Guys,

I am surveying new cars below 50k for daily run about in town, shopping, coffee shop, park at LRT station, etc. Mostly one person use. 2nd car. I came across Kia Picanto. Online reviews sounds great. Will go for a test drive when I get a chance. Initially was looking at Honda City and the likes, but this one is almost 40% cheaper and sounds like similar quality. Meanwhile, any owners out there? Appreciate feedback.

Hi all,

Planning to buy a 6/7-Seater vehicle but quite confused as not many choices and big compromises for every choice. Hope to get some advice.

Budget: Under 200k.

1. Recon Estima (2016/2017, new facelift)
Pros: Low maintenance, reliable.
Cons: Recon so many dodgy dealer around, expensive for 2nd hand car, EOL model, Japanese language HUD, safety spec sucks (only pre-crash and lane assist, don't think got 6 airbag).

2. Mazda CX8 (Mid-plus Captain Seat)
Pros: Drive quality, safety features, new car, unique
Cons: Expensive, looks like cold car so not sure if 5 years down the line becomes a lemon.

3. Nissan Serena Highway Star Premium
Pros: Cheap, Many OTR, Spacious inside, safety features
Cons: Worst drive quality, worst looks (feels like aunty car), poor reliability

Open to other options too...

Planning to get a used Inspira , somehow there's this agent told me OTR 31k for a 2012 2.0 version , but when I asked how much monthly , he asked to submit infos and documents , is it safe to do so? I would just want to know the monthly payment also need to submit so many documents.

If you like X50, given that price range, don't think you can find anything new that offer the similar level. As to shortage or parts and long waiting time for parts, it is different from the car being reliable or not. It just means that if anything spoilt, the waiting time might be longer. The car can still be reliable.

Axia new model launching next year.
Really need to get current model now?

If reliability is a priority, would rather get new unless you know the owner of the used unit or is knowledgeable in that make and model issues and can check carefully.

Firstly,
Suggest transfer 2019 Myvi to your name
Later register new car under wife name (sell old myvi).
(assuming she has 55% ncd and yours is zero)
You can still drive the new car, wife use 2019 myvi

Then,
test drive with wife the new 70-100K options
Sedans - S70 Almera City Vios
Hatchback - City Yaris
SUV - Ativa X50 WRV X70
MPV - Alza Xpander