Help me choose a Korean ride...

[chrisinkorea]

So, I'm looking to buy some sort of a platform for some basic exploring and very mild off-roading (Korea doesn't have much off-road space...).
I'd ideally love the new Jeep Wrangler, but they start at about $45,000USD here (though they do offer the diesel, which is nice).
If I decide to buy Korean, there's not a lot of options in terms of new vehicles that have decent (or so they say) 4x4 ability as well as space for gear and people.

The one I'm leaning most towards is this:
Ssangyong Korando Sports (they also have a regular Korando which is a smaller enclosed SUV).

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review...s/first-drive-review-ssangyong-korando-sports

Another option is the Kia Bongo:
This is by far the most common truck here in Korea.
They do make them in 4x4 layout but I'm not sure how well they do.
As a plus, they are a flat bed...

http://autowini.com/blog/Cars/New-K...-IC243760/cars-detail.do?blog_cd=GLOBALMASTER

I could go with just another Korean SUV, but I do like the idea of having a truck bed for our dog and to keep the camping equipment out of the interior of the truck.

What does everybody think?

 

[tonnydoodles]

The Kia, hands down! That truck looks neat! that flat bed is screaming for a camper.

 

[duckhunter71]

If looks aren't a big deal for you, definitely the Kia. Looks like you could do a lot with it. Also, it'd be fun to be able to say "Oh no, I left my wallet in the Bongo!"

 

[chrisinkorea]

Looks aren't a huge concern. Wondering about off road capability with so little weight in the back of the bongo...

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[duckhunter71]

That's a good point. Out of curiosity, roughly what do those run cost-wise? Considerably less than the $45k Jeep, I'd assume?

Also, the camper idea that tonnydoodles had would help with the noseheavy issue!

 

[chrisinkorea]

A two year old used bongo goes for about 9,000usd.

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[summerprophet]

Those vehicles are so drastically different, I think you need to assess your needs and wants a little more before making a purchase.

SUV's are great as far as keeping equipment dry and away from thieves, but cargo capacity suffers.

A mix between the two would be the SsangYong Actyon Sports, you still get the 4doors of the bigger Bongo, a truck bed, and the comfort and safety of not driving a cab forward design.

I would look at reputation and reliability first, and go from there.

Are non-Korean vehicles unavailable in the used market there?

 

[chrisinkorea]

Imported cars are definitely available (though the selection is limited). The issue with imported vehicles is service and price. Even a three year old Wrangler is going for 30,000usd.

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[4D55 Performance]

Have you looked at getting a Hyundai Galloper? They are very similar the Mitsubishi Montero. They are very capable off road.

 

[chrisinkorea]

I've looked at them for sure. Only issue is that they are no longer made and they tend to be used and abused.

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[Idahoan]

Korando

 

[chrisinkorea]

I love the old style Korando. Supposed to be very capable off road but pretty uncomfortable for a DD.

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[Allof75]

Depending on your needs of course (that flat bed is sick!) we have the Kia Borrego here in the US. I think called the Mojave in your market. It's body on frame, with true 4x4, has an available V8, and if so equipped can tow 7500 lbs. It's on the bigger side, but would definitely make an interesting platform, I've been waiting to see one modded.

Might be worth a look, good luck!

 

[chrisinkorea]

The Mojave here is a "luxury" SUV. I don't believe the v8 is an option here, only diesel (which is good considering gas is about 1.70usd pet liter). Only downside is that since they are "luxury SUVs" here, even used they go for over 25,000...

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[chrisinkorea]

Just left the local Jeep dealer. They have a Moab edition Wrangler floor model. That is one SEXY ride. Maybe I'll have to start working more overtime so I can buy that bad boy.

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