Never thought i would someday opening a thread like this.
But still no harm listen to a few more argument before i made up my mind.
Because the model comes and go every few years and the dynamic been changing a lot.
Many years ago i thought Prius is the answer to me and think i should get it for my next car but now it seems like there's no more Prius on the road.
So feel free to convince me.

I know that ride it's very objective for everyone so I try to be specific with my usage.
I am all for reliability, prefer to spend less time going to service center, repair, repair. I'm thinking who doesn't but still a lot of people, like a lot of people take the risk like several Peugeot model, at some stage VW Polo, VW Golf, Kia K3, K5, Hyundai Sonata that at one stage selling like hot cakes, after 5-6 years almost totally disappear from the road.

I keep hearing people were having issues with Honda chasis problem but I guess that's pretty much about it and the rest are quite reliable. So I would consider a Honda. Please slap me if you think im being stupid.

I heard Proton x70,x50 were always fighting for spare parts, are they somewhat better now? I have a family members with Proton and the service center attitude remind me like Astro, Maxis. Is it better under Geely?

I drove Slyvia, Almera before and found them to be slightly lagging on fuel pedal and needs to be heavy footed often. I see the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid like very good price with the package but are they reliable?

Mazda CX-30 and Subaru XV are they gonna last?

So I guess you already knew I owned Toyota and Perodua and the alza 1.5 sxi been serving me for 14 years. I would say Perodua are more reliable than Toyota (altis 05 1.8G) in my case but still it's relatively reliable, only hating on UMW for being stingy with specs.

Im thinking to replace the Alza with 75~90k budget.
1) New Alza 2025- simple ease of mind, only long waiting time 3-4 months, 75k
2) Used Veloz 2023 - basically same engine but with better interior some 40k milleage which i think is quite fine for a toyota, no need to wait , 80k
3) Used Camry 2.5 Hybrid 2017 luxury - Would like to try hybrid car but not sure how the maintenance would be, around 75k
4) Used Civic 1.8 2020 - Never Honda before, should I try?, around 80k

Please any suggestion or bashing is welcome.
Thanks.

Edit : Cx-30 not CX-3

This post has been edited by V3i HoN6: Jan 14 2025, 12:58 PM

2) Used Veloz 2023 - basically same engine but with better interior some 40k milleage which i think is quite fine for a toyota, no need to wait , 80k
3) Used Camry 2.5 Hybrid 2017 luxury - Would like to try hybrid car but not sure how the maintenance would be, around 75k

Veloz then only Camry if I choose.. (practical reason)


the only reason is because of the year it made. As for Hybrid you probably looking to change the battery which cost maybe around MYR8-20k? Maintenance wise is no different to normal ICE car.

Alza probably no brainer if you dont want to spend time on fixing anything.

i wont choose Civic unless you dont mind hearing knocking sound here and there.


if based on status i would prefer a bigger car which is camry>Veloz

1) What do you hearing knocking sound ? very common for civic?

2) Status dont mean much to me, Im only curious and want to try the technologies if it doesn't carry too big of a price tag. Isnt the best is found a used unit that just changed battery before warranty period end? So pretty much reset and at least have 7-8 years of life expentancy.

I see the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid like very good price with the package but are they reliable?

- no. my brother had one. common issue is a/c compressor. within 1 year kong. turns out in group also very common .


just get an alza and call it a day.


no for civic, 2nd hand price is artifically marked up. also 1.8 lot of steelbelt putus issue.

no comments for veloz,.

but camry? from MPV to sedan ?

You need to state how many you people will you drive.
Alza / Serena / MPV can sit 6 while the rest max 5 and even then I would keep it at 4.

For 2+2 the most comfortable, safe, reliable (IMHO) in your list is CX-30. But the rear seats are soo damn cramped. It is a very nice car for 2 and can on occassion drive 4 or maybe 2 younger kids.

You also don't mention actual budget because your list is from 80k all the way to 150k++ thats a big range.

To make it even more confusing I highly recommend you look at used Corolla Cross Hybrid. Its a no brainer for 4, emergency can sit 5 provided 1 is smaller sized. Ticks all the boxes in terms of reliability, comfort, is relatively new. Has all modern Carplay / AA. Reasonable maintanence, and SUV form factor is not too big not too small.

A 2.5 Camry hybrid is a reasonable choice, but i regularly sit in a 8 year old one and its showing its age everywhere with the creaking suspension mounts and seat cushion being a BIT over compressed.
You probably need to shop around for a fresh specimen.

Alza is a reasonable choice also, but bear in mind if you have safety as top priority avoid P2 / Veloz. Only buy Toyota international models that are scrutinized by western safety standards.
XV- nono
Nissan Serena - ok choice if you regularly ferry 3 rows of passengers. I would choose this over the Alza, as the walk-in height is way nicer than squeeze / crawl in Alza for row 3. Compressor is an easily fixed item in a car, although hassle but won't affect your drive. You want to worry about steering, brakes, engine and transmission firstly. Then suspension and mounts, then only air cond.

Civic - if you are aging please avoid, your knees and back will hurt. Check the seat height AND seat comfort again and again.

I agree the Serena S-Hybrid are very good package and if its only a/c compressor that problematic, then probably i can live with it.

Alza & Veloz (basically the same with Alza with nicer accessories) are currently my first choice.

For civic I have just went to tried it yesterday and it's a little too lowered.

MPV it's my first choice but if it's a C to D segment Sedan car then Im not too against it.

MPV is preferred, or a big enough C or D segment sedan can be considered. 90% travel with 2 adult 2 kids but occasionally will carry parents for short distance.

I did state the budget and you see all my options are around 80k. where got 150k? The question is should go for 80k new car or some used car that is within budget.

I went to showroom and sit in a cross but the backseat were so cramped, worst than my Altis.
Any reason the XV is a nono?

Most of the time, i was going to work alone and weekend a family of 4, but occasionally 5 or 6.

I misunderstand you when you say CX-30. A brand new one is 150k++. Used one is like 110k. still a very big range. But ok since you are firm at 80k then ok.
Lets settle the XV - did you test sit? I am pretty sure it is only slightly more spacious than a Corolla cross. Where can sit 4 across the back? At best like Cross, B+ segment. A flat four engine is a major pain to do servicing even on something as "normal" as spark plug change.

C segment that is big enough will sag at the back and you will scrape the bump and road when full loaded. I'm sure you have the experience with Corolla....as I do with a Civic.

TLDR, just get an Alza, wait it out and call it a day. No need to fuss all the used things and potential headache. Are you in such a hurry that 4 months wait time is unbearable? Then just consider hire Grab when you need to drive 6 person.

If you still plan on road trips etc and can stomach a bigger petrol bill then Serena.

Personally I am deciding between either of this too, and tend to go for Alza.

+1 alza man.

FYI, i am one of the 1st gen Subaru XV owner already 200k km over on meter. Spark plug change is not an issue if you knew the correct mechanic to do. Spark plug only change once in 100k or 5 years, so for most people only 5 years change once.
I have seen my mechanic did my spark plug change, within 10~15 minutes also settle with the correct tool & skill. So dont rubbish something which you or your mechanic think it is worse, for me and other Xv owners we have no issue with it. If you want to know get to know real Xv owners from respective group and not just listen to few.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLet3J2KAT0

Plenty of youtube video of mechanic/people diy change spark plug

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRYKu1EExpM&pp=ygUGI2dlbjRk

Subaru cars is one of the most easiest car to own, maintain & repair

My mechanic did a lot of different cars and he even told me Subaru cars is the most easiest to fix as everything is in the front boot, no need jack already can change the oil filter, alternater, A/C compressor, belt all in front of the engine, compare to FWD everything on the sides or under, when anything happen need to open the side engine mouting or jack up/lie down before can access. So there are pro & con for each engine type.

In term of relaibility last year in US Xv Crosstrek & Subaru brand really did better compare to the Mazda. In recent years, Subaru really very less warranty claim and very stable in term of quality, you can ask those driving facelift Xv (GT) & Forester (SK) i even got SC personal contact and they also feedback warranty claim really reduced a lot for newer gen.

Winner: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek has a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100. The Mazda CX-30 comes in just behind that with an 80.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Jan 17 2025, 08:53 AM

Thanks for correcting me for the Xv spark plug change ease.
I’m interested in knowing how well yours working over the years. I have 2 friends and they are both crying over the reliability and cost of maintenance. From oil consumption and fuel consumption and another one the CVT showing signs of age.

You have 2 friends, i have 1 big group of Xv owners from northen area & also KL/Selangor area sharing infos in fb Xv club & whatapp group.

Oil consuption usually involves those early batch especially 2013/14 year, after that very less. This can be solve either overhaul with new improve piston rings or just change engine kosong. I am one of the 2015 Xv owners, no serious oil consuption also been driving for years and no refill of any oil in between until today.

For CVT, mostly early batch is the solenoid issue, this can be replace cheaply cause now got sell in shoppee/lazada already. Mine CVT every 30~40k change oil still survive until today no issue. FYI, Subaru CVT use chain type and very less chances it will break compare to like Honda. The problem usually is just the solenoid, some people if went to the wrong mechanic will kena slaugther as most will only change the whole bodyvalve and not the solenoid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifMiilUUgP8

This Youtube channel MrSubaru1387 been recommend by my mechanic as he also learn alot from this guy, almost a lot of issue and alternate fix method recommend by this guy really works. The above link is the solenoid replacement for bodyvalve.

Over the budget things, I tend to not spend so much but if somehow through research and conversation, if i found another car that has indisputable good values like Alza did, then I could consider spend a more than I want but still affordable to me.

I still have the Altis for my road trips whenever im going Png - KL (usually 2 big 2 small) and very rare to have to drive 6 person. But Alza would be more comfortable for when having parents in the spacious second row and send my 2 young kids back row and they are fine with it during weekend family outing.
Technically I shouldnt mind too much for petrol consumption as I claim company but somehow I still think it's wasting of resources driving such a big square when Im driving alone working. Plus over this few days I observed that Serena is quite lowered and I suspect it will easily scratching with road bump.

In fact I already handed in booking fees for an Alza, but while waiting, it's not hurtin' to research for more option that I would otherwise seldom look about and know much about.

Thanks for the info.
Do you mind sharing the said Mechanic ?

Where you from? If your interested with Subaru come join in FB group, either Subaru Crosstrek XV club malaysia or few Subaru group malaysia. Depending on areas we can recommend mechanic which can fix Subaru cars. For mine, i am from Penang mainland, if your real owner from Penang then i can intro few.

I dont own a subaru yet but I do stay in butterworth and a good mechanic /shop is very very good info for me for if he's also servicing/ maintaining other brand of vehicles.

If Butterworth, there is 1 shop which the owner is also both Subaru & Alfa Romeo owner - Speed Auto Garage Performance
Kulim - Thong Motor
Nibong Tebal - MGV Auto Service

These are few workshop which Penangtise or northern owners visit after warranty service ends.