Yeah, I am. Just tumpang this thread >_< Hope TS doesn't mind. By the way, does anyone know if there will be another NAP to be released this year that will affect car prices somewhat?

You can also consider the Skoda Superb if you want more space than the Passat (and can spend a bit more). It is at least as good as the Passat, or any D segment car, and in terms of size etc. it is sitting a class above.

Thanks for the heads up and sharing your research findings. So what car did you pick in the end with your REP incentive?

Well everybody is waiting for a revamped NAP but nobody is sure if its gonna have any good news about excise duties.

---

Added on October 10, 2012, 7:49 amI didnt. I did it for a friend. He finally chose a Volve S40 last year which i didnt think was a good choice considering the options available.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Oct 10 2012, 07:49 AM

Carried out a test drive of the Passat today. I'm pleased to report that the car is pleasant to drive and acceleration is good. For me, I was a little let down by the CKD model not coming with GPS and Bluetooth. Seems rather pointless to have a big touchscreen for just radio functions, though I understand the intention to keep costs down. There is also no keyless feature, but that's not a big deal for me. Looking forward to doing a test drive on the Camry next.

With the huge discount you're getting under the REP, if u end up choosing the Camry, many of us would be

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Oct 12 2012, 08:28 AM

You can always add on the GPS and bluetooth functionality later on as well

But with added cost of course

This.

I don't think you will like the driving feel and pressure of Camry after being poisoned by the driving feel of 1.8l Turbo Engine, compare to Camry's 2.0l/2.5l NA engine.

Agreed, especially when I got a friend who bought a Passat (pre-reg unit) for RM153k.

I can live without the GPS or Bluetooth although it would nicer to have them rather than not.

1. 3rd party GPS system will always have faster map updates
2. I rather not use the BTHF System found in the car as I really dislike people listening into my conversation. Particularly if the conversation is sensitive in nature and you so happen to have a passenger.

A DVD video in motion system would be much better though, that and a reverse camera although the optical parking system is really quite good.

How about Citroen C5?

Haha. Noted.

Can you tell us the OTR prices (minus the taxes) of the various CKD models you have researched?

Not sure how far uve gone with your REP research, but i must warn you to expect some hurdles. There are many car manufacturers which arent very keen on selling cars through the REP program. Some dealers even cheat on the prices. So once u have shortlisted a few cars, best you check with the respective HQ's on the final pricing. Dont depend on the dealers.

C5 is also interesting, yes. Especially if comfort is very important for you.

@zweimmk: I always thought the VW RNS 510 was quite pleasant to use. It's a good unit. However I would indeed be a bit worried about maps in Malaysia. Basically I would only use a Garmin over here.

kadajawi - Thanks for your suggestions. From my brief research online, it appears the C5 is a CBU car. So, I have to rule it out as my benefit is restricted to CKD cars only. That's a shame because the C5 is indeed a nice car from what I see.

cybermaster98 - Happy to share the limited information that I have. Le tme dig up and post later. Generally, the Sales and Excise duties seem to comprise about a third of the listed sales price for CKD models. However, the price quoted for the VW Passat was only 15% less, which surprised me. I didn't pursue the matter at the time as I haven't decided yet on the car.

So far, I haven't come across any unpleasantness from the dealers I have visited: VW, BMW, Honda and Kia. They've been professional and courteous. Appreciate your heads up that the experience might change once I decide which model to go for.

So whats your preference now? I suppose uve done a few test drives.

This thread might be of interest:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2530579

Indeed it is, but I listen to a fair share of Mandarin, Japanese and Korean music alongside with my regular English mix and the RNS510 cannot display Asian fonts, I'd really wish they would update the firmware of their RCD510/RNS510 so that it would also support Asian fonts. Aside from that, updated maps would be an issue to contend with as well.

It's a very minor issue, but it's still a minor annoyance.

IMO, the Passat B7 is a worth continental to drive on. I am between B7 and waiting for the new launch new camry 1 month ago. Finally i decided B7. If the new camry sell at RM130k, i will consider. Local assembly new camry price at Rm150k, really cant convince me to take up.

In matter of time, toyota will follow the crowd to include those technology for their coming models. VW, Peugeot, Mazda and Kia is increase the PIE of the automotive market.

Ure expecting a D segment Camry to be priced cheaper than the 2L Civic and Altis?

Camry big and spacious and executive feel and many nice servis centre free wifi and drinks friendly.sa friendly sc.pretty recep