Saga CVT uses the same engine block as a normal Campro, but the cams and piston are different from the older Saga BLM. This is to redistribute the torque across the RPM range. You are right it does not have VVT.

Whats wrong with timing belt? The Fiesta Duratec TiVCT also use timing belt. Fark, it doesnt even have independent ignition coil!

CVT oil change at 60k km for RM400, 4AT oil change every 20k km for around RM150. You tell me which is cheaper. A well maintained CVT can last quite long, Proton has tested the Belgium made CVT for up to 250k km, so it is largely reliable. The true weakness of CVT is that it is sensitive to heat and even though the Saga is fitted with a CVTF cooler, you should not subject it to high torque load for prolonged periods of time. This is true for any CVT aplication.

As for the Vios, I assume it is the old gen Vios as my house has the very last batch of the NCP42 model bought in 2007, done around 90k km. Maintained according to schedule it is a damn reliable workhorse, but even so some parts have already been replaced eg. Valve seal, wheel bearings, driveshaft, engine mounting is due for a replacement, and lately there have been weird noises from the engine bay which we still have not identify the source.

If the car is well taken care of it can last quite some time I figure, if the TS knows where to find an honest mechanic to service it then he is good to go. But the caveat is the car must be found in good condition to begin with.

This post has been edited by dares: Jul 22 2013, 12:31 AM

The Vios at home changed every 40k km as per the schedule given by the SC's SA. Forgot the price, but it was not less than RM200.

Anyway, the lack of VVT is somewhat mitigated by a variable intake manifold aka the IAFM. Not as efficient as VVT, but it helps nonetheless. My FLX SE's FC was not much worse than my Fiesta's (keyword here is NOT MUCH WORSE, but still not as good), partly because the Saga was running on CVT. Bear in mind Ford brought many new tech to bear, including twin variable cam timing (intake and exhaust) as well as dual-clutch. Not to forget, I paid a lot more for the Ford as well.

You can always theorize how stepped transmissions is cheaper to maintain and how VVT is superior than everything. But you have to drive and maintain the car to see if those theories hold water in reality.

Like I said, in terms of refinement, comfort and FC the Vios still owns the Saga CVT. You just have to get a one in prime condition, otherwise if you get a problematic unit with parts at the end of their operational lifetime, you might as well get the Proton - at least warranty is free.

Out of topic, just FYI, Preve's CFE Campro comes with VVT.

This post has been edited by dares: Jul 23 2013, 02:26 PM

I didn't say Saga FC can beat Fiesta, I said the difference is not huge, but Fiesta still runs more economically. Also, the Saga I was comparing to was the FLX SE 1.6l, not the 1.3l.

I sold my Saga FLX SE 1.6 at 14k km, my Fiesta is around 13k km at the moment, and I do keep track of my FC during my ownership of both cars. Like I said, we can go on and on about paper figures all year long, but in my personal experience as owner of both cars, I can't say the difference is really that significant. Once you have learnt how to drive the CVT (For example, I monitor my instant fuel consumption to train my footwork), the Saga can be quite economical as well. Most complaints about the high FC with the FLX stems from owners driving the CVT like a regular 4AT.

I wonder where TS find the Vios so cheap, because the 2007 Vios NCP42 in my home is valued at RM45-50k.

Buying a 6 year old car at that price really isn't the best way to spend your money.

You can get as low as 2.7% for local cars. anything above 3% for local new cars is unreasonable dy