My parents planning to get a family MPV that can seat at least 6 people. New or used it don't really matter as long as its comfortable for long distance. They have a budget of max RM100k.

They are looking at
- Brand New 2020 Honda BRV
- Brand New Perodua Aruz

I'm suggesting
- 2011 / 2012 Toyota Vellfire 2.4
- 2011 / 2012 Toyota Alphard 2.4
- 2018 Toyota Innova 2.0G

We travel alot and have plans to drive all the way to Thailand / Singapore. What is the best choice and hows the maintenance like on those cars ( if you've owned one, do let me know the running cost )

This post has been edited by hazremi: Jul 21 2020, 09:29 AM

Pls lah Aruz or BRV u gonna get leg cramp.
Innova very bumpy one dont sit at the rear if u got motion sickness.


Alphard or Vellfire obviously. u wont regret it.

for my case my constraint is budget. so i got the BRV SE (mainly because of i dont want to spend more than 100k and BRV SE got android auto)

but tbh i sometimes think i should spend abit more for the new innova

Im using brv, average car for small family with small kids. btw in fb brv club there currently have issue on the part problem one is fuel pump (honda recall) and one more that honda not cover inside the car warranty (boot shaft leaking), cost at sc RM500++. Aruz im not sure yet have issue or not. for 2nd hand also im not into it so no comment.

Btw i suggest ur parents to go for test drive (with full load 6 person) then will know the difference of comfort.

BRV and Aruz is actually a 5+2 MPV. which means the +2 is for kids..and if you fit in all the passengers, you barely have spaces for luggage.

Recommended you to go for a recond Vellfire or Alphard which cost 80k-120k.

Skip Aruz... My in law got one... And too woobly on highway... Although it rear wheel drive... BRV is at least the last option. The door feel empty and handle seems hollow.

Recond car NEED to spare money since no warranty... But I ve been driving estima acr55 for 6 years now... No major breakdown.. Just have to standby if major parts breakdown

Things I have replaced
4 absorber = 3k
Engine mount=1.6k

Toyota engine no problem... Always go service it will be OK.

They wanted to get BRV as well. But our family all adults + 1 kid.

So its me driving, my 17 year old bro sit beside, both parents in middle row, and my 25 year old sis with lil bro at 3rd row.... So i feel will be quite cramp if they take a BRV...

ahh yes.. Estima... we also used to owned a ACR30 ... but sold it after too many breakdowns and electronics malfunction... =( .. but thx for the suggestion though.. might consider a ACR55 instead

ahh yes.. that BRV SE red colour last year was the reason why my parents suddenly want to consider a BRV. But yeah.. just worry considering its smaller compared to our 2012 Honda CRV. But how was the BRV.. is it really as spacious as they claim it to be? Also is it powerful for highway drive?

If it's brand new - Proton Exora RC will fit the bill.
Proper MPV. Not a 5+2 Mpv

Nay Sayers / Anti Proton will bash but this is probably the most affordable MPV after (new) Innova. The new Exora facelift has some improvements already.

Driving one now (Not the RC version). Have driven up North, down Singapore and to the east of Kuantan. Reliable.
Gearbox and Turbocharger still working.
No breakdown after 5-6 yrs of owning except for a sudden dead battery.

Can't think of any proper full size 7 seater which is around this price range. The former Sienta is like a baby Alphard. Probably the size of Aruz.

I have no complain driving crossing border from Miri to KK late last year. overtaking car manageable la, but i never had car with more than 1.6cc lah so probably ive 'used' to pakai kereta underpowered. For below 100k, 3rd row seat BRV is the most comfortable for me (i tested only Aruz, BRV, Ertiga)

also my decision is heavily influenced by the sales agent too... when i test drive everything, the Honda guy gave me the keys to the BRV for the weekend to test kaw2 at my own leisure time. so i might be bias juga on this

Proton Exora is also 5+2 la bro..

Why not consider a Nissan Serena or probably a recon Voxy/Noah? Shud be slightly cheaper to maintain than the Alphards and Veilfires plus easier on road tax...

ahh yes.... Serena... thx for suggestion... will now add Voxy/Noah into consideration... baby Alphard.. hahahx

I would add Honda Stepwgn but too bad they only have current few pre-face lifted models...

Completely agree. Added more.

You want to sit between the 2 axles, especially your long trip to Thai/SG.
Any seats behind the read axle are extremely bumpy and cause motion sickness. Be it a MPV, truck, bus, minivan.

bumpy and wobbly seems contradict, but let me explain more.
1) when over the bump, 3rd row get threw higher than any body else. If the driver didn't pay attention and goes a little too fast, your butts would leave the chair.
2) at highway any undulation, the car get long ripple before regain stability. Over the journey, you'll be have almost constant vertical motion.

Maybe can put up a boom box and move with it, yo yo check'it out babe, shake your body with me.

Serious part, those are designed as city car. Good and convenient for 40-60km/h in the downtown.

This post has been edited by constant_weight: Jul 21 2020, 10:44 AM

if looking for used or recon (still used), i suggest try to look at serena. at least the mpv sold in malaysia and u might get one with proper service history and still got warranty left from nissan.

Grand Carnival too.

Turbo-diesel, top notch fuel economy over long distance, and plenty of low end torque no problem go up Genting even when fully loaded.

was interested in Grand Carnival as well.. but that is way over our budget. =( .. also was considering Starex but my parents dun like diesel vehicle..

Used one should be within your budget, since you didn't limit your option to new car.

modern diesel with particulate filter is very clean, and very quiet provided you pump euro5.

In as far as I am aware the ACR30 should have less electronics if compare to ACR50 or ACR55. And mind you, ACR50 has much smaller 3rd row seats due to the design on the seat which is capable of recess into the boot floor. More convenient but smaller seats.

However, all in all if your parent does not want a HUGE car, ACR50 is a good choice. For the same money you may get slightly newer car vs Vellfire.

If Exora is 5+2 then Innova is also 5+2 in your definition lah
Come on, dont try to mix it with BRV / Aruz / Alza. Those are real 5+2. (in fact the last row of seat is not suitable for adults)

I dont think you are looking at the right corner. Its a proper 7 seater. The last row can and will seat adults.
So Its either you mistaken it for Ertiga or you have never sat in one. Or you are against it.

Here is the facts. Lets compare with Innova (but I put others for clearer comparison, just in case you miss it)
And no I'm not putting Vellfire or Alphard inside cause it's pointless.

Dimensions	Wheelbase	Lenght	Width
Proton Exora	2730mm	4610mm	1809mm
Toyota Innova	2750mm	4735mm	1795mm
Proton Ertiga	2740 mm	4265mm	1695mm
Honda BRV	2662 mm	4457 mm	1677 mm
Perodua Aruz	2,685 mm	4,435 mm	1,695 mm

As you can see the wheelbase of Innova is just a mere 20mm longer while the Exora wins the width by mere 14mm.
There. I've made it clear.

To TS TaeNy35v also, here is a comparison chart I made for you. Click below. Sorry I cant get Vellfire 2012 aka ANH20

Comparison between Exora, Innova , Aruz , BRV and Vellfire (facelift 2.5L),

This post has been edited by SleeplessEyes: Jul 21 2020, 01:40 PM

i think they prefer a large car, just not too large like the Starex as feel waste of space for 11 seater. Also I will be the one driving, so for them is the seating comfort. hahahx.. I have no problem driving huge MPV. But yeah.. may consider ACR50.

Ok just incase anyone is wondering... My parents is looking for a family car as they like to travel. Most important is comfortable ride and enough luggage space... have a bad experience owning a 2003 Unser.. used for 4 months then change to 2005 Estima back in 2010..... Looking for similar to Estima comfort... not Unser style comfort...

This post has been edited by TaeNy35v: Jul 21 2020, 01:51 PM

Bro, if you are used to Estima would rather stick back to maybe newer Estima.
The handling & ride comfort of Alphad & Vellfire on highway is way less comfort compare to Estima due to its boxy shape.
If you always like to travel long distance on highway, Estima would be a better car.

Another option is Honda Odyssey which the driving experience is similar to Estima.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Jul 21 2020, 02:14 PM

i second this. exora is a proper 7 seater. not 5+2.

Woow... thx alot man... this really helps

From how I see here... those vehicles that are 5+2 configuration are those with 5 doors... those true 7 or 8 seaters have sliding doors like Alphard, Veilfire, Serena... you get the gist of it.

oh yaa... i now also see it now.. 5+2 = 5 door... true 7 seater = sliding door...

Also do take note you are not moving people alone, but goods as well.

Normally when my travel travel, we had hard time nak isi semua beg! sakit kepala betul, especially when we are going for a longer trip/vacation

Luggage space is very very important

This post has been edited by Maknusia: Jul 21 2020, 04:24 PM

Nissan Serena

No, a seat is still a seat. Doors are not to be used to classified as whether its a true 5+2 or 7 seater.
So I don't get the gist of this logic. This is a first from you. Let's see how others will agree to your logic.

FYI, the most common Alphard or Vellfire models on the road now, are only 6 seaters. Not 7.
See how you wanna argue that with your sliding door theory. Why I say only 6 seater? Because the row in the middle is 2 "captain" seats, Not a bench in the middle. There is a "limited edition" Vellfire Royal Lounge which only has 4 seats. Four.

Serena on the other hand, its officially classified as 8 seater despite lower class than Alphard/vellfire. Because they have proper 8 seat configuration.

A bus has like 30+ seats yet only 1-2 sliding doors (or just 1). How about that? LOL.
Oh BTW, the ever low class Nissan Vanette also is a 7 seater in case you dont know. Sliding door too, without power doors.

So, TaeNy35v its up to you whether you want to take my advice, or his number of door logic advice.

To seat 6 person + luggage, assuming u're not putting them on the roof, at least something the size of an Alphard/Elgrand/Elysion/Carnival/Serena/Innova.

For sufficient torque, minimum a 2.4L or a 2.0L turbo. A Hyundai Santa Fe is actually a good choice, powerful 2.2L CRDI engine, nice handling for everyday usage. Just install a roof rack & u're good. 2015 used unit at RM60-70k.

For small MPVs but with spacious cabin, I prefer Honda Edix, Honda Freed or Toyota Sienta.

Very practical. They are all 6 seaters if I'm not mistaken.

Honda Edix can be owned for less than rm30k; Honda Freed for less than rm50k, & Toyota Sienta can be owned for less than rm80k in the used car market.

This post has been edited by amscouzach57: Jul 22 2020, 07:57 AM

I get where you are coming from and this is my recent observation of the trend since this topic has been brought up.

FYI, those with captain chairs are 7 seaters not 6 as the last row sits three. The lower trim level comes in the 8 seater configuration.

The previous Serena was an 8 seater but the current model is sold only 7 seater due to more popular demand for captain chairs.

I won't want to compare the bus as well... it's a bus... and yes, I do know about the Vanettes or Hiaces... the have a single sliding door... and still affirms my argument of dedicated 7 or 8 instead of the child sized folding chairs.

And on side note if you have not notice, the Sienta or the Freed... they too come with sliding doors and they have dedicated 6 seats(mind you not 5+2).

Anyway... for the sake TaeNy35v getting the sufficient info he needs, the 5+2 configuration may not be suitable for you case as you want to move a family size bigger than 5 and still have sufficient room for your luggages. The +2 is somewhat unwritten rule for either luggages or two extra ppl... comfort wasn't much considered plus it was more for versability. So, you are better off with an mpv that has a thought for dedicated seats and sufficient luggage space.

This post has been edited by aquilaTE: Jul 22 2020, 09:17 AM

The most sensible and considerate suggestion so far. Many ppl never look at TS usage of going long journey road trip, and keep suggesting those city MPV.
I think for 3-4 days trip, and pack light, most can get away without the need of roof rack. Hopefully TS's kid is not an infant that need a stroller.

- 3rd row up, left barely any baggage space.
- 1.5L full load 5 adults + 1 kid
- 8hr+ trip - KL to Thailand, have they even sit in the 3rd row before?
- Unstable ride for 8hr+

I sat Alza/BRV/Sienta/Serena/CX-9/Pajaro Sport 3rd row before. The only one I don't mind to sit for long journey is CX-9.

So totally agree for long journey using full size SUV/MPV without sliding door, we need like SantaFe, XC90, CX-9 etc. Else better stick with MPV Alphard/Velfire/Grand Carnival/Starex, which TS used to own.

Serena 3rd row have decent knee room, but the head rest is weird, seat design also weird, neck sore after 5-10min. I ended up sit sideway to avoid the head rest.

TS purpose is long journey road trip to Thailand/Singapore, 5+1 passengers.

Sienta etc.. are small city MPV, best use in downtown 40km/h-60km/h.

Yes... true... my family consist of
-Parents around age of 60
-Me ( tour guide driver whom will never get to feel how the passenger / middle / 3rd row feels like )
- Siblings ( aged 25, 17, 6 no stroller )

-Currently using CR-V ( very not suitable as cant fit 4 ppl behind... defnitely not suitable for long journey ) + only good thing is luggage room.
-Hence need a 4 seat behind... prefer 2 pilot seats for my parents in middle row.


Usually will bring 2 cars due to lack of space. But too costly and my parents don't want to drive / dont want my sis to drive.


So yeah... for city driving, will just stick to our CRV.... but long distance is the issue... need my passengers feel comfortable...

Thanks for the clarification.

If that is the case. Yes my vote goes to Alphard & Vellfire.

They are very comfortable for passengers. I was always driven in an Alphard whenever I have to work in Thailand.

It is super comfortable

This post has been edited by amscouzach57: Jul 22 2020, 06:22 PM

Exora is good bargains. 10 years technology with ESC. And aircon for a back row. Very important with a small child

Hmm...but too bad we only have 1 small child. The rest of us is all adults. 🤣🤣

Serena consider good already.
Cant belip toyota wish is never mentioned

Innova also underpower AF.

Innova dont have 2.4 diesel variant?

Not in Malaysia. Because diesel seems not acceptable in Malaysia. So we are stuck with petrol drinking engines.
The only diesel variants which has 5+2 is Fortuner. That's all.

I love diesels. The torque and the clattering sound.

If Vellfire or Alphard price to high look for Estima or latest Voxy..

There are diesel Grand Starex right?