Hello everyone. I have a question to ask. I'm getting a car, either a 2nd-hand 2004 Toyota Vios 1.5E or a brand new Proton Persona. The problem is that I can't decide between these two cars. I know Toyota fares better in terms of quality and reliability, but it is already a 4-year-old car. So I'm worried that there might be problems. On the other hand, Proton Persona is new and has improved a lot compared to its predecessors. I hope that I can get opinions on which car to get as the prices for both cars are about the same. Thank you for your time.

Just go for persona... Remember bout maintainance, i think persona is cheaper to maintain as compared to Vios, and 4 year old means few big changes waiting for you...

dont buy proton car la my dear.. lau ya 1.. perodua is better ...

i will definitely go fot persona, because it is spacious and have improved quality. And t. vios is considered old car already. After 5 years u settle the loan, the car is already 9 years old. How good the car it is, it still will facing some aging problem.

depends , if the vios was in good hands, i will go for vios.

never forget the bad experience from proton though ppl always say now is better oready....

How much for a 4 yr old vios?

stupidest post i ever saw so far

Well, the main reason I'm getting the Vios is because my relative is planning to sell it. I believe she has taken good care of the car. At first, I wanted to get it straightaway. But on second thought, maybe I can give the Persona a try. Actually, I'm okay with both cars. Of course, I prefer Toyota due to its reputation. No offence to anyone, okay?

Anyway, my dad drives a Proton Waja and it gives him a lot of problems although I understand Proton has changed for the better already.

To thunderbird: My relative is selling it to me at RM52,000.

This post has been edited by tps18489: Feb 23 2008, 10:24 PM

vios

pricedrop not so much.

HAHAHAHA...ya....the title say between those 2 car...suddenly come out perodua!

do not support proton which is the cause of the tyrannical taxes imposed on imported cars!!

If the vios not more than 80,000km milage, i will go for vios.

vios
if the condition is good

yeah... absolutety...

he just telling the fact...

Some ppl just couldn't accept te fact.

Dont u ever buy proton. Myvi or vios is better. Myvi is the best. Even god drive this car.
Proton=tax cheater, make other car been tax like hell
Proton=lousy quality
Proton=bla bla.....

why dont you get a waja cps?

Vios all the way!!!

go for persona...1600 cc....better...vios spare part is very expensive if compare to proton

is this your first car?

the best, test drive both cars then think again. If you can put up with persona's little defects. Then go for persona. 50k+ is no small amount, i'd rather sit in a new car than a 4-yr old car even if it is vi"omgGTwing"os. Lol. Then again, check thoroughly with your relative. Is there any modifications, defects and stuff like that. If it is really in good condition then you can get the vios. Mileage also plays important role, it will roughly tell you the wear and tear of the car.

think how long you will sit in that car then decide, your comfort with the car is most important.

which is stupid

Haha. It's out of my budget. Besides, my dad already owns a Waja.
Yeah, it is. I have test driven both cars already. I find both equally good. Of course, Vios feels more torquey than Persona as Persona still has the low-end torque problem albeit not as bad older Proton cars with the same engine as modifications have been done. No doubt the Persona is more spacious, which is something good. My relative has already changed the head unit to a better one. The tyres and rims are also changed which give a sportier look. Other than that, nothing has been touched. Since the car is only used mostly for city-driving, the mileage is quite low.

This post has been edited by tps18489: Feb 23 2008, 11:28 PM

Ok first i have a vios but is a new one. So compare to the old 1 is much bigger space inside and there is a lot more tech advance being install.

Eventhough i do not support proton, you still have to consider pretty much as 1 is old 4 years old car another is a brand new car. If you would say spare part for me is ok as is not much differ. 1 9 years old vios and 1 persona 5 years old, i believe the resale value could be similiar but that is future who knows. In the end i couldn't give ant decision but still i go for vios..............

If you are a teen, think what care you drive attract people .

okay, i made a calculation based on highest spec for both vios and persona
if a 9 years 89k vios vs 5 years old 56k persona got same resale value, lets say 20k (example)..
VIOS deprecriate average 7.7k a year
PERSONA deprecriate average 7.2k a year
so now who deprecriate more

how calculation is calculated:
RM(buying price)- RM20k = value lost
(value lost)/(age of the car) = deprecriate value per year on average

if im wrong, im sorry, please enlighten me
even if im wrong, it wont differ much

Forgive my curiosity but could you enlighten me on the bolded part? What kinda advanced tech gadgets being installed? As far as i could recall, some advancements over the previous gen like optitron meter, printed antenna, electric retractable side mirror...

Gen2 cps , or persona(family man) NEW . =-P My vote.

I go for Persona...brand new, low maintenance (than vios), spacious

4 years is a long time...many things could happen, may i know the mileage of that vios? I know that the car is ur relative's, but maybe he's hiding something...accident or any defect...if u really want that vios, bring someone who pro in car like mechanic to check it...like what i've done

personally, i would say if u're still a teen/ur 1st car, the vios will suit u more... Firstly, it's bcoz of it's small size so moving around would be much easier especially parking... 2ndly, it's juz 1.5, better fc i tink and gives u amost the same amount of hp for a lighter and smaller car... 3rdly, the car is already modded to suit u (in my opinion) like the sports rims and the audio sys... i noe dis very well coz i'm a student too and find that these few points r among the stuff in my 'need' list

however, do take note that the car is an older car so some parts might have worn off but like wat u said the car is only mainly for city driving and the mileage is also quite low so i wouldn't say the prob will be a big issue tho... lastly, not saying the persona is not a gd car also but honestly, i tink the car is more like a family car due to its large size and it's also not so sporty looking as well... Juz my personal view...

well..for me i'll go for Vios. because Toyota is known for its reliablity. even though it's already a 4 years old car, if it has low milleage, i'm pretty sure it's still runs well & no major repairs needed. besides, toyota's parts & maintenance are quite reasonably priced, not as expensive as continental car.

my relative just bought u used 2002 Altis in 2005 and now after 3 years, it's still immaculate condition even he's a frequent traveler.

and for me, my 16 year old SEG still performs well. it was passed down from my dad to me.

i'm not really a huge Toyota fan and not bias towards any manufacturers but my life has been 'involved' with alot of Toyota cars and they've proved to be very reliable.

but of course, if u still prefer a new car, go for Persona since it's more spacious & extra CC.

anyway, i has a friend who just bought a Persona 2 weeks ago now already start facing problems with it. rain water actually sip through roof lining of the both front and back windscreen. of course it's not a big deal as it's under warranty but he's actually quite disappointed as for new car, such problem existed dy.
but well, it might be another exception case as Proton has been trying to improve on its quality.

vios sure lower FC
can save more fuel

environment friendly than protons'~

yeah, saving fuel is important nowdays!

if you wan new car feel ~ go for persona ~

4 years car ain't goo d also ~ u need to put few k's for maintainance

no different to ur stupid post as well

btw, to TS, i will say persona is much better to buy compare a 4 years old vios ... the rear space for vios is quite cramp




This post has been edited by Ken: Feb 24 2008, 11:08 AM

always trusted those PRO say, or else loss are yourself wakakaka

duno what LC inside proton car have, VIOS do have VTTI, seldomly ppl consider a car those interior stuff and spacious thingy la, the core in a car definitely have to consider their automobile technology such as VTTI, I-VTEC but not proton campro (fake) even perodua DVVT (fake) these 2 techonolgy just a commercial tactic to tackle the market nia.

This post has been edited by jimlim007: Feb 24 2008, 11:20 AM

First and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone for their comments.

To Ken: Well, I don't really mind the rear legroom of the car since my family is small. Occasionally, I'll need to send my friends around and that's all. Most likely, I'm the only one in the car.

To Aggronax: I believe she has taken good care of the car, so I don't think I need to spend so much on maintenance.

To RCrex and Shawnzz: Yeah. For me, it's also one of the factors in choosing a car. I too believe Vios has better fuel consumption.

To teikwing: True also, I guess Persona's maintenance cost should be lower as the parts can be gotten everywhere. Most probably, it's an isolated case for your friend.

To Nelson88: I do prefer small cars as they are easier to drive and park. But I'm quite used to driving Waja already. I take those modifications done to the Vios as extras though I can live with everything in stock.

To imperialrealcs: Maybe you're right. But from what I know, Toyota cars have very good resale value.

No need to think anymore,get the second hand Toyota Vios cause they still fare better in terms of reliability after years of usage compared the Persona which is more like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off

u r stupid for not reading properly
she is stating a statement that perodua is better than proton
i am stating my oppinion that the vios is overrated

that is what u heard.. please understand how much u have paid for a low end car..
persona is same class as vios but see the pricegap, 89k vs 56k
but in persona, u get bigger engine, bigger cabin, bigger car etc..
those complaint on proton or bragging on toyota reliability is a joke coz i bet most of them doesnt own proton/toyota/honda but they heard from aunty, uncle, friend, whatever ~ pss: i personally own these 3 brands in my house
put out that mentality aside, go compare urself vios vs persona quality
most people who bought vios for such expensive price and see critics sure dont like lor haha
i did the comparison last time n end up with honda city coz after calculation made, city has better price vs value than vios
with the VTEC, CVT, slightly spacious than vios, great black interior, nice door panel quality (not too plastic like vios)

but in the end, it is all depend on u

This post has been edited by imperialrealcs: Feb 24 2008, 12:32 PM

the red text is not TRUE statement. cant agreed at all

We all are knew the GOV protect on Proton, therefore, Proton can sell in such price and at the same time tax kao kao imported car as higher as ossible as to remain the competitiveness.

IMHO, the red text is TRUE and its the TRUTH as we live in Malaysia (with high import tax).

We called it testimonial my dear

I don't have personally to own these cars to show my stupidity on how well they were built.

Anyway, how often are we going to use the unnecessary features packed eg: Ultraseat , 7 speed ~ala tiptronic virtual gearbox, and considering most of the time only the driver that occupied the car, do we need large and humongous interior space to carry 5 adults every time ?

As long as the budget sits in comfortably the choice is yours. I rather get myself an MRS if I don't have the urge of having a decent bonnet and extra passenger seats at the back.

Good luck TS.

This post has been edited by igor_is300: Feb 24 2008, 01:24 PM

Same class? Based on?

You were contradicting yourself. You said "89k vs 56k", that itself proves that they are from a different class altogether.

What else? 1.5 vs 1.6? And you call that same class? Just because Proton "claims" that they are?

And your previous statement about a 9 year old Vios could carry RM20k is flawed. A 9 year old Toyota will never ever fetch RM20k. Take a look at Motor Trader and try looking for a 1999 Toyota that is worth RM20k.

Sometimes, it's better to think before you speak.

For TS, I'd say go for the Vios. I got a Proton as my first car as well and it was hell. Each 10,000km service I spent more than RM2k, with that amount, I could've been driving a BMW already.

I just bought the new Vios, and the biggest problem is, I couldn't even sell off my Proton because the price offered was so low, I could lose RM14k on cash. Hence, I'm force to keep both the cars now.

Bypass the usual Proton crap, start with a Japanese then upgrade from then on to continental or whatever. It's a blessing in disguise to not choose a Proton.

Bro, did u look into loan and interests ? 2nd hand car loan interests usually higher than new cars .. so although selling price is the same, u might end up paying more for an older car.

My personal vote for Persona

disclaimer: I have never driven the old gen Vios before, just to make clear.

I think the scenario is more to "paying more for a better car" rather than "older car".

For me, it's the quality and reliability that makes a car, not its age.

reliability deteriorates with age.

IMHO, Persona and Vios should be in same class as both priced at 50+k (before tax)

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3series/review.html

Yeah, and the BMW 3 series is in the same class with a Proton Waja Chancellor tool, before tax.

Exactly. What I trying to say is, the class is the same. Only they dont fight fight on a level ground due to high taxation. Without taxation, imported car will definitely win, no Proton model can fight that. But the reality is, because we lived in Malaysia, the tax 'factor' and thus pricing still applies in buying cars. What to do.

Hi, some of my opinions for your consideration:

I've owned a Persona HL for the past 2 months.
So far I've no major issues, the minor issues are:
i. some minor rattling sound from the plastic dashboard.
ii. some plastic defects which Proton has agreed to warranty and replace for me.
iii. Slightly high FC, not much of an impact to me compared to my Manual Kancil since I'm doing average mileage a month (~250km per week). If you're doing >1000km per week defintely you need a Vios or City IDSL else the petrol cost is enough to balance up the monthly loan payment.

1. How much would both cars cost you in terms of monthly payments? Check if both is within your budget, else the choice is obvious; go for what you can afford.
I'm earning >RM4K a month but with the fact that I'm also paying for my home and getting married + putting away 10% for personal savings I can only afford the Persona.

2. Are you a fresh graduate or are you looking for a family car?
- If you're looking for a family car go for the Persona (bigger boot and rear seat space, I've sat in both before). The low torque at low rpm is not a problem since I'm not planning to race on the roads and don't frequent the highways.
- If you're a fresh graduate/ beggining to climb the corporate ladder, the better choice would be the Vios for better FC and styling. Also this may help to attract girls (*8/10 of my girl friends aged 18-24 gives full thumbs up for the Vios for style).

3. If you decide to buy the Vios check that the service booklet and make sure it has a good service history. Else since it's your relative why not bring to Toyota service for an assessment?

And most importantly, whichever choice you make enjoy your new ride.

Yeah...totally agreed...nice said

I'm fresh graduate too...(driving a Neo ). Affordable is the main thing. Some of my friends who bought Vios and City have to 'ikat perut' as the highly installment and maintenance...they are paying 8++ per month while I just about 5++ not including petrol and services. 3++ is high amount for me as a fresh graduate...

For sure after my life getting stabil and salary ok...i'll change to better car...(dream of Toyota Wish)

I am guarentee TS sure headache and dizzy due to decision making...

Why not take the chances go to test the Toyota Vios and Personal, then you will have very clear count then..

good luck loh

1st of all, i reli appreciate that that u replied 2 each and every1 of us that posted in this thread Juz wanna add on to my points... well, when i was talking bout those added accessories, they're not actually the main point but trust me smaller cars are much better to drive around as i was driving my dad's altis for some time before i got my own car (myvi)... furthermore, i do realise a difference in japanese cars compare to local cars... My dad had been owning some honda's and toyota's for years (not to mention some local cars as well) and i can say that after a few years the difference r quite quite obvious in terms of qc... for example, rattling sound r quite common prob on local cars (after a few years) but i dun realise such problems in any of the japanese cars (that my dad own before and even among some of my friend as well) or maybe not in my case but i also realise the materials finishing are different although i would say the fittings for CKD japanese cars and local cars are equally below average compare to CBU cars... to check on this, u can knock on the material (eg. plastic) and look at the finishing part of the pieces/fitting, u'ld realise the thickness and the fineness of the finishing are different... Juz wanna share my experience...



This post has been edited by Nelson88: Feb 24 2008, 04:51 PM

it is true as we live in malaysia, we pay in RM

sorry:
toyota vios is subcompact car while persona is a compact car
so, i apologize for saying vios same class as persona because vios is 1 class below persona.. my bad
u may argue that info in wikipedia is fake, so u show me why an vios is much superior than overpriced vios?

so u r saying a 89k vios same class as 90k perdana?

so u r saying a 2.0L civic c-class same class as 2.0L camry/merz c-class?

if u were to read my quote properly, someone suggest a 9years old vios same price as 5years old persona and i gave an example of 20k.. for god sake, read throughly

i always think before i speak.. at least i dont hear what other people said only.. i go and test myself so everything is based on my observation

juz because u bought an overpriced car doesnt mean it is a godlike car.. myvi is a god car as well nuff said

---

Added on February 24, 2008, 5:39 pmat least i get what i paid.. what is the advantage of vios over honda city? u tell me then.. both were same priced
ultraseat is a stanby feature when u gona take in large item
7 speeder cvt (not tiptronic) provide good power and silent engine, as well as FC
with large interior, the driver will feel relaxed rather than packed interior
if u were to notice, mostly camry/accord on the road are occupied by driver only

This post has been edited by imperialrealcs: Feb 24 2008, 05:40 PM

lai lai lai... all mai argue ya

TS just go test drive then bought it whatever car he like, and he feel siok to drive

hmm, if for a same price u can get new car why not have a new one. around 50~60k for the new persona vs vios. Persona lo. not much different in price ma, if you are thinking of resale value, why buy a car in the first place, if you only thinking of selling. All car also need maintenance, all car also need petrol ma, proton is not that bad. Its been overately critic in here.

Both have similiar characteristics despite the city has more gizmos in it and toyota made a good promo before where the price difference is almost RM7-8k.

Oh well, maybe my medium/thin stature not able to feel the marginal spaciousness in the city over vios and might as well feels comfortable in the horribly midget class vios interior. Probably the same reason I feel comfortable in my friend's overpriced cooper s.

Just to tell you guys that I have decided to get the Vios. Just gave my relative a call and I shall be getting the car quite soon. I sincerely thank everyone for their constructive comments and have a nice day. I have been a reader of this forum for a long time and I have learnt a lot of things.
By the way, the car's mileage is 5x,xxxKM.

To sitan80: Thanks for your advice. I guess I'll send the car to the service centre once I get it. Enjoy your ride too.

To jimlim007: I have tested both cars like I said earlier and I find them both equally good. Thanks.

To Nelson88: Yeah. That's for sure. I'm already very happy to get my first car and I'm content with whatever the car has to offer.

finally u made up ur mind..all the best..

you made the right decision....

Yeah...hope u like it..for me, no matter what car, no matter what people said about that car, the main thing is u enjoy driving it...

I love my car as it is my first ever car in my life...

d00d
wise choice i must say.
i am driving a gen2 and my bro, a vios.

my car's roughly 4-5 years and yes, rattling can b heard everywhere and when ure driving on a slightly bumpy road, my gawd, its like ure havin a band with you or something.

and just recently, everything is starting to fall apart..lulz..and my whole exhaust system was screwed due to wear and tear (extractor bocor, cat con clogged, muffler rusted, etc etc)

my bro's vios's about the same age, and recently, he got crashed by some drunk joe while returning from genting, and my gawd was the car in terrible condition but yet, after the repair, i still dont hear any rattling sound.
try that on a proton and i promise u, ull have ur very own personal orchestra on board.

i know vios's been branded with this "big big geeteewinngggg ohh" label but heck, a good car's a good car.

-gemini- , later proton fan boy sure said you don't take care your car, that's why so many problems ...

or they will say your proton is before the new MD take charge, so got QC problem is normal ...

or they will drag out the famous camry burning case, the only case they can mention for many years to come ...

lol!
dont liek tht.
just my honest experience

mmm...ppl rather buy a 2nd hand car over a brand new Proton. This really depicts how "good" Proton cars are.

Yes i acknowledge proton's improvements, but its still not enough.

At least for now.

Yeah...how old is Toyota? and how old is Proton?

but do toyota get as many "chance" and "help" as compared to proton?
amidoinrite?

go for vios..

And Im sorry for dissing proton.
Dont flame me pls.

Hay I dreivz anz protong too, giev meh soem sugah, i iz urz miemberh

Toyota is developed by a community and people who are full with spirit...every people know the hardworking of Japanese...Malaysia is really differ to Japan. the attitude of the people also differ...

I like japanese car...my dad's driving a Sentra, my mum a CRV, my GF a City...me...a Proton only...anyway, i believe that one day Proton will be able to be at par as others

being optimistic is good, but u gota snap back to reality mang.
but anywho, i share teh same hope and dream for protong as u mang.

Not going to happen as long as the government is in the picture, sorry to say.

Hay, nao tht hurts mang.
ure being insensitive towards our gomen.
They only ment to "help". ajajajaja

finally TS make up his choice.

importantly whichever car TS choose, is the TS who drive it.

TS feel happy, then no Q ask.

Take Vios la, proton reli no hope unless u are really keen on getting a brand new car

congratz in getting ur car... hope u'ld enjoy it... how i wish i was in ur shoes last time... i could have bought a 2nd hand vios instead of my myvi se now... lol... however, still love my current ride like every1 do... cheers



This post has been edited by Nelson88: Feb 25 2008, 01:07 AM

TS, you've made the right choice.

Buy proton only if you intend to drive it for 2 years. After that it's downhill all the way.
No need to look at a 4 year old toyota, even a 10 year old toyota will fare better than a 2 year old proton.

definitely a choice to choose vios..somore 50k++ mileage..

well..Vios is definitely the right choice. hope u will enjoy the car, TS. RM54K for a 2004 1.5E is a very nice price. Topmark are selling most around RM60K. will get one too when i graduated.

One setback though, you're now officially in imperialrealcs's hate list because you did not choose his beloved Proton.

HAHAHAHAHAHA.

If you are pretty girl i think making some orchestra in the car is ok especially when you mount on to the dashbox

For me get either both these cars is good enough, both has its own pros and cons. The Persona is a huge improvement compared to the previous gen protons frm the previous mgmt but there are still minor issues on the persona. The vios is a good car for daily use with good reliablity record and confirmed more economical than the persona although it loses on space and comfort. The only thing concern since its 2nd hand, just be vary of the quality and the car condition.

Yes, the persona scores high in fun driving, ride n handling than the vios but if the TS just want a decent ride, i dont see anything wrong with a normal car like vios which is good enough for sensible ppl like TS.

Anyhow, i dont see anything wrong on these 2 choices. I wish the TS all the best

Thanks everyone for their comments. The first thing I'm gonna do when I get the car is to wash the car thoroughly and wax it.

To travis_ckf: Yeah. Very true. Proton cars has very decent ride and handling due to Lotus tuning. Even though my dad's Waja has problems with the engine, I still enjoy driving it.

To blinky: Well, I hope imperialrealcs understands because I don't hate Proton. My dad owns a Waja and I truly enjoy driving the car.

To Nelson88: Don't worry, I have driven a Myvi before and personally I think it's a very good car for city driving as it's small and zippy.

This post has been edited by tps18489: Feb 25 2008, 08:08 PM

sharing ~~ http://www.caradvice.com.au/4930/protons-new-persona/