Suzuki Swift (if you can afford it). Maintenance is less hassle and I believe it comes with 0% for first 2 years or something like that so it's quite a good deal for a imported car. Servicing a Swift (5K service) will set you back RM200 (oil change, oil filter and labour). There are some QC issues with the Swift. Some folks complain that the noise on the roof when it rains is a bit loud (and irritating).

Fuel consumption isn't an issue I suppose as you picked 2 cars that aren't famous for it's FC. No offence, but I sincerely doubt you'll be able to take care of a Conti car. They're really fussy and need a lot of attention.

If you do want to get a 206cc, get it from the owner direct or browse the PeugeotClubMalaysia forums as enthuiast tend to take care of their car better. Expect to set aside money (few grands) for parts change, especially if you're planning on getting a second hand one. Conti cars are great to drive, I tell you. Driving a Conti car and a Jap car has 2 different kind of feeling to it. It has a more dignified driving experience but it also comes with a price to pay. Part prices wise, there's a way to get Ori parts cheaper, but you need to join a Peugeot Club and there are 2 in Malaysia. My personal advice for a conti car is know your parts and their lifespan. Each and every part has a lifespan. Changing them accordingly (preventive maintenance) will ensure a pretty much problem free ride.

Personally, for RM70-80k, I'd get the Alfa Romeo 147. Nice 2-door or 4-door hatchback that's really sweet to drive and it looks and handles so damn much better than the 206cc. Honestly, if I had RM80k and a car to use already, I'd dump that money into the FD and wait for 2007-2008 cars. Selling your Myvi now, you'll lose a lot of money. So.. should you change or not? Maybe not... but if you can afford it, why not?

p.s. ever wonder why of all the PUGs, there seems to be more 2nd hand 206cc for sale than the rest?

The best, as I mention before is to join a car club (preferably the car that you want to buy) and get to know the car from these people first. That's how you do research, talk to people who owns the car not those who doesn't. Personally, I feel that a lot of people here have a lot to say about cars but all they've driven is a Proton or a Perodua. They practically know nuts about a Suzuki or a Peugeot and 'stories' and 'myths' circulate among these people to others who plan to buy a car.

Also, unless you're earning 3K above with epf, etc. I sincerely doubt any bank will offer you a loan for the Suzuki Swift... unless you buy it under your parents name or someone else. As far as I know, the 0% interest for the 1st 2 years is absorb by Lion's Group or something.

This post has been edited by azxel: Jan 26 2007, 08:54 AM

I'm into my god knows how many years (since the 90s) and I find the Swift beyond my reach...

Yea, I know nuts about cars or the Swift.

I know for a fact about the problems I posted about the Swift because I was planning on buying a car. How do I know? Because I browse auto clubs forums for info by reading Peugeot, Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Nissan and Suzuki Club Forums for sometime as part of research. Thats what I got out from owners of these cars. I personally drive a Suzuki Grand Vitara. What about you?

Why do you see people bashing local cars so much? Perhaps, you shouldn't limit yourself to one or two source of information. Perhaps, local cars really do suck. Who knows...