearance and off-road capability and I can highly recommend both the tyre size and type as well-suited to this car. It also makes the speedo more accurate (now it says 102km/h when the GPS says 100km/h). I replaced the original coils with Dobinson's to give a very minor lift and increased firmness. I believe these springs are better suited to Aussie conditions than the originals with moderate loads and regular dirt-road cruising. An extra inch under the sump also helps when getting offroad. But I have put AT tyres and aftermarket springs on every 4WD I have ever owned for the same reasons so it might just be my taste. I have also added a colour-coded 3XM canopy to protect my loads which is an excellent compliment to the look and utility of the vehicle for my uses. Dust sealing the tailgate was just an easy trip to Clark Rubber.
The cabin has a simple black aesthetic which is understated yet comfortable and is easy to clean. The side window sills are quite low which is good for side visibility on the trail and for smaller passengers to see out compared to other new utes which have very high window sills. All round visibility is good. Unfortunately there is only one cup holder for the driver and I think in Australia there should be one for each passenger.
The 6 speed transmission has been great and never seems to get confused or make idiotic shifting choices like my old Toyota and Ford autos used to. The 2l turbo diesel always has ample power and cruises effortlessly at minimal revs. I don't drive it like a sports car but have never felt that performance was lacking unlike some of my previous vehicles where I always felt I needed just a bit more oomph. The cruise control is really easy to use and regulates speed very accurately compared to others I have used.
Mine is 5 years old and I have had no mechanical issues at all despite quite a bit of dirt and off-roading. The bush has added some scratches and a few dents to my ute but it always soldiers on. I have always maintained the recommended service schedule including more frequent oil changes for diffs and transmission due to harsh conditions. People who have had issues with their Ssangyong vehicles mostly complain about dodgy people at dealerships and service centres. Well you can choose who works on your vehicle and you should be picky. I have had dramas with dealerships of other brands before and tend to steer clear of them. Pick your own mechanic. If you get burned by a dodgy mechanic don't blame the car - find a better mechanic.
If you are thinking of buying one of these it will be second hand and the resale value on these has been poor in Australia which means you are in for a bargain and a half! You can snatch up one of these in perfect working order with low mileage and less than 5 years old for the same price you would find an end-of life clapped-out Hilux. Having owned both I can tell you there is no comparison.
As good as you can get, compare with other big gun.(Toyota,Mazda,Nissan or Mitsubishi0 – Perfomance is wery well appointed is roomy,confortable,leather seats,noise non existent with windows close easy to drive 6 speed auto make things very easy. InterIor nothing wrong. Service every 12 months, diesel comsuption 8.84 Lits x 100 klm open road at 110klm/h with air condition on in a trip to Canberra on the weekend, is impresive. I have… Read more
driven the car over a month and 2300 Klmts wiyhout no one problem. Next month we going to Gold Coast to visit our grandson,I will update after the trip and next will be a 4WD trip to make a full review, so anyone can make judment. In any moment I'm associate to Ssangyon factory but my opinion is just from one happy owner . Don't spend your dollar just buying budget car.
Happy owner
September 5th 2018 Update: This is my 3rd review of this car
I use this car as a commuter one and every long drives we use it.I mean Interstate, holidays and so on.This is my 3rd review of this car. Since I bought it I have only change the battery which it last 7 years by statement of NRMA mechanic.I could not more happy with it, I muy say I do service every 6 months. It has everything I need, Dual cab, canopy Sports Automatic 2.o ltr 4 cyl Diesel Multi-point injection,turbo intercooled 48761Klm when I bought it now 76967 Klms.4WD, tow bar, storage drawers, reverse camera very good media centre with GPS and alarm and speed warning,leather seats I was so impress with this car that I bought a Rexton 2010 for my younger daughter and 150.000 Klms and she could not more happy instead of petrol guzzler of Ford Territory Ghia 2008
I must admit enfatically that in not way I am related to Ssangyong factory,sales or any relation with that company, this review is from a happy owner that I would recomend this car to anyone that is prepared to save a few $ 1000s, compared with the likes Toyotas,Mazda,Hyundai and Ford
Happy Driving
PS; The only thing I have not tested is the 4WD capabilities, that will be for the next review.
Positive reviews
Most comfortable ute – Use as a business vehicle towing 2 tonne trailer from Sydney several times. Great economy and ride. Transmission keeps failing (3) but have seen fix on youtube by cleaning solinoids. Cam belt on front engine fails every 60,000 klms due to the belt tensioner not working as it should. Done about 280,000klms and have to change manually some times. If… Read more
these problems are fixed on the new 2018 should be a very nice drive. The door keys need to be more robust. Parts have been well priced. The tray is very solid, a lot of features for the money, needs reliabilty and more dealer support.
excellent out in the sand and dirt – Have a 2010 build Actyon SUV, 5 sp manual trans with Hi/Lo transfer case, bought new in 2011, now has 114,000 Km on clock. Has been round Australia 3 x times with one time going up to the tip of Cape York Peninsular :) Is fitted with 265/60/18 BFG AT's and a 2" lift, Snorkel, Sports exhaust and Performance Chip. Gets 8 to 9 Ltrs per 100 Km… Read more
round town and a bit lower on a trip when traveling at legal limit.
Have been on 4WD trips with the 'big boys' of the 4WD world and in too not extreme situations can keep pace with them, on a beach, and sand-hills etc will leave them far behind :)
Great truck – This Ute looks good feels good and drives well. We towed our caravan around NZ and it never felt challenged Great drive. Good interior and appointments. Very reliable. It is a good handling vehicle. 4 Wheel drive is dry good and has got us out of some sticky situations on rough trails Show details
Negative reviews
Lemons – I bought it with intent for road trips with the dog, it was serviced regularly But Where do I start in terms of problems, Unavailability of parts, design faults, costly fixes . Ssangyong Australia don't want to know about it Show details
Economical – Good: Fuel Economy, good torque uphill, pretty good handling & comfort. Bad: Auto parts shops don't usually have spare parts sitting on their shelves, therefore, a waiting period of a few days is expected. Show details
Parts – Hi All I have had a ssangyoung actyon diesel since new,the other week the car just stopped on the way to work. Once I got it to the mechanic found out that the inlet camshaft Sheard . Now this ute has only done 159k kilometre ..? Trying to get parts forget it not even Korea has parts. It's only 10 years old. So beware of the ssangyong Blues . Show details
Find out how SsangYong Actyon Sports compares to other Utes
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Recent reviews
Not bad – Had a problem fixed and now runs perfectly. I have to day is quite economical. The four wheel drive works well. Three clearance could be a little better bit it died five in the beach. Keep there service up to date and it should be ok. Like most cars servicing is key. Show details
Action tardy 2012 – It lost a lot when trading 7000k not good ssangyong did 100000 don't think it will do much more sorry game over hope I don't get not a good second hand car to get parts are every exspensiv and no one can fix them they will be cheap in the wrekers soon Show details
BEWARE BEWARE MORE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS – Clearly there is a serious issue with the transmission[s] of these vehicles. I was reasonably happy with my vehicle choice until the transmission failed at just 54,979 km. Cost to repair in slightly out-of-the-way locale $5700. Fault not clearly explained to me but something to do with the pump/converter. Repairs failed again after only just over… Read more
2000km, because some bolts came undone.
Like getting blood out of a stone trying to get the repairer to acknowledge any responsibility or apologise for the failure. Some businesses just don't get it do they. Cost me about $10,000 all up un a 5 year old vehicle. Nasty.
I too have gone to a Triton.
Mostly lemons – Sorry to say but nearly everyone who has said this is a great vehicle has done less than 100k. They are right about it's features and comfort. The Australian made transmission is rubbish. Cactus at 110k 6 to 7k replacement. Could not remove glow plugs or injectors engine cactus 6k replacement. Like many nice car when going but boy it cost me an… Read more
arm and leg when something goes wrong. You might be lucky and get the one orange out of the box but they are mostly lemons.
Had to trade in on a triton after 4 years!!! – Just after warranty finished the rear wheel bearing started sounding like a freight train ordered one took 3months to arrive to find out i needed more parts another month later then 2weeks wait from toyota to fix it got it still sounds like a freight train. Had to trade in on a triton my ssangyong actyon only 4years old with 106000 on the clock.. What a lemon.. Never again. Show details
What's not to like? – 2010 Actyon Sports 4x4 6 speed auto Purchased in 2017 with 67000klms and gave been very happy. Well appointed dual cab with leather (heated front) seats. I notice a front end shudder at about 50 to 80kph but it is intermittent. I have 18" wheels and find it tows my 8x5 trailer fully loaded with out any trouble and hardly know its attached. This… Read more · 1
is my 2nd Actyon Sports having had a previous 2007 model. The first one was a manual and was the only reason I sold it really. The Ssangyong is far better value than any competitor on the market and in my opinion better appointed then the Nissan or Mitsubishi dual cabs i have looked at.
I recommend you have it serviced every 7000klms as it is a diesel after all.
The people that buy Ssangyong's are most likely to be previous Ssangyong owners. It really is a shame that more people have not given them a try.
OK to good – I've got a 2009 Actyon Sport 4 x4. I had to have the 6 speed auto transmission reconditioned at 80,000 ks. I'd bought a warranty so it didn't hurt much. Apart from that the vehicle good for what I want. It pulls a 6 metre alloy hardtop boat and I hardly know its there. Surprisingly capable four wheel drive although I don't look for bog holes. … Read more
Dobbinson lift kit installed which gave me an extra 4 inches at the front. My only real gripe is the crappy plastic sump guards and mud flaps. I've broken both. The lack of legroom in the rear makes it only suitable for kids.. OK, you drop a bit on resale but you've already picked up a saving on purchase. All in all pretty happy and I reckon it compares well with with more well known makes.
Blown transmission at 65,000klms – Blown 6 speed auto transmission at 65,000km. Ssangyong don't want to know about it because it's older than 3 years (2011 model). They don't stand by their products and there are many reviews on this site to attest to the fact that the 6 speed auto was faulty. People should file a complaint with Consumer Protection as the should be forced to rectify this. Show details
I cant believe the Bad reviews? – My Dual Cab Ssangyong is a S200. Auto is great and easy to use. The truck is as comfortable as a good quality car t drive. My wife has a Gen 4 Honda Oddessy and the Ssanyong is smoother and quieter on the road. Seats a comfy, the truck has bags of smooth power. I read reviews from motoring writers prior to buying the truck and they suggested… Read more
that the load area(Tub) was smaller than other brands. Its actually a similar length to Mitsubishi and is 140mm wider but higher.
Smooth, great on fuel and more power than you need.
Find out how SsangYong Actyon Sports compares to other Utes
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What A Pile Old Metal – Purchased this 2112 Actyon Sports Model in December 2012 for $42,000 from a North Brisbane Dealer which had the worst customer Service, Of course after it was picked up.. within 12 months the break pads had to be changed then the paint started coming off about in November 2015 now just out of warranty and the Auto Transmission has gone and I was… Read more
quoted $6000 to have it replaced.
As the car is only worth about $12000 - not worth repairing = Send it to Auction and stay as far away from these unknown makes again.
Now it stops and wont start for 10 - 20 Mins Found out it was a timing sensor fixed for $160
Great off road but shame gearbox died – I purchased an ex mine Action Sports ute diesel 4x4 which I do really love. Great off road capability (especially now with 32 inch all terrain tyres ), comfortable on road and plenty of room for all our camp gear. The only down side - the once quality Aussie made 6 speed auto died, totally ! and to buy a brand new one (now made cheap in China )… Read more
for $7,500 was out of the question so i had to spend $4,000 on a second hand one and just keep my fingers crossed ever since!!!
bad – I bought one with 124,000 kilometers on the clock. By 26,000klm it had the same shaking at the same speeds. SangYong want $10,000 for the transmission. The 2009 models utes are only selling for $6,500. A real shame when you have to dump a car after just 8,000 on the clock. Show details
New replacement transmission – Two months ago I wrote review about my vehicles transmission. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ssangyong Australia, as next week 24th of May they will replace my transmission. I am very happy with the outcome, as the rest of the vehicle is very good. Also a thank you to my dealer for their support Freeway Ford. Show details
ssangyong actyon sports 2010 – I bought this second hand about 18 months ago. it has about 88000ks on it now. I have not had any of the problems which people have mentioned in some reviews. its been very good on fuel(diesel). I have been off road a couple of times. the 4wd works very well, plenty of torque. I wanted a ute to keep my camping items and for longer road trips. so far it has been doing a good job. Show details · 2
Shaky transmission problems! – About 80,000 kms my Actyon starts shaking anywhere from 40km/hr to 100km/hr. It gets worse the more you put off fixing it. I had to take it to an auto transmission specialist who said it was a common flaw with Musso's and Actyons, and Ssangyong refused to reimburse costs or repair it, despite still being under warranty. They also don't sell… Read more
'parts' to fix it, only the whole unit which is $7000. My specialist knew how to replace parts, albeit not genuine parts but it still cost me $4200. I will never buy a Ssanygong again!
good car survived non diesel fuel and keys went swimming still worked – iv done 20,000kms now had to replace a dead key battery. my interior lights went out for my gears and aircon lights. annoying. checked fuses cant work it out. ill take it to the repair guys when i get a job :( great to tow pwc x 2 boat and still win a drag race lol. boat and caravan. best seats compared to everything else lowest… Read more
is only problem. iv driven above the bonnet in water no problem thanks to snorkel. maybe reason for lights issue mentioned above.
iv scraped the belly on boulders while driving up hill and not one tyre spun. seemed to climb impressively. wish it was higher so i could have some fun. i found when compared to other models that back seat was more comfortable with arm rests and head support/adjustable. the only thing was lacking was a decent radio compared to other models of same car type but other brands. so we boiled it down $10 000 difference that being height and a radio. so if im going to pay 10 extra it isnt going to be because of a radio. which i can purchase for either $500 ebay or $2,000 from audio shop. and still save money. with that money i did save i bought a jetski winnnnnnn. never did get that radio. i listen to the radio so i didnt bother.
i love this car it just lost value is all to quickly.
i put the wrong fuel in one day. it stalled wouldnt start. i drained fuel tank very simple no tools just used hose and 2 jerrycans. emptied fuel filter no tools again win. primed filter with diesel this time and off i went.
as it sat for months in my driveway lights came on one night and battery went flat.
i love this ute. love beating other 4wds off the lights as they go through their gears lol
ill upgrade my suspension at a later stage as its too soft for towing heavy stuff and rock climbing
Very reliable and that too after 7 years, close to 100000 km.no mechanical issue – Hand brake little far out, and the reversed wiper and traffictor dials.Drivind experience is good all these years.Running cost certainly lower than bigger dual cabs of other brands.I have found the work horse very reliable all these years.I can keep it for longer without any problem but would like to own a newer model if II can get a good trade… Read more
in price.Certainly not in a hurry to dispose it.
This is the first time for me to write a review on my ute, and after reading some others unfortunate reviews about their experience with their Ssangyong actyon I just cannot believe how extremely lucky I am with my own ute for no trouble in the last 7 years.Yes the door hand rest wobbling up, but that is old age I guess.The only thing I changed this year was steering wheel hydraulic pump.Other than that nothing.
Never fails – Always wanted a dual cab utility, this one doesn't have the same ground clearance or capacity as the larger (and price-doubled) competitors but I think that is a sufficient sacrifice considering it is not far off the mark in most areas. The 2.0 engine suffers minor lag on take off, but once realised and accounted for it is never a problem to keep… Read more
up with traffic. Torque is plentiful and never had a problem with towing boats, trailers, PWCs etc.
Interior is more car like than anything of similar age; the only comparisons truly start about 2010 onwards when the focus for the utility became work + play vehicle.
Reliable as the sun rising, the only failures I have had are external ones (aftermarket towbar plug was interfering with ECU, battery failures from Century, punctures etc.) that do not relate to the vehicle's construction or quality.
Purchased 2nd hand with 66k on the clock, about the time as a colleague purchased a brand new Colorado, which was instantly put on comparison to the 'cheap heap' I had purchased, as he told me. Interestingly, the vehicle has never had an issue, whereas suspension failure, premature rusting and paint fade have all plagued this 'far superior vehicle' that cost 3x as much as one of these from new. Such an instance has dented my confidence in newer vehicles to the point where I am more than content to remain with this Actyon Sports; irrespective of the comments on its exterior.
A few teething problems, but very quickly sorted by the dealer – When it came time to trade our Korando (also a Ssangyong) we decided a ute would be very handy now that we tow a 17 ft poptop from time to time. I drove all the options in our price range (sub $35k) The tractor like Triton, the time bomb Navara Silverline, the falling to bits on the yard and VERY noisy Foton etc. None of the others offered the… Read more
same level of comfort and refinement the Actyon Sports does for the money.
We went for the SX spec which includes the all important stability control as well as a couple of niceties over the base mode Tradie like alloy wheels and cruise control. Ssangyong were having a 'special' model clearance with the SX and we were able to pick up an SX with a 'factory' canopy and towbar for an extra $2,000 on the RRP, making it a very affordable $34,995 driveaway.
Unfortunately whoever fitted the canopy right royally stuffed up some of the car's electrics and upon delivery, the clock and interior light did and clock not work as well as all the instruments on the dash would freeze at where they were when you turned the engine off. We called the dealer about it straight away and they were very good about it, arranging an appointment for the service dept to have a look at it. I took it in a week later (because I didn't have time to go in earlier) and they sorted the problem in about 30 minutes. Whoever had fitted the canopy had hacked the wiring loom and shorted a few things, causing one of the computers to have a mini freak out - fixed by a reset apparently. They repaired the dodgy wiring on spot and the car has been perfect ever since.
The new engines in this facelift model are the same as in the Rexton and Stavics - meaning no lag on take off and they drive like something with a much larger displacement thanks to the low end torque design. My other car is the Rexton W, so I have no qualms over reliability or its ability to tow as the drivetrain in that car has more than proved it's excellence to me.
Now that the Triton and Navara have been replaced and got a lot more expensive, the little battler from Korea is well worth a look for those who want a ute that rides like a car.
5000km update
I took the ute in for it's (free) 5,000 km inspection, there were no issues found and none to report. After our initial electrical troubles (caused by an aftermarket fitment), it is like the Rexton I also own and has settled down very nicely with smooth, quiet and comfortable being the three keywords I would use to describe it's drive characteristics.
For anyone interested, I fitted a 40mm lift kit using Dobinsons standard springs (not heavy duty). I was able to use the factory shockers as the car was still brand new and it has transformed the look and ride of the ute, putting it at the same height as most of it's competitors.
12 month Update
My trusty Actyon now has 20,000 km on it and it has settled down to be ultra reliable and super comfortable. The initial teething problems were just that and have long since been forgotten. Mine has the all important 5 speed MB sourced auto transmission and I am confident that it will last and last, like it has done on all Rextons, Stavics and early Kyrons - Actyon Sports. It's a crying shame that the importer is so hopeless - Ssangyong have just updated both Rexton and Actyon Sports with a new 2.2 130kw / 400nm engine and 7 speed MB auto box. This places the vehicles right among the competition with power now, but Ateco have their head buried in the sand and have discontinued the Actyon and the Rexton soldiers on with one single 2.0 model. Meanwhile over the Tasman Ssangyong is now rivalling Subaru for yearly sales and they stock more models than you can poke a blunt stick at. They even have a national racing series featuring the 2wd petrol model!
2 Year update
We've now covered 60,000km in the Actyon and those early electrical problems are now ancient history, with not a single further issue to report over time. This is one seriously great vehicle, offering ride comfort that belies the fact there is a tray and canopy on the back of it. In fact, I sincerely hope that Ssangyong return to Australia with their new model lineup. I for one will head straight back to the dealer for another after the awesome ownership experience I am having with both this car and the 2014 Rexton I also own.
3 Year update
The Actyon has now hit 90,000 km and has not missed a beat in terms of reliability. Unfortunately we hit a sizeable roo with it at 110 km/h and totalled the front, causing $16,000 worth of damage to it. It happened in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal so we had to limp 25km back to safety. The poor Actyon got us both home safely with not a scratch on either of us. It has been an interesting exercise getting it repaired - with parts being flown in specially for us direct from the factory. The vehicle, while very badly damaged on the LH front and needing every single panel on the front replacing, including the radiator support, has come up good as new again.
Our Actyon continues to offer excellent reliability and I would not hesitate to recommend it. However, I would point out to anyone that is looking at buying the Actyon beware the 6 speed automatic transmission models. There are several bad reviews on here for them and they feature the DSI transmission. This transmission was used by Ford and Holden for a short while as well, with big problems for them too. Ultimately it lead to the demise of DSI here in Australia it was that bad. Ours on the other hand is a very late model that has the well proven Mercedes Benz 5 speed automatic which offers supreme reliability. I was aware of the DSI issues and knew not to buy a 6 speeder.
Ssangyong will be returning to Australia as a retailer in November and I for one will be heading to a showroom to purchase a new vehicle based on the excellent experience that I am having with this and the Rexton W I also own.
Owned for 5 months so far – I have a 2009 used Actyon Sports with 80k, fantastic overall vehicle (being my first crewcab ute). The good: - Interior looks great, better than all the other "commercial" boring interior you get in other dualcabs. - Isofix. - Fuel economy, spending $50-60 using up around 600km p/week. - Spacious but I have owned better (I'm almost 2m… Read more
tall).
- Sooooo cheap to buy used, truly is a poor mans Hilux.
Bad:
- Glow light is on always because of that 4th glow plug uneasy to remove, but it doesn't seem like it has any problems, the car always starts up without hassle. Probably an issue if you're in snow???
- The car starts shaking at around 100km/h mark.
- Bit underpowered but I'm one to compromise fuel economy over speed.
- Engine light pops up with an egr p0400 error, the mechanic cleaned it but the engine light returned. They say it's hard to find Ssangyong parts but I found it very easy finding the egr valve off eBay. Luck?
- 3/5 ancap rating isn't good. Despite that it's better than Great Wall what isn't better than that Chinese junk?
Overall I'm happy with the purchase and I do recommend this if you're not a rev head and just want to get from A to B. The mechanic said to steer clear from these cheap Korean cars because parts are hard to find if something goes wrong but in personal experience I've owned a few cars and parts are always hard to find...
Awsome dual cab – Purchased from new, very reliable, put standard fuel in one day, vehicle stopped, had it serviced, good as new. Hilux would have blow up. Very happy with it. I am trading in for a new limited edition. The new model is much better looking. You will pay at least 20K for similar in Ford, Holden or any other make. Show details
Frustrating – Until this vehicle started into limp mode I had found it a very good vehicle... Rides like a car, a little jet lag on take off. Very good on fuel average 10 ks or better on a trip around the city 9.5 per litre. The windscreen is very deep and hard to keep clean especially in wet weather and frost. I have replaced the vacuum modulator a few days… Read more
ago and so far seems to be going ok. Cross my fingers. I don't think I would buy another because the Ssangyong service is very had to find or be sure of... I have always done services required religiously.
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Endless problems with this hunk of crap. Started off ok, but when the problems started > never… Read more