Hi everyone,

I’m planning to replace my old Myvi 1.3 Gen 1 facelift (which I’ve handed over to my girlfriend as her daily driver for work and weekly trips between KL and Seremban).

Currently, I drive a CX-5 2022, so I’m not really looking for another SUV. I’m exploring a few options and would love to hear your thoughts, especially regarding safety, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and driving enjoyment (my gf will still use it however I’ll use it for township errands and occasional drives).

My budget is around 70k, and I’m considering used cars from 2015 to 2019. Here are the models I’m looking at:

D-Segment:
Honda Accord 2.4 – The Honda Sensing feature really caught my attention.
Mazda 6 – Known for its sleek design and driving dynamics.

C-Segment:
Honda Civic (1.8 / 1.5) – A popular choice with a good balance of performance and practicality.
Mazda 3 Hatchback – Stylish and fun to drive, especially in hatchback form.

Crossover:
CX-3 – Not my top choice, but the power delivery and non-CVT transmission are appealing.

A-Segment:
BMW 120i F20 – The only BBA (BMW, Benz, Audi) on my list, mainly because of the RWD setup. However, maintenance costs are a concern.

If you were in my shoes, which one would you go for? I’d appreciate any advice or personal experiences with these models, especially regarding reliability, maintenance, and driving pleasure.

Looking forward to your suggestions!

This post has been edited by junfu1988: Mar 22 2025, 05:32 PM

Other than Perodua, Toyota Altis or Honda Civic cannot go wrong.

Check with gf first if she can drive non hatch back small car.

She's is fine but minat mini cooper. Well... ehem...

Mazda cannot?

+1 to civic for daily drive.

This post has been edited by COOLPINK: Mar 22 2025, 08:15 PM

Honda Jazz 😍🔥✅

not liking

Latest vios also nice 😎

Since coming from myvi 1.3, then do long distance, want used.

I suggest proton iriz active. 1.6 used. A 2 year old car will be 10k less. Around 47k. Go for the highest spec, lots of difference between premium and standard.

Immediately go and do two things. Upgrade high spec Android player with bracket (shopee got factory style bracket for Android player), maybe cost 2k+ for Android with 360 camera. Stock HU is poor resolution. Responsive, but poor. I upgraded 360 Sony camera.

Next do high spec sound proof. Find the companies that do sound proof without voiding warranty.

(I did that for my wife.. Added 360 android. Only waiting time to get the sound proof done so that I get same isolation level like my sorento).

Reliable, yes. Driving pleasure, yes. Maintenance, well it's a reliable proton, before geely era. I bought mine used 2 year from carsome at 47k. I think the previous owner did not used the car a lot. 38k mileage, but drive like new. Car like new inside out. Then I also joined fb Iriz group. Can learn more stuff there. I like her car more than my almost 200k diesel kia sorento SUV since easy to drive in town, big windscreen glass. For daily commute, her car is easier to manoeuvre, better FC. Comfortable seats. Fun to drive, good pickup. Engine to me is overkill for this car. My first car was the savvy.

Only that, it is a proton. Some people don't like the brand. Try visiting and sitting in the seat. Heck, with your budget, can buy new and still do all the mods I suggested and still be in pocket. Rest of the money can go to the fuel cost for the entire car ownership period.

This post has been edited by mystvearn: Mar 23 2025, 02:33 AM

Where did you do your sound proofing?

Plan to do at CCS. Car comfort shop

Care to share the location 😉

https://carcomfortshop.com.my/

Thank you ✔️

Can chip in for 120i. Mine's also 2015.

Car had been pretty much problem free imo as long as you keep up with the routine maintenance i.e. oil change etc. normal service around 300-400 (depends on the oil you used). Priciest maintenance so far had been the brakes. SC charged 2.1k (back only) while outside shop usually 1.2k.

However the 1.6 prince engine in the car is notorious for leaks. especially more so that the car is now 10 years old. you'll probably need to spend from 5-10k if you want piece of mind after getting it. Some of the leaking parts even require gearbox out work because it's located at the back. Can be quite a pain and pricey since the engine was specifically designed for a transverse layout cars i.e. peugeot etc.

edit: as an additional note also, tires not gonna be cheap. since it's 120i, the rims are staggered. currently on 225/40/18 front and 255/35/18 back. you can survey the price. My only advice, don't cheap out on them, especially when you're driving rwd.

If you don't care about the rwd/fwd, i'd go for the mazda 3 hatch. the prev gen looks much better than the current one. Not a fan of the rounded back end design. too much like the ugly first gen panamera

This post has been edited by axtray: Mar 25 2025, 06:15 PM

not into iris. its just another newer myvi to me.

wah the tyre so over fc sure suffer

Since she like Mini Cooper get 1 for her loo.. Happy gf/wife, happy life..
You should buy the car she like since she is driving most. From your budget check 2nd market and ask mechanic opinion on maintenance and which model to choose (better get mechanic to inspect the car before purchase)

This post has been edited by littlefire: Mar 26 2025, 10:43 AM

The BMW 120i F20 certainly offers a pleasurable driving experience. As long as the car is serviced regularly and any faulty parts are replaced promptly then it will be a reliable car

F series Mini Cooper?