Am driving a 2012 Hyundai Elantra, it's underpowered 1.6 engine but still sufficient for day to day city drive. Maintenance wise is ok, have changed many parts over the years there's OEM brand for certain parts so it's not expensive.

No issue with gearbox and compressor, so far the biggest cost of repair is changing the engine piston ring which cost around RM2,000. The other spare parts & sensors all around RM300-600

I think it's wear and tear, the workshop I trusted say if not replaced it might start leaking oil. Given the car already break 100k mileage that time I think such major replacement would be expected. The other parts which I remembered replacing are steering clock sensor, airbag sensor, alternator, break pump, power window motor(driver side), and radiator (this one is my own mistake causing overheat), most of them between RM300-600 each.

If you are getting the car above 100k mileage I think you should expect changing 1-2 parts per year beside regular maintenance

This post has been edited by bashlyner: Nov 28 2021, 10:37 PM

If you can accept the maintenance cost (1-2 parts every year beside from regular maintenance) then I think you are good to go, for me the car is quite reliable, a bit underpowered but enough for city drive, and the exterior look still modern enough.

RV is non issue since you won't be getting new car anyway (the latest 1.6 CBU model cost 134k++ which totally not worth). I think old people still have bad perception towards Korean car but for me it's not much different with Japanese car except maybe the availability for some spare parts. I would say low RV is actually a plus point for second hand car buyer since you get the car with lower price as compared to Japanese brand from same segment and years, the money you saved is a lot than enough to maintain it for next few years to come.

You can try compare the RV of these car on car listing website to gauge around how much depreciation per year. The depreciation will be getting lower and lower over the years so it might not have much different if you are getting a >7years car. I think the decision is based on whether you willing to go for B segment car, like what you posted if you want a C Segment then the Japanese brand will cost at least 10k more which also mean more insurance cost.

Seriously if RV is your main concern and your parent's opinion is important (e.g. they are sponsoring the downpayment) then just go for Japanese brand. No amount of information can change their mindset unless they personally own and maintain one.