avanza innova u see or not

Honda MPV? I think until today most of my friends sold off their MPV left few still holding their Toyota Wish.

If i want to buy small Honda MPV i would aim for the highest spec. stream 2.0 RSZ not the smaller engine as 2nd market the price difference is not much.

C26 too old already, C27 still ok. 2 friends own this before the only weakness surprisingly is not the CVT gearbox but front windscreen. (need remember to buy windscreen insurance kau kau)
Due to the front windscreen is large it is easy to crack, got 1 friend even after go service at Nissan Tan Chong SC the technician accidently crack the front windscreen and pay for the insurance coverage cost.

give 2010/2011 odyssey rb3 a look

Getting these old MPVs, you have to set aside RM1k to 2k monthly for maintenance. I used to own an old Toyota Estima same story. In the end sold it, bought a Proton Saga and trouble-free for 10 years.

the 2.4L k24 engine pretty solid....some folks even add turbocharger to it....that engine a lot of mod potentials and after market parts to replace....i believe your workshop friend can attest to that....just get the regular 5 speed torque converter gearbox version, avoid the cvt (probably most of the grey imports here are the 5 speeder but do verify just in case)

the size of the car is much more comfy compared to freed and rcz, the 3rd row pretty roomy yet without that high ish/bulky feeling of MPV and even the power also pretty decent....

Mitsubishi Xpander sadly the safety spec. given in Malaysia market is quite low & also not cheap.
If you ask me better get Alza, veloz or Avanza in term of safety, overall lower maintenance & cheaper cost.

Alza is more comfort for city, but if always go Kampung roads Aruz is more better with higher height & RWD.

the best that fit in your criteria should toyota sienta.
slightly above your budget.

honda freed is disqualified because lack of ESC