Is it affordable and good? The SsangYong Rexton

What if your next vehicle could offer unbeatable value and capability without breaking the bank? Join us as we uncover the SsangYong Rexton, a remarkable SUV that might just change your perspective on car buying. With its origins in rugged off-roading and its evolution into a family-friendly powerhouse, the Rexton stands as a testament to innovative design and strategic transformation. We promise you'll gain a new appreciation for this hidden gem from South Korea, as we navigate the twists and turns of SsangYong's unique history—marked by ownership changes and market strategies that have kept it under the radar.

In this episode of the Mega Car Review Podcast, Marv and Claudia delve into the fascinating journey of the Rexton. Get the scoop on its various generations, from Land Rover rivals to comfort-centric models. Explore the intriguing used market, with Rextons available from as low as £1,895 to as high as £43,190. We also weigh in on how SsangYong's low profile in comparison to giants like Hyundai and Kia influences its market presence. If you're in the market for an SUV that blends capability with affordability, this episode might just steer you toward your next set of wheels!

Transcript

Speaker 1 0:10

Welcome to the Mega Car Review Podcast from Confounderit, your go-to show for everything cars, whether you're a gearhead or just shopping for your next set of wheels. Every week, your hosts, marv and Claudia, dive into the latest automotive trends, give hands-on reviews and share the insights you need to make the smart decisions in the world of cars From the hottest models to market secrets. Marv and Claudia have you covered. Get ready for expert opinions, live debates and all the details you won't hear anywhere else. Now let's join Marv and Claudia for another episode of the Mega Car Review Podcast.

Speaker 2 0:45

All right, everyone buckle up, because today we are diving deep into a car you've probably never even heard of, the SsangYong Rexton.

Speaker 3 0:55

The SsangYong Rexton.

Speaker 2 0:57

I know, you know you're probably thinking SsangYong. What is that? Some kind of new kind of sushi. Sounds like a Pokemon. But stick with us on this one, because this is going to be a fun one. We are uncovering hidden gems in the car market today.

Speaker 3 1:08

Yeah, that's right, you know SsangYong, it's a South Korean brand Been around for a while actually. They have a history of building these rugged, practical vehicles, really focusing on SUVs and their Rexton model. It's interesting. It offers a lot of car for the money, but it comes with a bit of a unique backstory.

Speaker 2 1:30

Okay, so let's talk about this Sang Young story. What's going on with this company?

Speaker 3 1:33

Yeah, so they haven't had like the typical car company journey. You know they've gone through a bunch of different collaborations, ownership changes. At one point they were really focused only on off-road vehicles. So that's really shaped how they build the Rexton and in some ways it's made them this kind of well-built but under the radar SUV, so maybe good value for the money. Yeah.

Speaker 2 1:55

Potentially, but maybe not, the best resale.

Speaker 3 1:57

Yeah, that's something to consider, for sure, yeah.

Speaker 2 2:00

Okay, well, let's get into the Rexton itself then. What are we looking at here? Different models, different generations.

Speaker 3 2:06

So the Rexton's been around since the early 2000s.

Speaker 2 2:09

Okay.

Speaker 3 2:09

And over that time it's gone through several generations Now. Those early models. They were known for being seriously good off-road.

Speaker 2 2:16

Really.

Speaker 3 2:17

Oh yeah, Some reviewers even said they were up there with Land Rovers when it came to tackling tough terrain.

Speaker 2 2:22

Wow Okay.

Speaker 3 2:24

But over time things have changed a bit.

Speaker 2 2:26

Okay.

Speaker 3 2:26

You know the Rexton. It's evolved. It shifted its focus a bit more towards comfort and features.

Speaker 2 2:32

Oh, so like more family friendly now.

Speaker 3 2:34

Exactly. It's still a capable SUV. Yeah, don't get me wrong, but the emphasis isn't so much on hardcore off-roading these days.

Speaker 2 2:42

Okay, and how about, like the styling? I've heard it's a. It's been a journey. It's been a journey, yeah, but hey, maybe unique is good, maybe that's what you want.

Speaker 3 2:52

Stand out from the crowd, that's right, all right.

Speaker 2 2:53

Well, all this talk about the Rexton is making me want to go shopping for one yeah, so tell me what's the used market looking like.

Speaker 3 2:59

So this is where things get really interesting. Rextons can be a steal on the used market, really, yeah. So right now on Mark Check UK there are 162 Rextons listed. Cool, the average price is about £24,255. But that average doesn't tell the whole story.

Speaker 2 3:18

What do you mean?

Speaker 3 3:18

There's a 2007 model listed for only £1,895. What, yeah? But then, on the other end of the spectrum, there's a 2024 model listed for only 1,895 pounds.

Speaker 2 3:30

What? Yeah, but then on the other end of the spectrum, there's a 2024 model listed for 43,190 pounds.

Speaker 3 3:33

Okay, so, big difference there, yeah, so why is there such a drastic difference in price? Well, part of it is SsangYong doesn't have the same brand recognition as some of the bigger players like Hyundai or Kia Right. Also, Rextons tend to appeal to kind of a niche market, but so Rextons tend to appeal to kind of a niche market, but that can actually work to your advantage as a buyer.

Speaker 2 3:45

All right, Well, before I go rushing out to buy one, let's talk about running costs. What are we looking at for insurance? Fuel servicing, all that stuff.

Speaker 3 3:55

Right, so let's break it down by Rexton variant Insurance wise, you'll find a 2018 diesel model. For example, often has lower premiums than some other years.

Speaker 2 4:04

Why is that?

Speaker 3 4:05

It's because of those advanced safety features that they have. Insurers love that kind of stuff.

Speaker 2 4:11

That makes sense.

Speaker 3 4:11

Yeah, now, when it comes to fuel efficiency, some Rextons are actually pretty good on fuel, especially the newer diesel models.

Speaker 2 4:19

Okay.

Speaker 3 4:20

But be warned older petrol models they can be a bit thirsty. Servicing is generally pretty standard a bit thirsty. Okay, servicing is generally pretty standard for an SUV. Yeah, you know nothing too crazy, but some years, like the 2012 model, for example, have had some known issues that might lead to some pricier repairs.

Speaker 2 4:36

Okay, so you've got to do your research Definitely. And then there's road tax, right.

Speaker 3 4:40

Always keep an eye on those emissions bans because some Rextons might actually cost you more in taxes because they produce more pollutants.

Speaker 2 4:47

Yeah, so got to factor that in. Ok, so no used car is perfect.

Speaker 3 4:52

True.

Speaker 2 4:53

What about the Rexton? Are there any common issues that we should be aware of?

Speaker 3 4:57

So with the early models you've got to watch out for rust OK, Especially if it's been used off-road. A lot Makes sense. With the later models there have been some reports of electrical glitches, Like what Things like sensors acting up or problems with the infotainment system.

Speaker 2 5:13

It's nothing too major.

Speaker 3 5:15

Usually not, but it's definitely something to get checked out before you buy.

Speaker 2 5:18

For sure, okay, so now for the fun part.

Speaker 3 5:21

Yeah.

Speaker 2 5:22

Comparisons All right, We've got the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Kia Sorento and the Land Rover Discovery Sport lined up.

Speaker 3 5:29

Ooh, good choices.

Speaker 2 5:31

I want to see how the Rexton stacks up against these guys.

Speaker 3 5:33

All right. So when it comes to the driving experience, the Rexton is definitely more on the rugged side. It's not going to be as smooth or refined as the Hyundai or the Kia.

Speaker 2 5:41

Okay.

Speaker 3 5:42

Those are known for being very comfortable.

Speaker 2 5:44

Yeah.

Speaker 3 5:44

But the Rexton, it can hold its own off-road.

Speaker 2 5:47

Really.

Speaker 3 5:47

Even against the Discovery Sport. Wow, and the Discovery Sport? Yeah, it's going to give you that prestige badge and that luxury feel. Yeah, but you might have to pay a bit more for maintenance down the line.

Speaker 2 5:59

Okay, so maybe the Rexton is like the happy medium there.

Speaker 3 6:02

Possibly.

Speaker 2 6:03

Capable but not going to break the bank.

Speaker 3 6:05

Exactly.

Speaker 2 6:06

What about reliability? How do they compare on that?

Speaker 3 6:09

So Hyundai and Kia they've really built a reputation for dependable vehicles, yeah, and they offer those long warranties. But the Rexton actually does pretty well in terms of reliability too.

Speaker 2 6:20

Really.

Speaker 3 6:20

Yeah, especially the newer models, Now the Discovery Sport. It's had its fair share of quirks.

Speaker 2 6:27

Okay.

Speaker 3 6:27

And repairs can be a bit more expensive.

Speaker 2 6:29

All right, last question Overall value. How do they compare?

Speaker 3 6:34

This is where the Rexton really shines. You get a lot for your money. The Hyundai and the Kia they're great contenders, yeah, but you are paying a premium for that brand recognition and that warranty.

Speaker 2 6:46

Right.

Speaker 3 6:47

Because it's got to be sport.

Speaker 2 6:48

Yeah.

Speaker 3 6:48

You're paying for that luxury badge and the experience.

Speaker 2 6:50

So it seems like at the end of the day the SsangYong Rexton is kind of unique choice.

Speaker 3 7:00

It's got that underdog charm going for it. It does Great value for the money and maybe it can even be a diamond in the rough, absolutely so. The question is would you consider a Rexton and if so, which year would you go for? Because, armed with all this knowledge, you might just find yourself behind the wheel of a hidden gem.

Speaker 2 7:15

Yeah, and you never know, you might have a more interesting story to tell.

Speaker 3 7:18

That's right.

Speaker 2 7:19

Than somebody driving around in their everyday Hyundai Santa Fe.

Speaker 3 7:22

Exactly, that's the beauty of the Rexton.

Speaker 2 7:25

All right, everybody. Thanks for tuning in to this deep dive on the SsangYong Rexton.

Speaker 3 7:28

See you next time.

Speaker 2 7:29

See ya, you.