High torque and low rpm power on the Waja?
Trade-in / sell to 2nd hand dealer is about the same.
You might fetch a better price if you sell direct, but you need to do abit of runaround for the paperwork.

Dunno how they calculate it, but I hear since the gov pulling back the tax free status next year it will be about 200k.

Well, its an old car and a small one too. Cars of this class during those days weren't really much in the mind of Europeans and if it isn't sold there then safety ratings would be relaxed to make it cheaper to produce and sell. So for the sake of safety, you might want to consider a change to something newer.

However, are you prepared for a new car? If you don't have the budget for a car at least in the RM40-45k range for a used car then you're not really upgrading yourself because in terms of safety, size, and comfort you need at least C-segment so buying new but languish yourself with new/almost new used cars but are A-segment (Viva/Kancil) or B-segment (Saga/Myvi) isn't really a good idea.

So if you can afford 40-45k now or early 2014 then maybe a change is good, if not then save some cash first and don't rush into it because your current car isn't worth much so trade-in is almost at base value only.

At that kind of price range and balancing it so it isn't too old is going to be tricky to match with your requirements but here goes a few on the top of my head:

2008 Nissan Sentra - my top pick for your requirements would be this car, its a reliable and cheap to maintain Japanese brand saloon. The design and look might be able yesteryear, however it is still a C-segment car so you can expect all that comes with C-segement cars like good cabin space, good luggage space, comfortable seats, comfortable suspension, good NVH for highway travel and good power for sustained high-speed highway travel. This would be Nissan's equivalent of the Vios because it has been around for a long time so parts are abundant and cheap.

2012 Proton Persona 1.6M - usually I'd say try to save some money to buy new or find someone that gives you enough discount to reach your price because at this price and being 2012 model Proton cars generally don't really depreciate much because they're already pretty cheap but then if you calculate the loan interest sometimes buying a 1-2 years old model second hand the loan interest is much more than buying new --however, if you don't have the means for the higher price then lets look at options to maximize what you already have. I think a 2012 Persona is a decent deal at this price, yes you're not really buying it very cheap but it isn't very expensive either plus it is only a year old -- i know some people will wonder why such a car is being sold well perhaps its an accident case or company buy it to avoid tax, from the pictures it looks very stock probably bought for an expat to use.

Loan calculations say you have a max budget of about 60k to play with.

2010 Toyota Altis 1.6 - you might need to go all the way for this car at this age but you can get one alot cheaper if it is either 2008/2009 car. I do think its best to get as new as possible. Then also you might be wondering why would someone give up a nice looking car like this at almost half the price since it is a 100k car when new, well the sad truth about this model is that the Civic is the previous and current Japanese darling of C-segment not the Altis plus this is the 1600cc pariah abit version. It doesn't have VSC so starters. Yeah, it sounds like a kereta kosong (Toyota nowadays quite famous for cheating customers this way) but in exchange you get a decent sized C-segment car, decent power output, good reliability and cheap maintenance.

2009 Nissan Sylphy 2.0 CVCT with Impul kit - about the same price as the Altis but a year older, so you might think the Sylphy is more expensive, right? Well, actually no because alot of Sylphy around this age are being sold at this price and age while the Altis above is the only one (probably accident issue want quick sale or owner want cash, either way you need to visit to find out). In terms of specs this is one of the better ones with the black leather seats as usually they come in boring beige. Comparison with the Altis above it has a 2000cc engine which of course translate to better overall performance. The bodykit looks original and complete with rims, leather seats, skirts, etc. Sylphy is one of those cars which will last a long time because it is well built/reliable with alot of cheap parts.

The first 3 search results (and cheapest) were gold color, not too sure if it is the same car but this one looks like it has been in an accident, you can also notice in the advertisement here they never mentioned accident free as well, looks like a side impact and two doors were replace/repaired the paint color is different. These are the small details you need to look out for when buying used cars.



Well, there is a plethora of specs for JDM, UKDM, and USDM so it really depends on which one you get.

1) Unless you're getting a Subaru Impreza 1.6 or 2.0NA then don't dream about good mileage from a WRX or STI, those cars don't give decent FC even in stock condition. Gear ratio's has alot to do with it because being biased towards racing aspirations and track use the ratio's are all very short with a very long 5th so town driving can be abit sucky because you're driving like a grandma to save fuel working the gears up all the way to 5th all the time. 500km can be done but realistically its more about 360-420km in stock condition.

2) Parts are relatively easy to find, but they're expensive. Maintaining an Impreza could be as expensive as maintaining a high-end D-segment saloon of Jap/Conti origins. For example, coil plugs are at least RM1500.

3) Great car in either WRX or STI form lots of power, grip and street cred. Just don't think about fuel economy and maintenance fees

You can read the details here.

2007 Subaru Impreza WRX - this is the version 10 (Toyota-era) it comes with an automatic, the engine while still being a boxer doesn't sound like a boxer but even-though its an auto (there are manuals too) it gives back quite alot of mileage per tank of petrol. Version 10's like this are relatively new and quite expensive but have better fuel consumption, power and grip are there but tuned down for better reliability and fuel economy, of course spare parts are still a killer.

If you want turbo power with better reliability and relatively cheaper parts then you should consider cars like 2010 VW Polo 1.2 TSI they're small, light and fast. Should be enough to satisfy most people's turbo lust unless you need a bigger body than B-segment then you should look at something like 2010 VW Golf TSI 1.4 but then you'd think why TSI again? If going for Golf one would of course want to aim for the GTI, right? Well, although the GTI is a great performer it is more or less going to be like owning an Impreza WRX/STI its age is going to be around 06/08, maintenance will be more expensive (due to its nature), parts are more or less around the same price range but then if you're okay with that then cars like 2007 VW Golf GTI is quite a good fit for you.

2007 Hyundai Coupe 2.0 - whatever you do, don't go thinking about cars like this. No resale value, no performance, no street cred, and the most sad thing is it isn't cheap to maintain and replace parts with either. Though, still far cheaper than Subaru but above your expectations if you think it is going to be cheaper than some C-segment cars.

2010 Nissan Sentra 1.6 - why not you think about a car like this, of course it doesn't have the new-fangled 6-speed gearbox like the Forte as the Sentra is still stuck with relatively stone aged 4-speed gearbox -- however that would seem to be the only plus point of the Forte. Maintenance wise Sentra would be cheaper plus also older technology means cheaper parts and more workshops able to support you. Reliability wise I'd say the Sentra has a much better track record, performance wise they're about equal.

Proton Saga SV is a cheapo car so of course its maintenance is going to be cheaper, you'll get away with those RM38 service package offered by generic workshops because the engine and gearbox is low-tech (only higher end models of Saga come with CVT)

Before I start here is a little excerpt from a Magazine.

Unlike the six-speed “wet clutch” DSG in the 2.0-litre Scirocco, this is the newer seven-speed “dry clutch” version, which VW says faster, with a shift time of two- to three-hundredths of a second.

The seven-speed unit has been developed specifically for smaller output engines. The dry clutch set-up is more fragile than the oil-bathed wet version, so VW warns against any excessive aftermarket tuning for this car.

Despite an extra cog, the 70kg seven-speed 'box is also 23kg lighter than the six-speed. The 1.4-litre four-pot may not sound to at home in a sports coupe, but thanks to a supercharger and turbocharger it makes a healthy 158bhp.

source

I usually hear the complaints coming from those in the TSI camp with their 7-speed dry clutch, it is lighter because it is dry as oil would add weight to it, however the oil is also there as protection and for lubrication -- there is still lubrication in the "dry clutch" but the lubrication is suppose to last a product lifetime under normal use.

Firstly, I don't think they did enough R&D because the climate it has to operate in Malaysia is surely different from Europe so of course there is one question mark already. They usually spec it for bigger markets like China, Japan, USA.....and smaller markets usually gets the models on a as-is basis.

Secondly, Malaysians becoming increasingly kiasu and VW dealerships also fuel this. When you buy a new VW with turbo or twinchargers they'll offer to remap it with "stage 1" with an "increase of 5hp-15hp" but still offer warranty because done by them. Marketing gimmick or con job you judge for yourself because:

1. If it is an official VW map then it should come with the car, why need to pay extra for it?
2. If it is not official then who's map is it? Is it reliable? etc.

Thirdly, placebo or fact I dunno but either way people would treat their TSI's like GTI's and trash it around town, then later cry foul when they over worked the gearbox which isn't spec to do such things. Some also go beyond the normal map and try to squeeze too much out of the engine until the gearbox cannot cope.

Fourth, there were recalls in 2009 and 2011 for selected models yet VW Malaysia has been quiet about it.

if you're not in a rush to buy now wait until jan/feb.
there are a few models yet to come here or to be replaced.
plus i think attrage basic + manual at 59k is reachable for your budget

i know the feeling.
90k budget you can either get a new B-segment, recon B/C-segment, or used C/D-segment car.
The B170 is a reasonable car and although it is imported and carry the same quality and reliability of more expensive Mercs the issues you'll face here are parts availability since it is not as common as Merc's like C180,C200, etc.

2008 Mercedes C200 - this is one of those common Uncle Mobile's you see out there, common is good that means parts are easily available and at competitive price. Most workshops can handle a Merc you don't need to bring it to a specialist but please don't bring it to those that hire bangla or foreign workers -- decent ones okay? Plus minus it would be about the same as maintaining a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Performance wise is a different story because Kompressor means supercharger so the engine has enough hp/torque to move its weight around rapidly, good pickup and city driving, you will also enjoy highway cruising at high speed but the car feels very stable and poise plus at low rpm so better fuel economy.

Perodua Viva for one is small, unsafe, limited warranty period, and service centers aren't always hiring competent workers or have proper procedures so if you don't have much car knowledge small issues can build up to be big issues if not settled earlier.

2013 Suzuki Alto - for your budget I think you mean the Alto instead of Swift, correct? Swift is much more expensive. Alto is a basic car as far as Japanese are concerned but it is their export quality car so it is no doubt better than a Perodua Viva. It has a good chassis, Euro NCAP 3 stars (as oppose to Perodua Viva no stars and untested), safety equipment is front 2 airbags, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist, and 5 years warranty. Its a good and decent package for a new car of this range (normally even ABS also don't have). Maintenance wise you can look up the cost structure here. I think for a lady driver which isn't too concerned on performance and looks -- mainly looking for easy of maintenance and cost effective this would be a good choice -- no need to worry so much coz got 5 years warranty so just pump petrol and use then when reach mileage for service interval just drive to service center and let them settle no need any car knowledge. One issue though is there aren't too many 3S/SC so do find one in your neighbourhood and check it out for yourself before commiting.

Another car in the same range is the Mitsubishi Mirage, more or less similar specs and package but a tad more expensive.

You can make the deal with the dealer on your parents behalf but they will be the ones signing the paper.

Mirage and Alto are of a different class from Myvi.
Myvi is B-segment, the other two are A-segment.

Safety: Mirage got ABS/EBD/5 star safety ANCAP, Alto got ABS/EBD/BA/3 star safety NCAP
Value: Mirage 1year free maintenance 3year warranty, Alto 5 year warranty

Both are smaller but give greater value, plus you're not fetching 5 people all the time why waste fuel?

Maintenance for the Mirage is listed here. I've listed the Alto above, you can compare the two.

Since company car (they'll change for you in 5-7 years) why not consider Mazda?
5 years warranty and 5 years free maintenance, so you need to service it for 2 years before your company buys you another one...well if you stay in that company long enough...people change jobs like fashion nowadays.



Perhaps the SA can help you do some magic.
However, in most cases it is impossible.
If you just got a job and no prior job before this then having a guarantor would help, but without 3 months payslips it will be tough usually will reject.

Why not just get your parents to do the loan then you just service the loan?

Not too sure about current deal for Alto will have any free maintenance deal or not.
You can always check when you pop into the 3S for a visit.

I10, Alto and Mirage all are about the same.
They're A-segment cars.
Imported CBU.
Better spec than your average Viva/Myvi, but may not boast the same engine capacity.
3S/SC limited.
Resale value usually quite bad but since it is already cheap it cannot really depreciate much, probably Mirage is better in this than the rest.

filtered.

non-national 80-90k + new + auto + 1500-1600cc = ford fiesta, peugeot 208, vw polo sedan, toyota vios, honda city, nissan latio sedan, nissan sentra

with good resale value for after 5 years change car = toyota vios, honda city
with traction control = honda city (vsa)

Pug 308T personally I don't really find its a good deal. Maintenance is abit on the high side, slightly more expensive than say maintaining a Toyota Altis or Honda Civic because it is a turbo

2010 Nissan Latio - why not consider a handsome hatch from Nissan, cheaper to maintain, would have better resale value and of course no need to spend additional money on bodykits as it is already fully loaded.

RM74k for new Honda Jazz would be better.
You get VSA and a new car
If you need a sedan then up another 5k from your budget then you can choose either VW Polo Sedan / Honda City.

why mudah or oto.

The Alto deal is stated in their website.
There would be another deal for CNY.
Right now they trying to clear all the older 2013 stocks as soon as possible.
Although in January you'd probably get made in 2013 stocks but they're newer ones.

not too sure.
never really bothered with their technology.
i suppose the newer one is better.

i'm the only one replying in there and giving decent contribution. it is my own way of tracking the replies when they quote me plus also a form of enjoyment i get when i take much time and effort to reply them.

if you want to nuke because of one person complain then what is your reasoning? because i use it as signature? please understand your own mechanics as signature is at the bottom not the top of replies. i don't have the time to go and remove them one by one.

this is not the first time we've communicated and you know what i am about you just going to nuke everything because one punk? well i don't care and that thread and go into the abyss for all i care, because once the fun and passion is gone, there is not point to continue.

Appreciate your explanation, however like I said once there is no fun/motivation anymore there is no point to continue. Like you said I shouldn't ask for anything in return. I gain nothing from contribution all this while as I just want to share what I can to those in the dark about the car industry and not to make a wrong decision that will cost them the next 5-9 years of their life (money wise and effort wise).

I don't have the time to go back all the pages I've replied and remove, if you're going to delete it then so be it (I've no authority otherwise as it seems complainers have more rights than contributors here) I think the people that posted here earlier and the information exchange between us is enough for them to make an informed decision. So for people new here they cannot go back a few pages and read my post it if fine for me, since you're only reducing the quality of your forum to satisfy a few complainers (I leave that decision to you).

I'll help you save bandwidth then, there won't be anymore contributions from me here. Anyone looking for me can either PM me or find me off-site here.

I'll leave it to the car salesman's and the wannabe's.

This post has been edited by zenix: Dec 2 2013, 03:04 PM