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 [WTA] Which options should I go?, New or Used

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lee82gx
post Jan 15 2025, 08:04 PM

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From: Penang


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.
lee82gx
post Jan 16 2025, 08:28 PM

I guess I'm special
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QUOTE(V3i HoN6 @ Jan 16 2025, 05:18 PM)
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.
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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.
lee82gx
post Jan 17 2025, 08:56 AM

I guess I'm special
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Joined: Jul 2005
From: Penang


QUOTE(littlefire @ Jan 17 2025, 08:42 AM)
FYI, i am one of the Subaru XV owner already 200k over 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 only 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.
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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.

 

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