needs advice on buying a car or not

[pachut]

hi! im a newbie here. been contemplating the past weeks if it's time for me to get a car. i'm still not fully decided, i joined the forum so i can see different opinions.

im a single 29yo doctor. we have a family car (1990's toyota corolla) which nobody uses. i do not want to use this because i feel its not reliable anymore. my boyfriend has a car that we use. i do not have any problems commuting (im used to it) except when it is raining, hard to get public transportation and i hate inhaling pollution. my "future" work is about 7 kilometers away from home and is easily commutable. other factors that makes me think of buying a car is it is for my own safety and comfort, save myself from situations where i might share the same public ride with my patients (alam nyo naman, status symbol is important if your a doctor in Manila), and perhaps a milestone for me before i reach age 30.

i have savings enough to buy a brand new car but thinking of getting a second hand instead so that i still have savings left with me. i can also pay half of a brand new car then pay installments in 18months, God willing he provides for me. second hand also, so if i change my mind i can easily dispose without losing too much! my boyfriend doesn't want me to buy a car instead get a place like a condo. some friends tells me get a new car, others just second hand since i'll just use it to and from work and konting lakad on the side. FYI, i knew how to drive a long time ago, im just tamad and hot headed kaya hate driving sometimes.

pls post your opinions. the pros and cons. should i get bnew or 2nd hand will suffice? what kind of car will i get? greatly appreciate it.

[LeOxe]

for me, just get a brand new car. it saves you from headaches due to possible breakdowns that would/might occur in the long run plus it also has a warranty - 5yrs at most depending on brand.

what's your budget for a brand new car?
you could get a hatchback - hyundai i10, suzuki celerio, toyota yaris, honda jazz, etc.
or a sub-compact sedan perhaps - hyundai accent, toyota vios, honda city, etc.

if i were to choose, i would pick the Toyota Vios 1.3 J or E
why? because its price is cheap, low fuel consumption & the reliability that the Toyota badge brings.

[ghosthunter]

*pachut

Money spent on owning a car does not stop at buying it. You also have to consider the ff:
-maintenance stuff like regular tune up, replacement of stuff like tires, etc
-annual renewal of registration (including emissions testing, etc)
-annual insurance dues (accident / theft)
-repairs (accidents, wear & tear)
-parking fees
-rising fuel prices

I hope you have considered these. I am not trying to dissuade you from buying a car. I am just making sure you have considered all the "cons" of buying a car.

Advantages of having a car does outweigh the cons...
-safer travel (day or night)
-no problem carrying stuff to destination (example grocery, boxes, etc)
-dry inside when raining outside
-cool inside when hot outside
-your choice of music (not whatever is blaring from the jeep's speakers)
-travel at your convenience and pace (no need to consider if there is a jeep or mrt nearby)
-faster transit time (no need to wait for buses/jeeps to fill before going)
-no more inhaling exhaust fumes (aircon)
-privacy (tinted windows)
-out of town trips? no problem

[ghosthunter]

should i get bnew or 2nd hand will suffice? what kind of car will i get? greatly appreciate it.

Second hand car will be fine as long as its not too old. I would suggest something like the Honda City/Jazz or Toyota Vios or even Nissan Sentra 1.3 GX A/T.

These cars are relatively easy to own since they have smaller engines and quite popular as well. Prices for brand new are: (assuming A/T as first choice when available)

Nissan Sentra 1.3L GX A/T P650,000
Honda City 1.3L A/T P756,000
Honda Jazz 1.3L A/T P762,000
Toyota Vios 1.3L J M/T P590,000
Toyota Vios 1.5L G A/T P785,000

Second hard options: (examples from http://www.buyandsellph.com/)
2003-2006 Nissan Sentra 1.3L GX A/T P300K to P400K
2004-2006 Honda City 1.3L iDSi A/T P350K to P450K
2004-2006 Toyota Vios 1.5L A/T P400 to P460K

So buying a second hand car (3 to 4 years old) will save you 1/3 to 1/2 of the price buying new. Downside, you have no warranty if anything on the car starts to go wrong.

If that happens you have two choices, go to the nearest "casa" or bring the car to a reputable 3rd party repair shop. To save you money, I would suggest to bring it to a 3rd party repair shop. There are shops that we can recommend and others we would advise you to avoid like the plague.

[kulotz]

condo
pros
-kuryente lang babayaran wala masyado sa maintenance
cons
-megcocomute parin ng onte pag nagcondo:P therefore mababasa parin sa ulan pollution etc.

2nd hand car
pros
-mura
-pag nakatsamba na maayos yung kotse okei na okei
-pag me kakilala tapos alam na nasa good condition ayus din
-pwede pumunta sa maraming lugar pag me kotse
-mas madali mag grocery

cons
-pag malas sa 2nd hand sakit sa ulo maintenance
-pag nagbreak down yari
-pag nakaw pala sasakyan patayy
-pag mejo hindi maganda makina at malakas ang fuel consumption patay rin
-pinapagasan so mejo mahal

brand new car
pros
-maasahan talga since bago
-pwede pumunta sa maraming lugar pag me kotse
-mas madali mag grocery
-me peace of mind na hondo masisira

cons
-kahit papaano minamaintain parin
-pag nagalusan ang bagong car nakakasama ng loob
-mahal ang insurance

[kulotz]

pag long travel nga pala masyado mas maganda condo kasi delikado yung drive na pagod at antok mas makupad ang reflexess:P

[gastromd]

it's always nice to buy a new car. but ofcourse, as what ghosthunter said, you also have to take into account other expenses like gas, parking fee, tune up, registration and insurance. ask ko lang, are you a resident physician or a consultant? kasi it will make a big difference with regards to your decision....
if you are a resident physician, then i would say just have your boyfriend or a family driver send you to the hospital and have them pick you up afterwards kasi, residents definitely go on 24hour duty and you will be tired enough to drive home (although 7kms away lang ang house mo, kainis lang if there's too much traffic). but if you really wanted to have your own car, i guess a second hand car in good condition will be a better choice (unless ofcourse you wanted a brand new car to spare you of the headaches that might come from the used car)
but if you are a consultant, then you definitely have to have a new car to help you travel around different hospitals wherein you have patients/referrals to see...
HTH

[renzo_d10]

My answers are in red and in bold.

hi! im a newbie here. been contemplating the past weeks if it's time for me to get a car. i'm still not fully decided, i joined the forum so i can see different opinions.

= hello mam pachut.

im a single 29yo doctor. we have a family car (1990's toyota corolla) which nobody uses. i do not want to use this because i feel its not reliable anymore.

= if that car you're referring to isnt properly maintained then, most likely yes you will encounter problems with it. But then, if it's maintained and checked up properly, then you don't have to worry.

my boyfriend has a car that we use. i do not have any problems commuting (im used to it) except when it is raining, hard to get public transportation and i hate inhaling pollution. my "future" work is about 7 kilometers away from home and is easily commutable. other factors that makes me think of buying a car is it is for my own safety and comfort, save myself from situations where i might share the same public ride with my patients (alam nyo naman, status symbol is important if your a doctor in Manila), and perhaps a milestone for me before i reach age 30.

= You have a point ma'am. Though commuting is easy and cheaper than having a car, you wont still feel the comfort that you're going to have when having a car. And yes, having a car adds up to your safety.

i have savings enough to buy a brand new car but thinking of getting a second hand instead so that i still have savings left with me.
i can also pay half of a brand new car then pay installments in 18months, God willing he provides for me. second hand also, so if i change my mind i can easily dispose without losing too much!

= If your money is just enough for the whole car itself then don't buy one. Expect miscellaneous fees thats going to be added. For example the Periodic Maintenance Cost ( PMS ), the gas prices, the insurance cost etc.
And, mind you, if you pay the car through financing there will be an increase into the overall unit price. Expect around 100-200k.

my boyfriend doesn't want me to buy a car instead get a place like a condo. some friends tells me get a new car,

= Car then condo

others just second hand since i'll just use it to and from work and konting lakad on the side. FYI, i knew how to drive a long time ago, im just tamad and hot headed kaya hate driving sometimes.

= ma'am just remember, don't be hot-headed. If you need to give way, give way. Don't pursue into going in the very narrow spaces available. And, music can calm you in some ways.

pls post your opinions. the pros and cons. should i get bnew or 2nd hand will suffice? what kind of car will i get? greatly appreciate it.

Buying a brand new car will still be the best. May I ask how much is going to be your budget? But for the meantime, since you're a lady driver, a sub-compact would be the best for you. Here are some

1. Hyundai Getz - pricey at 630k. Runs on CRDi engine

2. Hyundai i10 - bad FC for a very little car, yet, cheap

3. Suzuki Alto - very fuel efficient and cheap. No A/T transmission available

4. Suzuki Celerio - cute, cheap, has A/T, 1.0L downside is, it doesnt have power windows at the back

5. Toyota Vios J - Cheap, bare, but bigger than the said examples above. At 595k, no A/T transmission, no power windows. But still, nice car

6. Toyota Vios E - carries 14" rims. Has power ammenities except for power mirrors. at 664k, not bad.

7. Nissan Sentra GX - has a/t ( i think ) . has power ammenities too except for the keyless entry.

8. Honda City A - best car among the others stated. Though it doesnt carry alloy rims and keyless entry system. It's still going to recieve a :2thumbsup: for me. 2 available colors only. Silver and Bluish Silver. Price is at 676k no A/T

9. Honda City S - Cheaper than the Vios G. At 716k it carries all power ammenities, steel rims and what can I say? It's one heck of a car. Available in certain colors: Red, Silver, Bluish Silver, Black, Beige.

10. Hyundai Accent - 690k. Too bare. No power ammenities. No alloy rims. Yet runs with diesel

11. Kia Rio - price is 700k + . Yet runs on fuel. Overpriced for me though.

12. Kia Picanto - small. price is around 600k plus. Runs on fuel. Better than Getz in terms of style.

2nd hand cars: there's a lot to choose on from. Just bring a mechanic with you if you're going to check one. Check all the papers etc etc then you're off

Hope this Helps.

[artpogi]

I'd say prioritize the condo, then after a few months or a year, get a car.

[MAXBUWAYA]

get a condo, then borrow BF car. Let him commute.

If not possible, Just get your own car.

It will give you the mobility that you never thought possible.

[badkuk]

ba't nyo po nasabing di na safe ung old corolla? have you had any decent mechanic take a look at it?

Iniisip ko kasi, pagtiyagaan mo muna ung car for a few more years while you save up for a car, condo, etc. yun nga lang, things will definitely start breaking down on you if your car is that old(speaking from experience). ang sa akin lang, so long as the mechanicals, brakes, etc. are ok, pagtitiyagaan ko pa rin. And, like you said, parang di ka pa sure sa sarili mo kung me gana kang magdrive everyday.

Of course, if you do feel na di na nga siya safe...you really can't put a price on your safety/health ;) And if you really go on 24-hour shifts...parang mas OK na lang na mag condo.

[kikoteng]

Hi.

I'd probably use the 90's corolla that's lying around for the meantime for several reasons.

1. It's free. hehehe. You're gonna have to spend a bit to make sure its in good running condition but its a lot cheaper than buying a new or second hand one. It's gonna be a hassle to find trustworthy car repair shops but think of it this way. You're going to have to find them anyway (sooner or later) whether its brand new or second hand or your old car. Also, I'm sure your boyfriend can already refer you to some.

2. Toyotas are known to be tough, reliable cars so i assume the corolla lying around shouldnt cost you too much to use.

3. If you're afraid of reliability, just dont use it in long out-of-town drives. You could also be a member of AAP or other auto clubs for motorist assistance (ergo peace of mind) should the car break down in the middle of the road.

4. As others have said, there's other expenses when owning a car other than the gas. If you might or might not use it often, it will still depreciate. Of course, the newer the car, the more the expensive it is, the more the depreciation.

5. At least you could try it out now if driving is for you. If not, at least you only lost the amount bringing the old corolla up-to-shape. Depreciation is not much. And you can use it as little as you want or as much as you want. Come to think of it, you could only use it in those rainy, hard-to-commute days if you want to.

6. Very important. Pag nagasgasan, hindi masama ang loob ... hehehe. Practice driving with this. Should you get another car after a while, you'd be less prone to gasgas and you'd know better how to take care of it.


Hope that helps.

[1D4LV]

for me, i would get the condo which is walking distance from the place of work. even if it rains, you can still bring an umbrella and walk to and from work.

if you need something like occassional out of town trips, get your BF to drive for you. if he refuses, ditch him and get a new boyfriend who is willing to drive you.

get the family car and maintain it if you need one.

why my reasoning? a car, as everyone said here, depreciates and requires maintenance. as it grows old, you have to spend more moolah just to make it in proper running condition. this principle is the same as if you would have your family car repaired to its good running condition. second, a car requires gas. fuel is getting more expensive. third, a condo unit appreciates. in fact, it appreciates fast. so while you are still single, better have your money invested in something which will give you more money which you can use for your wedding, a vacation, or even starting your own family.

[Gerbo]

My wife (also an MD) is still using the red 1993 Corolla Gli that I've been driving during my bachelor days.

She is now eyeing a black Avanza. But the desire is still on-hold as we would like to concentrate our financial resources on our future home. We currently maintain four vehicles.

So nasa iyo ang priority. You can actually also do some sacrifices to achieve both ends.

Why not put your substantial savings to the condominium investment and just allocate something enough to rehabilitate the old Corolla?

Mahalaga din ang sasakyan sa isang doctor. Hindi naman importante kung magara as long as reliable ang sasakyan to bring you where you want to go. Corollas are relatively "easy" to fix and maintain.

[Kirsten's Dad]

Get the Condo. It is a more sound investment than a car.

[Horsepower]

Since you're a hot headed driver (it must be scary being your passenger :P), I'd suggest that you have the 1990's corolla freshened up instead of spending on a new one.

I'd also suggest that you unleash your anger at the pool (or better yet, at a fish sanctuary). Swim & dive. It's very very relaxing. It will widen your horizon on how beautiful life is that being angry even when there are so many fools driving beside you is just so pointless.

You'll be saving massive amounts of money driving that car. It's economical, it's fairly cheap to maintain and very reliable. A bunch of friends have that type of car. It's pretty fast too.

The best thing about it probably is that it will never get the attention of carjackers and thieves. Since you're a lady, your safety is of the utmost importance.

With your money, buy a bunch of lands or houses & lots. Condo is good IF you're not planning to live in it (rent it out to people to recoup your money and earn after). It's a very expensive piece of space in the air. When the building crumbles - and it will one day, along with it goes your investment.

After driving the 1990's corolla for maybe a couple of years or more, you can consider buying a brand new car and still use the corolla as a coding car. You'll be a better experienced driver then so your bnew car will be a whole lot safer from unnecessary accidents (and consequently, repairs).

Good luck.

[p_borj]

Hi po.

question ko lang, saan po ba kayo nakatira? (hindi po address hahaha) I mean, kukuha ka ba ng condo dahil mas malapit sa workplace mo?

kung kukuha ka lang ng condo dahil mas malapit sa workplace mo, then go for a car. yung boyfriend mo syempre gusto niya condo para pareho kayong makikinabang, eh kung car, mahihiram ba niya sa iyo yun, syempre sa iyo lang yun hehe. yung condo kasi, para sa future niyo na rin yun "if ever" diba hehe.

pero kung confort ang tatanungin, I would get a brand new car or "slightly used 2nd hand car". Slightly used means yung less than a year palang ang tanda nung car with low odo reading.

I will give you a scenario. You are a doctor, 1 rainy evening may tumawag sa iyo, emergency asap kailangan may puntahan ka, and then bam, ayun tatawag ka pa pala ng taxi. Dala dala mo pa yung mga gamit mo tapos maulan haay ang hirap diba. Eh kung may car ka, ayun, salpak ng gamit and then punta na sa destination mo pronto.

OT. anyway ms. pachute, baka may kilala kang female, single na nurse mga 24 y/o lang hehe joke.

[LHV]

buya new car or if you will buy second hand, i rehab mo na lang yung toyota mo mas makakatipid ka and maybe there will be enough money left for the condo, you can have your cake and eat it too

[cktlcmd]

I too am a physician and in the same dilemma as you are, but I have decided to get the car first. I will be buying it by next year. Why? First...COMFORT, you don't want going to your work hospital looking so agitated, smelling like sweat and car exaust on summer, and coming in to work all wet when it's raining. Second...INDEPENDENCE, don't rely on your boyfriend too much to drive you around. He can easily cheat on you and your relationship goes down the drain, so in the end you loose your driver too. Another reason your BF don't want you to own a car is he might be intimidated and trying to control your freedom. Third...SAFETY, driving your own car is safer than commuting and being exposed to swindlers, holdapers, mandurukot, etc...

With regards to whether to buy a second hand or brand new car...buy a BRAND NEW CAR. You can look at the cheapest...Suzuki Alto, since you will save some money without the hassle of secondary inherited problems from purchasing a second hand car. Plus you only need it to travel a short distance to work and probably occasional trips outside Manila.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[p_borj]

I too am a physician and in the same dilemma as you are, but I have decided to get the car first. I will be buying it by next year. Why? First...COMFORT, you don't want going to your work hospital looking so agitated, smelling like sweat and car exaust on summer, and coming in to work all wet when it's raining. Second...INDEPENDENCE, don't rely on your boyfriend too much to drive you around. He can easily cheat on you and your relationship goes down the drain, so in the end you loose your driver too. Another reason your BF don't want you to own a car is he might be intimidated and trying to control your freedom. Third...SAFETY, driving your own car is safer than commuting and being exposed to swindlers, holdapers, mandurukot, etc...

With regards to whether to buy a second hand or brand new car...buy a BRAND NEW CAR. You can look at the cheapest...Suzuki Alto, since you will save some money without the hassle of secondary inherited problems from purchasing a second hand car. Plus you only need it to travel a short distance to work and probably occasional trips outside Manila.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

but for a lady driver na tinatamad mag-drive, don't get an Alto. Proud alto owner ako pero ang Alto kasi walang A/T variant, and most ladies drive an A/T car. So try getting the Suzuki Celerio or Hyundai i10 instead.