Below are the criteria:
- Something special and not commonly seen on the road
- At least 2 airbags with stability control
- Any body type will do (Sedan / hatch)
- Nice interior is a plus
- Ease of maintenance not a must
- Good reliability is a plus but not a must
- Preferably 2016 or newer
- Below 55k budget
- 99% city drive and commute alone

I have shortlisted 2 cars:
1. Peugeot 208 puretech 1.2 turbo 2018 or newer - I'm sure someone would mention about the reliability and maintenance costs. I'm fully aware of this and I have found a reliable & trusted workshop which is also near to my place. For under 50k I'm able to get a low mileage and less than 3 years old car which is a plus. The 6 speed auto and punchy little turbo engine is also quite interesting.
2. Mazda 2 hatch / sedan 1.5 2016 - Quite reliable overall, no turbo, no dual clutch and stuff. Nice interior too but overall pricier and cars are generally around 5 years old with > 50k mileage. However only comes with 2 airbags which is a minus.

The car will be used by a lady driver with almost non existent driving experience, hence a small car will be appreciated.

UPDATE 27 OCT 2021

After lots of deliberation, viewing used cars, visiting showrooms, pros cons analysis and stuff, we have placed a booking for the facelift myvi last week. No spec decided yet (Heard there's going to be1.3G, 1.5X, 1.5H, 1.5AV), but most probably going for something around 1.5H. Will wait till the specs are out.

Was promised by SA able to get car before 2021 ends. Keeping fingers crossed.

This post has been edited by budang: Oct 27 2021, 10:32 AM

Kia Cerato K3

picanto 1.2 auto

Why you want something uncommon? The more uncommon, the more you should expect to pay for maintenance

this i support

Myvi...the king...

o wai...

Else based on your criteria except for 2016 or newer..

Why not consider BMW 1 series (F20). RM30k is possible...

This post has been edited by Notoriez: Aug 17 2021, 04:57 PM

Vento 1.2tsi/1.6mpi

topup abit get toyota yaris J spec

peugeot 55k + repairs can buy new yaris already

Forget about 2nd hand cars, from your suggestion I can recommend you

1. Proton Persona
2. Proton Iriz

New cars, long warranty, peace of mind, and they're both a good drive and rank highly in the ASEAN ANCAP test.

2nd hand Renault Zoe

Just take non-turbo car, hassle free for you.

Myvi is the best
6 airbag
ADAS auto break
cheap maintainence...

If you are ok get a PRIUS, battery can get from local shops.

If u can find, Ford fiesta ST.

Citroen
https://www.mudah.my/malaysia/cars-for-sale...ice=40000-50000

or you choice below


https://www.mudah.my/malaysia/cars-for-sale...ice=40000-50000

This post has been edited by dudester: Aug 17 2021, 05:07 PM

MYVI SAJAAAA

K3 is quite big, will take picanto into consideration.

That will be the trade off. Owner doesn't want something so common like the myvi which is everywhere on the road, but is ready to pay for the maintenance.


Vento interior is too outdated unfortunately.


Peugeot can be had for under 48k. Still quite a big price gap from Yaris J spec..

Actually this made sense until when you start comparing the price of the mazda 2 2016 vs peugeot 208 2018, peugeot much newer but cheaper by quite a lot.

This is for sure. But owner trying to see if other car make sense. If no, myvi will be the fallback plan

Owner doesn't like the look of prius, too bad. And it's quite old.

Because Peugeot is a well-known of their always-visit-repair-shop.
That's make the price dip..

Something special and uncommon, with a budget of RM55k, and preferably 2016 and newer.

Hmm....

I think you should change the "any body type will do" criteria in the original post as well since you mentioned the K3 is too big.

Aside from what's already been recommended here, how about a Kia Rio?