Well it is not difficult to extract the same amount of power from a normal K20 as the one they put inside the FD2R, however the cost and complexity wouldn't be really worth it.

Normally, it's more than just the head. Some of the engines have oil coolers, a counterbalanced and balanced crankshaft (versus just balanced), and stronger rods. The Z engines have different ECUs than the A engines, and the new Z3 uses a throttle by wire system. Also, there's the issue of an LSD, found only on the K20A and K20Z3.

more info at the Temple of VTEC and here

btw i tot u r a girl with such a name 
I think the A250 might be the next hot thing on the road 
I've did the calculations for all car makes so generally all cars if you keep them for 9 years they'll all depreciate to about the same level. You need to calculate their depreciation by % not value, because some cars starting price is higher but depreciate at the same level thus by 9 years will still be at a higher price. E.g. Honda Civic FD2 2.0 vs Sylphy G11 2.0 they're both 2000cc cars but one is cheaper than the other but should depreciate by the same % by 9 years.

Of course there are exceptions to this rule like really hot cars that market value doesn't degrade so much, e.g. Honda Civic EK the majority of them are all above RM20k especially those in good condition for a car that is going to be 20 years old it is quite something, it might reach classic car status before it depreciate to RM5k and by that time it might see a resurge in price.

There are some older big engine capacity cars that when reach classic car status their roadtax becomes more affordable suddenly the price will shoot up especially those in good/mint condition.
Hi bro!

There used car dealers that lump everything into the sticker price, some like air asia everything is itemized individually then pay cash to them for those. I prefer to deal with those that put everything into one price, I don't mind the rm100 booking fee or 10% deposit, but this/that few thousand here and there then suddenly the car you thought which is cheaper at this dealer than another dealer suddenly inflated until become more expensive then you become too invested to cancel.

Never put yourself into this situation.

Ask all the questions so it is all clear, if you have to make them write it down by hand then chop & sign if they don't have a form with that info, but if it has to come to this I think the shop is untrustworthy.

If you ever feel something is wrong, go to another shop. Nissan Teana and Honda Accord are all pretty common cars can find at any used car dealer. Usually the bigger used car/recon car dealers with big lots have better cash flow and management don't resort to alot of customer cheating practices.

What do you guys think of a kitted up Mazda 2? 
sorry for missing our on yours earlier, i thought I replied, anyone that I skipped unintentionally please notify me 

2010 Nissan X-Trail - this used to be what i think as the king of value because it doesn't have a complicated AWD system very consumer friendly (push button), unlike some other makes that only just sell us in either 2WD or AWD this always gives you an option to change, then being Nissan maintenance and spare parts are always wallet friendly (however please take not this is an SUV not Kancil so it isn't going to be RM50 per service, okay?). However, now with the new X-Trail which looks amazing and offers more of the same I think the RV of this model in the future isn't going to be as good as it is now being that this model although is value for money is damn ugly!

2010 Nissan Dualis - so what is the alternative? well you could choose it's import only brother called Dualis. All the mechanical stuff is identitcal so maintenance is the same but it looks alot nicer and closer to Murano's kind of design language. Not much to worry about this model except if you get into a big accident where doors/glass/etc needs to be replaced those would be either hard to find or expensive.

Other than that there are options like Mitsubishi ASX but not many in the used market like this one, I guess it is a good car and people keep it around. You also can consider Honda CRV and I think the used ones are in a good price bracket for used car buyers now.

Good thing about ASX and CRV is that they're the current models being sold new by the manufacturers now so you don't get the "i bought an old model" syndrome of unhappiness eventhough you made a financially sound decision. However, the replacement for the CRV should be coming soon either this year or next. But the Dualis being import only will still loom fresh for a long time due to it's rarity.
I'm usually against such deals for the Polo Sedan because that means although you can get the car easily you're only going to suffer at the end because they will force you to take a 9 year loan which seems good, lower repayment which seems good, then on the 8th year when the car starts to fall apart due to heavy use you decide to trade-in but find out the current market value for the car is (for example) RM10k your amount owing to bank is RM13k so you need to forkout additional RM3k when you buy the next car or creatively settle the issue via discount from salesman or put it into the new car loan. A headache I think you'll want to avoid unless you're desperate now.

The Elantra like the Polo Sedan is a C-segment car and although back in the 90's that would mean a 1600cc engine nowadays 1800cc and 2000cc is common because C-segments have grown in size and weight due to additional equipment for NVH and safety -- don't think you'll enjoy the Elantra 1600cc much. Further more RV is probably the worst of the 4 choices.

Mazda 2 would be a good choice, the car itself is good and RV for Mazda's nowadays isn't that shit. Only issue now is they don't have enough 3S/authorize workshop so you either need to drive quite far to reach one or appointment times are usually packed.

Honda City has grown much it is a very complete car, like the Almera it is longer so there is extra room at the back for passengers. The top spec has a great touch screen dashboard. Enough creature comforts and spec (like VSC) to rival C-segment cars. So if you can't afford a new C-segment car this is pretty close to it. Service network isn't an issue with Honda either. The only problem would be maybe you might feel it is a little bit boring since there are many on the road, but remember boring ones are usually cheaper to maintain due to economics of scale.
Myvi would be your best bet, you can even get a new one with that budget but since you're open to the idea of used cars let me provide you some options which are better and wound't hurt your pocket.

2009 Nissan Latio - this car is a good compromise between updated safety features of cars in this era, being affordable and also avoiding complicated engine and gearboxes. Take it to service at workshops outside (not nissan authorize dealers) the bill will be about the same as if you're maintaining a Persona/Myvi. Although this is a sedan car, if you prefer there is a hatchback version like this and if you put on the Impul bodykit, it looks really smart.

2010 Toyota Vios TRD - this looks like a really good price for a TRD spec, if you like it better quickly give the seller a call because these babies don't come into the market often and at this price. While it has some cheeky accessories to tell it apart from other boring Vios's it is still a normal Vios so maintenance is cheapo like all of them with high reliability.
I think since you're on the highway mostly you'll at least need a B-segment, with your budget you can afford a basic spec B-segment, or a better spec C-segment used car.

If talking about B-segment new there isn't much choice if you're on a budget, it is either going to be a Nissan Almera or Toyota Vios J, you get to have a new car but at the lower end of the B-segment spectrum. Additionally, since you travel alot on the highway you might want to consider a C-segment as it has more safety features especially critical because you drive on highways more -- even if you don't speed others will so you need to be prepared. However, another forumer did mention a 2013 pre-reg VW Polo Sedan can be had for around RM60k, that would be a good deal if the car is in good condition and you still get full warranty and new car loan -- it is a C-segment car with good safety features only minus point is the engine might not be enough to make driving fun for you.

2006 VW Golf GTI - you might see this car within your budget and it is a really fun car but just remember it is a 2006 car so next year it is going to be a 10 year old car, so after you're done with a 5 year loan it is going to be a 14 year old car which cannot be loaned if you wanna sell it on so private buyers will need to fork out cash or you trade-in to buy your new car. This is a good car I don't think the RV will be that bad so after 5 years it might still be around 30-40k range used car price so not really alot of cash buyers. That is if you change cars frequently. So what if you keep it for long term? Well, VW do make good cars and usually German makes will have parts support for at least 30 years of the cars lifetime so don't have to worry about it as Golf's have become pretty common nowadays so no issues getting parts but don't expect it to be as cheap as a Civic/Altis eventhough they're in the same C-segment bracket. There isn't the gearbox or engine failure issues in the GTI as in the TSI so no worries on that but as far as I remember there is a part (iinm a sensor that usually goes faulty at 100,000kms) which cost RM5000 currently, in future maybe it is cheaper dunno. You've gotta further check that with GTI owners to double check.

2006 BMW 118 - alternatively a cheaper option in terms of purchase price would be this baby, they're quite rare of the roads so be sure to not crash it else getting replacement parts for anything more than a bumper would be either costly or need to wait (if you're talking about authorized workshops getting original parts, imho get the chop shop parts is good enough). It is not a turbo so it wouldn't give you that crazy surge of power but being a BMW it isn't going to be underpowered either but the benefits of non-turbo comes in maintenance. So at about 10k cheaper than the GTI the above would be the trade off's. Prestige wise probably BMW is better than GTI but a BMW hatch maybe isn't as good as a sedan 3-series when it comes to prestige. There are 3-series within your budget like 2008 BMW 320 which are within your budget, in terms of maintenance cars in this range they're all about the same in terms of cost so don't expect anything below RM300 when you go for a service interval.

The above are expensive choices so here are some sensible ones 2010 Toyota Altis 1.8 G-Spec , 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid , 2010 Honda Civic FD1 Facelift and 2009 Mazda 3 2.0 would be relatively fun, relatively sporty looking and kinder on your wallet. Mazda 3 the 2000cc variant is good and parts are cheap nowadays for this version but you might feel abit down when you see the newer Skyactiv versions on the road they look better and have better technology, so if you handle handle such envy better give it a skip. The Civic for this generation is considered a golden generation as it has better looks and engine in the K20 but that is if you choose something like 2009 Honda Civic FD2, the one in this advert has everything ready for you the much wanted RR bodykit and RR color paintwork the modifications aren't overboard and looks good, however you can choose the FD1 if you want similar luxuries as the FD2 interior minus the powerful K20 engine but usually FD1's for the same price as FD2 would be younger. So it is your choice older with better engine or newer with relatively better engine. I say relatively because the FD1 is using the R-series engine which is the same as the current generation of Civic's -- purist will say new one is SOHC old one is DOHC so old is better. Actually the performance figures on paper are the same the R-series is better at passing newer emissions standards but if you don't care and want power the R-series is known for being very compatible with force-induced upgrades such as this kit. While the K20 is more on tuning and mechanical upgrades to the cams, air in-take, etc. to get to better performance but still NA. The direction is up to you, or you want a Hybrid? I left out the Sylphy coz it is boring but the Altis is worth a shot as it has a nice look and decent engine, cheap to maintain too -- for better handling just change the shocks.

It is true the GLA really does have a fantastic design and look but it will have the same faults as the A-Class and CLA being from the same chasis/platform, rear passenger comfort and legroom is sacrificed for that dramatic sleek raking roof. Nowadays 1600cc turbo engine's are quite the norm for european makes, you can ask anybody owning a VW Golf 1.4TSI if it is a powerful car or not just being 1400cc (ignore the breakdown issues VW is famous for).

I think GLA200 isn't that bad.

Generally for European makes there are three main small turbo engine lineage;
1. Prince (BMW, Peugeot, Citroen, Mini, etc.)
2. EA111/211 (VW Group)
3. M270/274 (Mercedes)

The issues with Prince are well known. BMW's variant for their own 3-series cars is designated as N20 which is supposed to have fixed all the bugs (ultimate driving machine MAH!), everyone knows VW is in deep trouble because of DSG and Engine failure issues, however there haven't been much complaints of Merc's but that isn't to say they're bullet proof.
I'm still quite biased against Proton so I don't think I can elaborate much on Exora, though I think it would be quite underpowered on full load.
Citroen C8 are cheap in the used car market but maintenance cost would be quite high as conti's usually only specialist workshops would do a good job but they're not cheap (although more cheaper than authorized workshops/3s) and also parts is another issue.

I'd recommend either an Estima/Odyssey.

2006 Toyota Estima - they're very common on our roads (eventhough they're grey import only cars) and every spare part shop will carry their parts and any workshop can handle it. In terms of maintenance I think no issue it will be friendly to your pocket. But there are alot of models and different spec out there at different prices and remember Toyota's usually have high RV so if it is too cheap there might be an issue with it.
i'm not too sure about this either but sometimes these gimmicks aren't really worth it.
i've a 7 year old honda city, nowadays maybe car old already on engine also like very difficult even after changing starter.
cannot imagine it turn off/on constantly while i am driving in the city, scared it off then cannot on back.
that's abit old skool of me 
The nissan would be a better choice, the 2000cc is better than the 1800cc variant as it has a good power to weight ratio, thus no feeling of underpower or heavy fuel consumption due to heavier foot while driving to poke it to move. Generally, toyota/honda/nissan parts are afford able in malaysia thus low maintenance cost.

Focus TDCI is a great car, far far superior to the Sylphy in many ways but maintenance cost will be very high. It is not a common model on our roads so all parts need to be sourced from authorized service centers or 3S thus not price competitive but it will have a much better fuel consumption compared to the Sylphy because it runs on diesel, as on average most diesels give you back around 500km per tank, that's the average in general for any diesel engine, highway use and light footed use will give you more.

Sylphy would be the safe choice, but TDCI would be the choice if you want a spirited drive and good mileage but don't mind on the maintenance cost.
I understand where you're coming from, I am just giving the general idea of how these things work thus choosing one extreme to showcase an example to let you know the worst case scenario so you can make a more informed decision, as many people when entering a showroom wouldn't know what to expect and i am afraid brainwashing by salesman would fog your decision and regret later.

But after knowing it and the salesman is able to offer you something which you think is good even after my advise then you've made a better informed decision 

Elantra is always going to win the spec on paper, accessories level and exterior design but a few things to consider before buying one are RV and after sales service;
1. RV - this model has been around for sometime already look at the older ones how much is their RV now to have an indication of the drop to see if you're okay with that.
2. After sales service - the location of an authorize service center/3S is important, you don't wanna drive far away to do service or claim warranty, check on their website or with the SA on scheduled maintenance cost to see if it is something you're comfortable with.....don't buy something you cannot afford to maintain.
Alot of people give up on older Korean cars because maintenance vs RV doesn't seem justified.

Mazda 2 has the latest and best design for a b-segment car currently IMHO and it's Skyactiv engine is supposed to be as good as a Hybrid (gimmicks aside it's FC is quite good judging from previous Skyactiv models ) in terms of RV it is better nowadays since Mazda turned a corner with their new designs so maybe RV isn't a problem now as it was last time but keep in mind Mazda parts ain't always going to be cheap like Honda/Toyota if that is your basis for comparisons plus eventhough their network is growing not everywhere will have a 3s or AW.

City are Vios are usually boring choices, people usually choose them because of less headache eventhough their designs kind of boring because service network is huge and if you service outside using OEM/PI parts it is cheaper to maintain, plus RV is usually high. Though the new city has a few benefits the top spec has a really nice space age touch screen like dashboard center console....imho looks nice but abit figety when you're driving on malaysian bumpy roads, the longer wheelbase like almera is good for rear passengers so if you can't afford a c-segment this is a good choice vs almera because it has a good power to weight ratio so you never feel it is underpower.