Help me choose our first car for 200-300k

[bugoys]

I would like to seek your advice on buying our first car. Our budget is 200-300K, but I can borrow another 50K (max) from my parents. I don’t like the idea that much, but push comes to shove, they’ll lend me some. Here’s our situation, we’re a couple that’s planning on building a family this year. My wife’s a small time entrepreneur that’s into food, goes to bazaar once or twice a year. I work from home, so no need for a car. For the time being we’re borrowing my parents car, until we buy our own. Car’s primary use is for her bazaar, in and out of Manila like Tagaytay, Batangas, Cavite, and occasional out of town leisure trips. The road to our village, used to flood on hard and long rains, but hasn’t occurred in the past 2-3 years, maybe due to the upgraded drainage, that or there’s just not enough rain that would lead to flood our road.

I really like the first gen crv 2000-2001 model. This would perfectly suit our need for extra space when needed, plus a higher ground clearance and all the safety features like abs and dual airbags, but might fail my requirement of ideally 8kms/L. She likes the Eon and Mirage, for being cute, small, easy to drive and park. Both choices are in the budget range except for the Mirage. I included strong contenders as well to ask for some advice here. As much as possible, I’d like to buy the lowest valued car we can get, and just upgrade in the future.

Choices are as follows (in no particular preference)

1. Honda CRV 2001
Pros:
High ground clearance
ABS and dual airbags
Extra space
Parts availability

Cons:
15 years old already
Parts are soon to be replaced and would definitely costs a lot, unless already replaced by previous owner
Fuel consumption of 8kms/l?

2. Toyota Altis 1.6G 2004 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption?
A/T (Wife’s preference)

Cons:
Needs dashboard disassembly for ac cleaning
Engine oil sludge issue
Fuel consumption?
A/T transmission goes kaput after 100k kms, as per a shop I visit in Las Pinas. I haven’t read anything about that in Tsikot, so please verify.

3. Toyota Vios 1.5 G (Gen 1.5 and 2)
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Reliability
Trunk space
Fuel consumption
Parts availability
A/T (Wife’s preference)
Didn’t hear any transmission issue for AT

Cons:
Tad smaller compared to Altis
I prefer the 2nd gen, might need to add more than 300k budget
Center gauges, but this is manageable

4. Mitsubishi Lancer GLX 2007 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption

Cons:
M/T
Fuel consumption

5. Nissan Sentra GSX 2006 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption
Aircon
A/T (Wife’s preference)

Cons:
Fuel consumption

6. Honda Civic Vti-S 2005 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption

Cons:
Fuel Consumption

7. Hyundai Eon 2012 up
Pros:
Small and easy to drive
Newest among the lot
Still in warranty
Fuel consumption
Most important, wife’s choice

Cons:
No Passenger airbag
Hatchback (Safety reason in case of rear collision)
Not enough space
Reliability?

8. Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2014 up
Pros:
Small and easy to drive
Newest among the lot
Still in warranty
Fuel consumption
Trunk space
ABS and dual airbag
Most important, wife’s 2nd choice

Cons:
Reliability?
Way over budget

Your thoughts would greatly help me in making up my mind.

Thank you!

[crosswind]

I would like to seek your advice on buying our first car. Our budget is 200-300K, but I can borrow another 50K (max) from my parents. I don’t like the idea that much, but push comes to shove, they’ll lend me some. Here’s our situation, we’re a couple that’s planning on building a family this year. My wife’s a small time entrepreneur that’s into food, goes to bazaar once or twice a year. I work from home, so no need for a car. For the time being we’re borrowing my parents car, until we buy our own. Car’s primary use is for her bazaar, in and out of Manila like Tagaytay, Batangas, Cavite, and occasional out of town leisure trips. The road to our village, used to flood on hard and long rains, but hasn’t occurred in the past 2-3 years, maybe due to the upgraded drainage, that or there’s just not enough rain that would lead to flood our road.

I really like the first gen crv 2000-2001 model. This would perfectly suit our need for extra space when needed, plus a higher ground clearance and all the safety features like abs and dual airbags, but might fail my requirement of ideally 8kms/L. She likes the Eon and Mirage, for being cute, small, easy to drive and park. Both choices are in the budget range except for the Mirage. I included strong contenders as well to ask for some advice here. As much as possible, I’d like to buy the lowest valued car we can get, and just upgrade in the future.

Choices are as follows (in no particular preference)

1. Honda CRV 2001
Pros:
High ground clearance
ABS and dual airbags
Extra space
Parts availability

Cons:
15 years old already
Parts are soon to be replaced and would definitely costs a lot, unless already replaced by previous owner
Fuel consumption of 8kms/l?

We have a 1st gen honda crv in the garage and I can say that it barely reach 8km/l in the metro traffic which was based on my computation a decade ago what more today but it is really a great car the real-time 4wd comes in handy especially on slippery uphill roads. driving the crv is like driving a civic with a higher ground clearance. Maintenance is not cheap and not also expensive.It also has an Isofix mount which will be useful since your planning to have a family and also be weary of used 1st gen crv that dont have a 4wd because their owners . If you dont care about it's thirsty nature it's the perfect car for you!! You would want to take a look at the 2nd gen crv too.

2. Toyota Altis 1.6G 2004 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption?
A/T (Wife’s preference)

Cons:
Needs dashboard disassembly for ac cleaning
Engine oil sludge issue
Fuel consumption?
A/T transmission goes kaput after 100k kms, as per a shop I visit in Las Pinas. I haven’t read anything about that in Tsikot, so please verify.

The 2002-2007 toyota altis is really a great car especially the 1.8 vvti, the throttle response is good but it gets a little thristy when you floored it every time and the altis is more spacious than the vios but maintaining a vios is more cheaper. I think you should check out another altis since the altis you checked has an oil sludge issue which i presume have been revved hard
3. Toyota Vios 1.5 G (Gen 1.5 and 2)
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Reliability
Trunk space
Fuel consumption
Parts availability
A/T (Wife’s preference)
Didn’t hear any transmission issue for AT

Cons:
Tad smaller compared to Altis
I prefer the 2nd gen, might need to add more than 300k budget
Center gauges, but this is manageable

The vios is a great car parts are everywhere but the seating position as the driver is really peculiar and take a lot of time to adjust.Maintenance is cheap even if is done in the dealer. If you opt of the 2nd gen you will need to add roughly 50-70k headroom is a little low especially if you are 5'6 and up.

4. Mitsubishi Lancer GLX 2007 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption

Cons:
M/T
Fuel consumption



5. Nissan Sentra GSX 2006 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption
Aircon
A/T (Wife’s preference)

Cons:
Fuel consumption

6. Honda Civic Vti-S 2005 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption

Cons:
Fuel Consumption

7. Hyundai Eon 2012 up
Pros:
Small and easy to drive
Newest among the lot
Still in warranty
Fuel consumption
Most important, wife’s choice

Cons:
No Passenger airbag
Hatchback (Safety reason in case of rear collision)
Not enough space
Reliability?

8. Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2014 up
Pros:
Small and easy to drive
Newest among the lot
Still in warranty
Fuel consumption
Trunk space
ABS and dual airbag
Most important, wife’s 2nd choice

Cons:
Reliability?
Way over budget

Your thoughts would greatly help me in making up my mind.

Thank you!
here is my suggestions
The Mitsubishi Adventure
Toyota Revo
Isuzu Crosswind
- Maintenance is cheap

Toyota Rav4
Honda City

Please refer to the underlined sentences

[ramones283]

I would like to seek your advice on buying our first car. Our budget is 200-300K, but I can borrow another 50K (max) from my parents. I don’t like the idea that much, but push comes to shove, they’ll lend me some. Here’s our situation, we’re a couple that’s planning on building a family this year. My wife’s a small time entrepreneur that’s into food, goes to bazaar once or twice a year. I work from home, so no need for a car. For the time being we’re borrowing my parents car, until we buy our own. Car’s primary use is for her bazaar, in and out of Manila like Tagaytay, Batangas, Cavite, and occasional out of town leisure trips. The road to our village, used to flood on hard and long rains, but hasn’t occurred in the past 2-3 years, maybe due to the upgraded drainage, that or there’s just not enough rain that would lead to flood our road.

I really like the first gen crv 2000-2001 model. This would perfectly suit our need for extra space when needed, plus a higher ground clearance and all the safety features like abs and dual airbags, but might fail my requirement of ideally 8kms/L. She likes the Eon and Mirage, for being cute, small, easy to drive and park. Both choices are in the budget range except for the Mirage. I included strong contenders as well to ask for some advice here. As much as possible, I’d like to buy the lowest valued car we can get, and just upgrade in the future.

Choices are as follows (in no particular preference)

1. Honda CRV 2001
Pros:
High ground clearance
ABS and dual airbags
Extra space
Parts availability

Cons:
15 years old already
Parts are soon to be replaced and would definitely costs a lot, unless already replaced by previous owner
Fuel consumption of 8kms/l?

2. Toyota Altis 1.6G 2004 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption?
A/T (Wife’s preference)

Cons:
Needs dashboard disassembly for ac cleaning
Engine oil sludge issue
Fuel consumption?
A/T transmission goes kaput after 100k kms, as per a shop I visit in Las Pinas. I haven’t read anything about that in Tsikot, so please verify.

3. Toyota Vios 1.5 G (Gen 1.5 and 2)
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Reliability
Trunk space
Fuel consumption
Parts availability
A/T (Wife’s preference)
Didn’t hear any transmission issue for AT

Cons:
Tad smaller compared to Altis
I prefer the 2nd gen, might need to add more than 300k budget
Center gauges, but this is manageable

4. Mitsubishi Lancer GLX 2007 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption

Cons:
M/T
Fuel consumption

5. Nissan Sentra GSX 2006 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption
Aircon
A/T (Wife’s preference)

Cons:
Fuel consumption

6. Honda Civic Vti-S 2005 up
Pros:
Newer model
ABS and dual airbags
Trunk space
Parts availability
Fuel consumption

Cons:
Fuel Consumption

7. Hyundai Eon 2012 up
Pros:
Small and easy to drive
Newest among the lot
Still in warranty
Fuel consumption
Most important, wife’s choice

Cons:
No Passenger airbag
Hatchback (Safety reason in case of rear collision)
Not enough space
Reliability?

8. Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2014 up
Pros:
Small and easy to drive
Newest among the lot
Still in warranty
Fuel consumption
Trunk space
ABS and dual airbag
Most important, wife’s 2nd choice

Cons:
Reliability?
Way over budget

Your thoughts would greatly help me in making up my mind.

Thank you!

At 300k maximum budget, you can get a fresh 2010-2012 Nissan Sentra or Mitsubishi Lancer with large enough room for adults and trunk for luggage. If you want higher ground clearance vehicle, go for the crv.

[bugoys]

* crosswind- Thank you for the detailed response. I'm still asking around for the fc of the crv. As much as possible, I'd like to get a car with the complete safety package like the dual airbags and the abs. The AUV's mentioned doesn't have both or either of those features, plus its a very large car for my wife to drive.

* ramones- Thank you sir. I'm just not sure about the fc of Lancer and Sentra. If its within the range of the CRV, I just might get a crv.

[niky]

2nd Gen CRV has terrible economy, and AC parts (compressor, control panel, etcetera) cost a lot and will need replacing at this point. Engine mounts also a weak point.

Altis pretty practical, but pay attention to oil condition (look for sludge) and automatic transmission condition (does it slip and slur?)

Vios Gen 2, look for signs of overheating.

If you can stretch to 350, you can start looking at FD Civics.

1.8 pretty powerful, fuel economy is decent, interior space and cargo space huge.

Only downside is a ride that's a bit stiff.

[bugoys]

* niky- Thanks for your insights. What I'm worried if get the FD, is the eps issue as it might cost an arm and a leg. Plus if I'll stretch my budget, I might get a Mirage G4, as its one of wife's choices (happy wife, happy life) and its "new" compared to other choices. As much as possible I'd like to stay our budget.

[Rodel M Amansec]

Sir bugoys,
Curious lang ako kung saan pwede makahanap ng used cars for sale. May specific seller po ba kayo or nakita nyo lang din through online salesyard? May nakita rin kasi akong mga used car for sale sa tsikot.com at carmudi pero walang nagrereply sa inquiries ko. Salamat in advance sa iyong advise.

[goodvibes8888]

1st gen crv
2nd gen vios

[GTi]

At your budget range, if you are looking at the CRV, you can also consider the X-Trail, Escape and Tribute. You can get much newer units for your money. All of them offer ABS and airbags. Go for the 4x2 variants for better gas mileage. Don't expect much in terms of fuel consumption though. Worst case scenario for our Tribute 2.3 (constant short trips in bumper to bumper Manila traffic) is a dismal 4km/L. You might get better results since you live in the province though. Just keep the revs beneath 2k rpm. Ask the owner what they have already replaced. At this point our 2006 Tribute's AC compressor and evaporator have been replaced already. The latter needing to disassemble the dashboard to do so. Expensive too. Underchassis is very solid and the body feels like a bank vault. Engine note at high rpm sounds like American muscle but regular trips to the redline drains the gas tank like you wouldn't believe, unlike diesels wherein the fuel consumption seems to be the same however way you drive it.

Of course you can always get an Adventure... Diesel engine, cheap parts and maintenance, seats 10, durable underchassis, the list goes on. No safety features besides seatbelts and panic engine braking of course.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[bugoys]

* GTi- Thanks for your insight. I was also looking at the Xtrail and the Mazda/Ford cuv, but I have read a lot of negative feedback with the Escape, not with the Tribute though. I also looked at the Outlander, but I'm worried about parts availability, as the unit was long discontinued.

That 4kms/l is really scary and hefty. We we're used at using diesel for all our cars (parents car), the last time we used a petrol fed, was like more than a decade ago. Plus in using Adventure/Revo/Crosswind and the like, my wife always frequent Baclaran, and notorious ang ASBU dun. Don't want her to go through all the hassle in getting pulled over for a smoke belching test.

I guess a Vios would be the most practical choice. Oh well, I'll think it over and over.

[GTi]

That's probably because there are more Escapes sold than Tributes. What sort of negative feedback have you read? We've had a 2003 Escape 2.0 4x4 before the 2006 Tribute 2.3 so I'm quite familiar with the car and can probably tell some facts from fiction. 4km/L is worst case scenario. On a daily commute of Timog QC to Ugong, Valenzuela it gets upwards of 6km/L I'm told. I've never brought them out of town and the others who have never bothered to count, but folks in the forums have reported around 12km/L highway if I remember correctly.

We also have a 2001 Revo diesel and I've been driving it for the past 5 years. I've never once been caught by an ASBU nor have I ever failed an emission test. Proper maintenance is always the key, even when it comes to smoke belching. Under hard acceleration the Revo will only start emitting black smoke when going upwards of 3500rpm. But then even when running 145km/h (top speed) at 4600rpm on the highway, there was no visible smoke at all. I get a worst case scenario gas mileage of 7km/L. It can get up to 9km/L in the city under the right conditions. Highway gets me around 14km/L.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[bugoys]

* GTi- Thank you for the usual assistance. I think it's the 1st gen Escape that was hit by some bad feedbacks with its transmission and some engine parts, if I remember correctly. Re ASBU, I've seen a couple of times that ASBU's flagging a fairly new Adventure, L300, Crosswind, some even without plates. I fully agree with you on the proper maintenance on old and even new diesel engines.

[Battlestar]

If you want just a basic car that will drive you from point A to point B, then Vios is the top choice.

[GTi]

* GTi- Thank you for the usual assistance. I think it's the 1st gen Escape that was hit by some bad feedbacks with its transmission and some engine parts, if I remember correctly. Re ASBU, I've seen a couple of times that ASBU's flagging a fairly new Adventure, L300, Crosswind, some even without plates. I fully agree with you on the proper maintenance on old and even new diesel engines.

Yes. We had the first gen Escape with the 2.0 engine. Ours was the slowest kind of combination. Base 2.0 engine, A/T and 4x4. Underpowered and very thirsty... The 2.3 Tribute felt much more lightfooted and had lighter steering. Tranny still felt somewhat inadequate. FC was better, though not by much.

Ever considered the 2nd gen CRV M/T?

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[bugoys]

I was considering it, but was disappointed on the fuel economy. I was "hopeful" to get an 8kms/l on mix city and highway. A bit "high" expectation for a SUV, but crossing my fingers it's achievable.

[GTi]

Well, considering the manual tranny that might be more achievable. It'll also depend on how much of your route is highway, how heavy your right foot is, and how bad the traffic is. For automatics, I'd be happy to get 7km/L.

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