Tips about a buying a used car?

[Eiolos]

I am a swedish man who's moving to the Philippines in june. I have a car budget of about 400 000 pesos to 700 000 pesos. What kind of car should I buy? I am thinking of getting an asian car, a big one because of the condition of many of the roads, probably a SUV, most likelly an automatic because of the stale traffic. The cars I'm thinking about are:

Hyundai Santa Fé
Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4

Since I have the budget I have, I should probably buy a car that's about 1999-2002 year model, right?

Also, can anyone tip me of off the best way to buy a car like this in and around Cavite or Manila? Should I buy from a dealer or from the owner directly? Where are good dealers for used cars located? What can I expect to pay for there models from the year stated?

I can add that I right now drive a manual SAAB 9-5 with 225 horse power, but I understand that it might be a waste of money to buy a fast car in PI, right? I usually drive only sedans, but because the driving conditions in PI are so different to europe, I will probably have to change my choice of cars. If anyone has a tip of a sedan that would be good in PI roads, please tell me. I mostly think about SUV's because of the higher ground clearence (because of the speed bumps that seem to be everywhere) and since size seems to be an advantage in PI traffic... It would of course be nice to have turbo charged car, so I can tune it, but most asian cars in my price range seem to be without turbo.

Thanks alot,
Andreas

[Bry]

I highly advice that you get directly from the owner. Used car lots here are pretty much owned by buy & sell people and they usually roll back the odometers so that they can sell their cars at a much higher price. Bring a good/trusted mechanic with you when you plan to purchase the car.

A gen-1 CR-V would be a good choice.

[oldblue]

or you could try the 2000 up AUV's like Mitsubishi Adventure, Toyota Revo and Isuzu Crosswind. it has high ground clearance, and 2nd hand prices fit your budget. With Suv's like CRV, RAV4, it would be very difficult to find a year 2000 up unit that's less than 701k.

[chris_d]

I think a pajero would be quite good.

[nugundam93]

andreas, my vote goes to the 1st gen CR-V as well. as mentioned, try to bring along a trusted mechanic, and do not consider ones that won't let you test-drive them first.

the test drive is important so you (or the mechanic or both) could spot right away what the condition of the car is.

[larshell]

2000 model CRV will cost you around 450k to 550k depending on the cars condition.
you still have 100k+ for the repair and upgrade. But if you are moving here for good i will suggest you to get a Brandnew car or AUV or suzuki APV. You dont have to worry where to have a repair incase there will ba a trouble w/ your car. W/ your budget you can get a brandnew sedan or a suzuki APV.For a sedan Altis is a good choice it can tolerate road condition here in PI but the ride is stiff.

[Autobeat]

The current prices should be around these:

1998 gen1 CRV 2.0l 4x4 Matic - Php420k
-> 2001 gen1 CRV 2.0l 4x4 Matic - Php550k
-> 2001 gen2 Rav4 2.0l 4x4 Matic - Php630k
2002 gen2 CRV 2.0l 4x2 Matic - Php610k

I reco any of the 2001 models above. Prices may go down even further by June. Good luck in your final pick later, and an advance welcome to the Phils.

[Eiolos]

Thank you very much for you answers. I appreciate it! A CR-V from around 2000 sounds pretty good. The AUV that oldblue talked about, that's a genre that I haven't heard of before? What is that? I looked up the cars on the PI homesites of the makers, and they look pretty ok. But none of them exist in europe, so I don't konw anything about the models. What are the pro's and con's compared to a SUV? What's the difference? Thanks.

Andreas

[arvic]

Thank you very much for you answers. I appreciate it! A CR-V from around 2000 sounds pretty good. The AUV that oldblue talked about, that's a genre that I haven't heard of before? What is that? I looked up the cars on the PI homesites of the makers, and they look pretty ok. But none of them exist in europe, so I don't konw anything about the models. What are the pro's and con's compared to a SUV? What's the difference? Thanks.

Andreas

First of all, advance welcome in the PI!

AUV stands for Asian Utility Vehicle( that's why your not familiar with this kind of vehicle)

Now let's compare this vehicle into a mid size SUV's;

Suspension Most important part of the vehicle when driving in PI roads)

AUV-- FRONT: double wishbone suspension with coil spring
REAR: semi elliptic leaf spring
LAYMAN TERMS: rough ride

SUV--FRONT: McPherson Struts with coil spring & stabilizer bar
REAR: Multi Link
LAYMAN TERMS: Smooth RIde

ENGINE:
AUV-- Usually an old engine
SUV-- High Tech engine, ( new technology)

Drivetrain
AUV-- 4 x 2
SUV-- All wheel drive; 4 x 4; 4 x 2

Interior
AUV-- Cheap materials Usually
SUV-- more on the high end side

Seating capacity--almost the same

Safety Features
AUV-- Seatbelt; side beam impact; child lock
SUV-- airbag; seatbelt;ABS; child lock

Image
AUV-- more on people mover
SUV-- SPORTS VEHICLE.

Available AUV in the Market
1. Mitsubishi adventure ( Gas and Diesel)
2. Isuzu Crosswind/highlander (Diesel only)
3. Toyota Revo( no more brandnew units, Gas and Diesel)
4. Innova ( kinda AUV, but more people classify this vehicle as MPV)

Happy car hunting!

BTW, pix in my signature is an example of Mitsu Adventure.

[herbularyo]

With a budget of 700T, you can get a brandnew car, say, Toyota Altis), Mitsubishi (Lancer) or Honda (Civic) sedan or if you want a higher ground clearance: a suzuki APV or a Toyota Innova J variant (700T+). A new car means 2-5 years of worry-free driving.

AUV (Asian Utility Vehicle) are "pseudo-SUVs". They are designed specifically for the Asian and some African countries. Built tough, can carry up to 10pass., and loaded with the basic amenities for comfort (not luxury - the mean difference with the SUV) while keeping the price affordable. Examples are: Toyota Revo (I used to own one and Im happy with it), Isuzu Croswind and Mitsubishi Adventure.

[finchy18]

I suggest A/T 4x2 or 4x4 SUV with a later model year 2000 or 2001. CRV is right choice. but as we say it depends on its condition be really sure you picked up the best among your choices. first bring a mechanic and second check the vehicle maintenance records and repairs from eg. Honda Service Center

Good luck and Mabuhay!

[mitsuadik]

may idea kayo how much ang isang outlander ngayon? brandnew and 2nd hand?

[Satio]

may idea kayo how much ang isang outlander ngayon? brandnew and 2nd hand?

try to browse at Buy and Sell or Manila Bulletin every sunday...