
Always search around you might find a good gem like the Airwave I found above. My default search is for Klang Valley area so if you live someone else do let me know
2008 Nissan Livina 1.8 - this is about only rm4000 difference from what you're considering but for the same year built you can get the top range model which is the 1800cc model. The bigger engine will give you extra power for highway speed and better mileage too.
2005 Proton Gen2 1.6 - good value for your money. 1600cc engine, 4AT gearbox, ABS brakes and Airbags. Proton parts are cheap and easy to acquire. No need specialized service center, any workshop will do.
2003 Citroen C3 1.6 - this is a really little fun car, it comes with the AMT (automated manual gearbox) which is similar to Alfa Romeo's Selespeed technology. Fast gear change, fuel efficient, but can be jerky at times if gear change timing not right (similar to a manual gearbox experience). Needs a specialist for service and maintenance however.
2007 BMW Z4 2.5 SE - special edition! you get maximum prestige from this car, however you're going to burn a huge hole in your pocket to maintain it. Expect at least RM800 each time you roll for a service (minor not major)
2006 BMW 645ci - this model is abit more common than the Z4 thus part availability is better (don't expect cheap from this level of BMW) a cousin of mine had a Z3 because of its rarity whenever a major service was coming up he booked in advance to give them time to get the needed parts. This is a very very powerful car on a straight line unless you're being tailed by a supercar like Porsche/Ferrari/Lambo you don't need to give way even to Evo's (even those 500hp ones will overheat their turbo-ed engines long before you do). Although the purchase price is considered affordable the maintenance is also sky high, think carefully.
2007 BMW 320ci - this would probably be the most sensible route if you're looking for a coupe from BMW. Shares all the mechanical bits with its 4door cousins, although the engines in the 320 range isn't a fire-breathing monster (it can be quite underpowered for the sedan) but its good enough for the power to weight ratio for a coupe, being a common and uncomplicated engine has its benefits when it comes to being cheap on maintenance. Don't get me wrong you're the maintenance is still BMW 3-series level, which is still expensive compared to even Lexus.
2009 Mini Cooper S 1.6 Panoramic roof - a good car, mechanics bits are more akin to Pug 408T than BMW, however since you need to buy them from BMW thus again pricing isn't cheap. The one big issue about Mini's is they all look too the same. On the outside when a typical man on the street looks at your car they can't tell if you're driving a top range model like this or a low range model.
2007 Merc SLK200K - this is a head to head competitor against the Z4. Engine performance the Z4 wins because its biased towards being a drivers car, SLK200K isn't slow but biased towards refinement cause it ain't built so old men get a heart attack launching it from the traffic light. Looks, both have similar exotic looks which is a definite plus for prestige. Interior about the same with Merc being more comfortable, while BMW being more practical yet both still quality. Handling the Z4 wins being a drivers car but can be like driving a wild donkey, its fun if you enjoy it but if you just want a fast and safe car then the SLK200K is your best bet.
Among the list, would SLK be a more reliable car? Even how about the minor/major service cost?