you're talking about this model?

2010 Merc W211 - at this price (you can only buy Altis new) but second hand you get a fantastic machine, although only 1.8 but being KOMPRESSOR it will beat the camry no issues, interior looks good, 3rd car and low mileage, spec wise the camry sure lose. bringing to SC sure get killed, bring to merc specialist or mechanic you can trust this car will last a long time.

thats quite alot of kilometers for an old car.
i don't really recommend old ones because too much to do.
even if you get one that the owner really take care of nicely, its old so parts would be worn out.
you might end up with a car cheap to buy to have to go fix up (cash upfront) to fix up to be reliable again.

yes, u r right about buying year end car.
though if you planning it keep it for 5-7 years then depreciation doesn't really factor in.

really depends on how brave and thick face you are when buying a car to push for the discounts.
when i bought my car recently i told the SA i had a target of RMxxk for my trade-in.
so he can either give me as discount or trade-in, whichever i don't mind but i walk-out if he cannot give me.
in the end i got what i wanted.

bought a nissan x-gear.
trade in honda civic fd1.
in the month of august since the new civic come out the trade-in price wasn't too good about 79k-84k, but private sellers in mudah were going as high as 94k, so i decided to lowball him for 89k since condition was good and still under warranty, settled at 87k.

if its a 3rd car its quite a believable figure since usually if its for a lady/houswife to go buy sayur after 6 years the mileage is very low. my mom's car was so stock and low mileage that when the battery died just before warranty over they changed it for her for free, its 6.5 year old car with only 86k mileage.

5 star ncap and isofix go for conti's like vw and renault, should be 5 star in their whole range.

don't really recommend this car

don't get such an old car, not worth it.
get a newer car but brand not recognized so it depreciate faster to be cheaper.

2010 Savvy - it isn't manual but its quite new and has a pretty good gearbox. good to have an auto if you need to share the car with your family members now and then.

2010 Viva - i know its not a proton but its very new and low mileage car, should consider.

other than that there is a whole world of satria's and wira's in that price range you need to choose wisely.

fun and practical would be golf tsi unless you're really a speed demon then go for the golf gti.
as a soccermom car i suggest to grab a touran/cross touran instead.

just consider this.
2003 car is 10 years old in 2013

yes its ugly on the outside but it ticks all your requirements for a soccermom car, safe (5 stars), fast (no vw is underpowered), isofix seats, lotsa space.....and inside it feels like any other vw....classy....dun care outside lah

i think jetta is more worth money since its like golf but has a boot and bigger interior.

2009 Hyundai Matrix - a decent car that can do both jobs of being a family car and have some space at the rear for work.

2006 Suzuki APV - mileage quite high but you can surf around for lower mileage units, the catch for this car is its ability to seat 8 people and is 1.6cc engine instead of 1.3 for about the car as same size as avanza.

2006 Naza Citra - a proper MPV, i suggest you look for one of these. they usually come standard with alot of stuff like roof rack, sunroof, 7 leather seats, etc. a good buy for the spec.

well then i wish you luck in finding in finding an avanza.
i drive one alot and i think its an absolute abomination.

why not consider conti's?

link

This post has been edited by zenix: Oct 17 2012, 12:25 AM

i think you've gotta do some due diligence on that to find out

1. why they selling the car, when people sell their cars 2-3 years into the ownership i'm abit skeptical if the car has insects living inside they cannot get rid off, the car been thru a minor accident for the car but someone died inside, ah loong chasing them so need to sell car for money, etc.

2. go to the forums to check out what people say about this car, i think its much better than other renault JV proton done as you still see alot of savvy's on the road plus AMT is actually a manual gearbox with a "robot helping you press the clutch".

3. see the car for itself, any tell tale signs of rust, accident or abnormality. usually to tell if its rear got accident is open the boot and pull the carpet away looking at the spare wheel and bare metal, is it original or knocked back? take out the rubbers at the doors to look for rust or any bad welding, etc.

1.5 auto is 3 speed auto.
1.6 auto is 4 speed auto.
the catch is 1.6 auto are quite old because discontinued while the 1.5 auto were produced until as recent as 2007 if i remember correctly.

go JPJ to stamp ownership change on the car card.
give him money.
drive off.

no need
nothing to do with jpj
between u and owner

yeah, don't give money to him before he change name to yours.
most secure is holding a cash cheaque to give him once proceedings are done.

if u want, yes go for it.

no i think it was 83k

2008 Proton Perdana - i don't know about this car, on one hand it is a good d segment car on the cheap but then there is always the scary proton quality control hanging over your head. i'd choose this one wisely it could be great or could be a money pit.

2010 Proton Satria Neo CPS - good spec car for a decent price, mileage is low, leather seats are standard and the car is quite new, though i'd haggle abit with the owner for a better price before buying.

2007 Nissan Sentra Nismo - though this is stated as a Nismo car unless the owner did some upgrades the Nismo pack usually means just bodykits and rims. can't get japanese brand cars with manual much nowadays at this price, worth a look.

2008 Hyundai Elantra - since the dealer stated a few units available suspect it is showroom/test drive cars they're selling off since the new model already come in. worth a look if you're looking for an auto.


not really sure.
the price really depends on the condition of the car, the year made, the year registered, and mileage.
do go have a look and request to test drive it.

around this price and year there usually is a whole universe of Vios, City, Livina and Forte up for grabs, below is a few of my picks for this price range.

2009 Nissan Livina Impul - although not having the 1800cc engine it is still the top spec Livina, considered cheap for this price range.

2009 Toyota Rush - nothing much special about this, its a toyota, its the top spec version and its low mileage.

2009 Suzuki SX4 - quite rare to see this car with this age at this price, not many people letting go this car, must be quite good. though personally i'm not a suzuki person, its still worth to check out.

2009 Toyota Vios TRD - this is the kind of ad which gets people in trouble, advertised as TRD version but it is just bodykit and didn't specify which model it was originally either J, E or G spec. Then it says director owner, I highly doubt a director wanna own this car. Stay away!

2009 Honda Accord - i'm quite surprised this car is being sold at this age for this price, might be something wrong with the car. though if you find no problems with it then it is a real bargain. do bring your mech to check it out before you actually buy it.

well i can't really comments on this.
since the first two are in the same category while the last is an MPV.
you need to carry cargo or lotsa people often?

yeah well the mazda 3 is a beautiful car no doubt about that but then there aren't alot of service centers for mazda's yet but they're increasing so that's a good sign. usual complaints for this make is their reliability and overall build quality, i've heard many stories of people unsatisfied with small details like noises, squeaks, etc. they kept bringing the car back to the SC and each time it goes back the problem isn't totally fixed yet there are other problems coming up coz they had to open panels and change stuff, etc. might be poorly reinstalled panels on the sc part or material build quality not so good gets wraps when removed so doesn't fit back nicely when reinstall.

all signs that focus is a great car but not alot of money but then afraid of depreciation for this car.

haven't considered a TDCI focus?

2011 Hyundai Accent - its a very new car, probably a test drive or showroom car still has warranty but being used its alot cheaper now but the catch is second hand car interest rate.

2009 Hyundai Elantra - this is a sad model, don't think there are many on the road so there is that exclusivity when owning one though when you get in a bad accident then parts might be difficult to come by and the SC will drag your repairs for sometime. But it is a C segment car at B segment price, worth to check out.

2008 Nissan Latio - this is the sedan version, usually its not so sought after thus they usually don't keep their value in the second hand market for first hand owners but is a steal for second hand bargain hunters. Although not a big c segment car like Altis, Sylphy or Civic its interior space is that of a c segment car.

2011 Mazda 2 - very new car, low mileage and still under warranty worth to have a look. The thing about Mazda cars is that there aren't SC everywhere so maybe you gotta drive abit to find one. This isn't a sophisticated car like the Mazda 6 which is quite known to be problematic, so should be quite straight forward to fix.

2009 Toyota Vios - there will be tons of Vios at this price but beware, a new Vios won't be that much more expensive, this model holds its value very well if you're a first hand owner thus second hand bargain hunters are sure to be disappointed.

2010 Nissan Sentra - this is one you must look at seriously. this is c segment car for b segment price. this car is usually unappreciated because of its old man looks but its a solid car, cheap to run, lotsa spares around, and japanese brand. this one is low mileage too.

I think just take advantage of the low interest rate of 0.88% coz its very rare Honda would strike with such a deal usually the lowest is 2.00%, i gotta warn you that you may need to go to a few showrooms to get the car you wanted a went to HZN in Glenmarie they told me its only for the Insight, another showroom said its only for the Freed. So I guess certain showrooms have certain models they need to "clear stock".

2005 Kia Rio - this model hasn't changed much its still being sold now but the facelifted version, lots of this model on the road so spares shouldn't be an issue. maintenance like any normal car, its a basic car with no fancy engine/gearbox.

2005 Kia Spectra - the best selling car for this brand in malaysia, although they discontinued production there are still lots of cars on the road so they will continue to support it with spares. another straight forward car nothing fancy so maintenance is normal.

2005 Chevrolet Optra - this car is also worth serious thought as its for me a worthwhile buy, its a korean car with an american badge, so its big and its cheap.

I think Exora and Grand Livina are the better choices but it would seem like paying for them would mean half your salary would be gone. Alza is a better choice if you just have to ferry 5 people most of the time and sometimes need to fetch 7 people. I'm not a big fan of the avanza, i think its expensive, too basic and handles like a snake.

sorry didn't manage to reply anyone lately.
will try to do it soon.
right now though isn't a good time to buy a car.
2 months more and your cars takes a huge depreciation dip since the year is rolling over.

i'd suggest you let the used car take the depreciation for you and buy it around jan/feb....if they haven't adjusted their prices yet just wait abit more....they're on the losing end holding on to the cars so always get the best deal from them.

2010 Ford Fiesta - i think this is the best fit, small and compact, fuel efficient, low mileage, still got warranty.

2010 Mazda 2 - another good buy, but the warranty is not as long Ford.

2010 Toyota Rush - this is a good model to buy actually because although its basically modification of the Avanza, you'd rather buy this than an Avanza. It rides better, has AWD and looks better. And being associated with the Avanza you'll find even 2010 models dropping in price to RM60 region. A good little SUV for moms to go pasar malam and ride around town in relative comfort being AWD.

2005 Toyota Altis - its a bargain price for an import car especially a Toyota, usually they don't sell this low, do check it out if there are any hidden problems.

2011 Proton Inspira - this being a proton i'd be wary of someone selling it at this price considering the car is quite new, probably the car is problematic or the owner felt the brand isn't good so change. either way do go and have a look before deciding, you may pickup a gem which is quite new at lesser price.

2009 Nissan Sentra - this is a very good car for not alot of money. low mileage and very young. would be a good long term car as sentra's are still everywhere and parts are cheap. the first owner took a very huge depreciation, now at 50k plus its a bargain.

2010 Kia Forte - overall its not a bad car but the problem i have with korean cars is that the price gap between good used and new isn't much, for abit more you can pickup a new Forte 1.6 or Hyundai Elantra.

2011 Honda Insight - the mileage looks very low for a used car, most likely was a registered showroom/test drive car before landing in the used car dealer hands, could be a real bargain. Getting the latest car for almost 30k less.

2009 Pug 308 Turbo - you might think its a good idea to get one of these since its pretty cheap, conti and powerful but please consider carefully. Pugs are monopolized by Naza so parts can only be purchased through them, so no way to find cheaper parts.

2009 Nissan Sylphy - if you can't stand the dated looks of the Sentra the Sylphy is a good buy too but you need to becareful when servicing the CVT, its not as tough as normal auto gearboxes but alot more efficient.


don't know anything about bikes.

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportsback - a great looking car which is well equipped and very low mileage, could be an ex-showroom car, this model is considered still rare in the market so probably getting a really rear-end accident would mean parts aren't so easily available (mebbe gotta fly in from japan) but then being linked with Proton maybe in the future there will be an Inspira Hatch with this body so parts become even cheaper.

2011 VW Polo - it is not exactly C segment but worth considering. good condition, low mileage, still under warranty (VW usual is 5 years), so its as good as buying a new car but cheaper.

2010 Toyota Prius - when new this puppy will cost you near Toyota Camry price but second hand its nearer to Honda Insight price but performance as good as Lexus CT400h.

05/11 Toyota Mark X - you may not like it being a sedan but its a very good car for the price, a very luxurious highway cruiser can do 160kmh @ 2.5rpm, very fuel efficient, inside is nearer to E segment.

Mazda 3 link 1Mazd 3 link 2 - both cars are fairly new and low mileage, probably showroom/test drive cars. very cheap, still got warranty and full spec, whats not to like? its powerful too with paddle shifters.

don't know.

05/11 Toyota Mark X - used but its a very good car for the price, a very luxurious highway cruiser can do 160kmh @ 2.5rpm, very fuel efficient, inside is nearer to E segment.

2009 Honda Stream - unreg japan cbu, this isn't the local one built in thailand. though smaller cc engine its interior is much much better.

2009 Toyota Wish - unreg japan spec cbu, latest model from japan not the normal ones still being sold by UMW.

2010 Nissan Teana - unreg D segment car at entry level C segment price, worth a look.

2011 Hyundai Sonata - pre-reg but still can buy as new car with low interest and warranty, why not?

2010 Ford Mondeo - used, after only almost 2 years this car dropped half its sticker price. COTY for space, fuel efficiency, powerful engine, etc.

IMHO the VW Passat CC is closer to BMW 5-series than the others of course it would be the winner if compared to others in D segment.

1996 MGF - granted this car is quite old but its quite a car for the price, definately high on the coolness meter.

2003 Pug 206 CC - its nice looking cabriolet and has a retractable metal roof, other than that i don't really think much of it. If you consider it please check all the electrics before buying as they're quite sensitive.

2006 Smart ForTwo - it may not look like it but its handling and acceleration is quite good for something that doesn't look so sporty, partly because of its AMT gearbox making use of all of its 700cc engine.

1999 Fiat Coupe - power and handling is what this car is all about, a true sports car. although its old this model is quite popular thus if you know of a Fiat specialist they'd be able to fix and maintain it for you for many years to come.

2004 Hyundai Coupe - power and handling are not really up there with cars like Fiat Coupe and MGF but being a Korean car it has the sensible things like being easier and cheaper to repair if you can find a Hyundai specialist, don't bring it to the SC.

2001 BMW 323ci - this car has everything, power, handling, prestige, easy to maintain, parts widely available and not looking too racerboy.....just that its an automatic.

depends on your usage and driving style.
as a low speed cruiser in city and high speed cruiser in highways its fuel efficient for its category.

IMHO the exterior is too plain and the interior is too early 2000's to attract the sort of buyers for this category.

power to weight ratio and driving style plays an important role here.
if you don't mind driving the car around without it giving a very torque-y feel then the 1.6 is fuel efficient.
if you wanna drive around and feel the car is powerfully pushing forward then the 1.8 is for you.

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Added on November 5, 2012, 9:59 amthey're all pretty good manuals imho

considering used/new during year end press for big big discounts else wait until next year.
keep track of the car prices now and make sure the cars you aim are cheaper come january or february.
alot try to cheat customers by maintaining the price but actually drop already because the car is one year older.

Basically Toyota Rush is a Toyota Avanza with 4 wheel drive, better looking, and slightly better materials.

Vios and City built around 2005-2007 are within your price range and are considered very fuel efficient and cheap to maintain.

Nissan Sunny - pretty darn old car, i'm not sure you can get comprehensive insurance for a car that old, i also never recommend someone to go for something that old unless they know cars very well and don't rely on it 100% for work.

For something newer and still within your budget I'd recommend any Wira/Satria/Iswara/Saga after year 2000, you'd sure be able to get insurance for such cars. Just surf some car websites and buy the newest and best possible car.

i think your idea is good.
don't over expose yourself when you financial isn't steady yet.
within 3 years if everything goes well you could either upgrade your car or buy a house.
then you'd have dual income then you can also consider buying a better car

This post has been edited by zenix: Nov 5 2012, 09:59 AM