Student Looking to Buy a Car - P1M Budget

[2FastForU]

Hey guys so I just turned 18 and I'll be getting my driver's license soon and I was wondering if you guys could help me decide what's the best car for me as I want something that's fast, comfortable (used to cars with leather seats so it's a must!), good looking (to help me get girls haha ) and something that's reliable too as I don't want to get stuck on the side of the road if something breaks down.

I've been looking at the 2013 Lancer but all the different models and engine types etc are really confusing me since I don't really know much about cars when it comes to their technical aspects.

I wouldn't mind buying the cheapest 2013 Lancer I can get then modifying it to fit my needs described above if that would be a good option as the cheapest brand new 2013 Lancer I found on Sulit is more or less P800,000 which would leave me well over P200,000 for mods etc.

I also saw a couple of really nice 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupes in my budget and I'd love to know if that would be a better option compared to the Lancers. I'm not really set on buying a particular car at the moment so feel free to suggest anything you have in mind.

Really looking forward to hearing what you guys think I should do and have yourselves a great night and a wonderful weekend ahead.

[GTi]

Congrats bro! You are much more fortunate than many of us here!

How much is the budget? Is there even a limit? Are you open to 2nd hands? Manuals? Diesel or gas? What's your usual route and number of passengers?

Now, how much driving experience do you have under your belt? If you want something fast, make sure you have the necessary skill to control it. There have been many accidents involving drivers who overestimated their skills. I am ashamed to say that I have experienced this first hand.

Leather seats? I've grown up with them as well. Indeed, they are very nice but also hard to maintain. If you treat it as you would a fabric seat, it would rapidly deteriorate. Check out the 2nd hand Exalta's and Lynx's with leather seats on buy and sell sites. You will have to make sure they aren't overly dry, no excessive heat exposure, they must be conditioned regularly, and it must not be scratched or else the mark will lengthen and eventually tear. For a daily driver, I actually prefer leatherette seat covers instead. They have pretty much all the benefits of leather seats, are relatively inexpensive, and require virtually zero maintenance.

It would seem that the Lancer has caught your eye. If you really like it, then take it. I believe the 1.6M/T should have more than enough punch for you. It's very well spec'd too. Personally, if I were getting one and fuel expenses aren't very important, I'd take a 2nd hand 2.0M/T instead.

The GC isn't very practical for a daily driver. Its quite hard to manuever and park, not to mention the low ground clearance.

If you're into mods, I'd suggest you get a turbo diesel instead. That way you'll be able to get the most power out of relatively simple bolt-on mods. A 2nd hand Focus TDCi or Tucson CRDi would be nice.

[2FastForU]

Thanks man! :D

As I said my budget is more or less P1,000,000, haha if there wasn't one I'd be driving around in a BMW M6 Gran Coupe (my dream car!) by now, hopefully I'll own one someday. :D

I wouldn't mind a second hand car but I'd prefer a brand-new car to avoid any headaches etc. I'd normally be using this car in and around Alabang taking myself and my sister to school and sometimes driving down to Makati to hang out with friends(as fast as I can down the highway, while staying safe of course!). I think I'd be fine with a coupe since it'll usually be just me and my sister going to and from school but if I get a lancer I could probably fit in a couple of friends so we can cruise around.

I guess a diesel car would be nice since I heard diesel cars cost less to fuel up.

I've never driven a car before so I wouldn't know if a car with a manual or automatic transmission would be the best for me.

Well I have next to none, I'll be heading off to driving school before I buy my car so hopefully I can get some experience under my belt. I know and I'm a pretty cautious person by nature so I'll try not to crash my baby into a tree haha.

Yeah our X5 had heated and leather seats which were VERY COMFORTABLE! But let's get real here I doubt we'd find a car at my budget with things like that haha.

Well I do like the Lancer but I'm open to other options as well and all the different models of the Lancer has me very confused and I'd just like to get the best value for money. I'll look over the 1.6M/T model and I'll get back to you.

Hmm I'm not really into the Tuscon as I find it really ugly and cheap looking, the Focus looks like a nice option but I'm not really too fond of hatchbacks, I don't know why but I just don't find them attractive.

All I really want is something that's comfortable and really fun to drive (and fast enough to tear through the highway when I want to).

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it!

[jcRN]

you might want to look at Lancer EX MX variant. it's automatic and you won't have a hard time learning how to drive one. and in my opinion, lancer is the best car to install mods on.

a friendly advice, you're just about to learn how to drive, you are still young, don't push any vehicle you might opt to buy to the limit of being fast. It's better to be careful than sorry. and remember that anyone who is inside your car is your responsibility so take care of them while you are driving.

[jut703]

Nissan GT-R R32. 600k. Yung 400k pang mods. Tapos rezing rezing. Dapat bawat stoplight ikaw pinakamabilis. Sibakin mo lahat ng papatol.
But seriously, you're oozing with the typical invulnerability that teens feel. Hinay hinay lang.

BTT: Kia Forte Koup, bnew 948k lang.

[GTi]

Wow!~ X5! I see you're pretty loaded... By the looks of it, you're the sort that wouldn't be worrying about fuel expenses at all!

Since this is your first car, in my opinion it is actually better to get a 2nd hand car. That way, it won't hurt as much if you id manage to break something. And then in the long run, if something does break down, you get to learn more about car maintenance and upkeep. I'd suggest something that's just around 1-2 years old though, that way its much cheaper than brand new, having gotten off the initial depreciation but still not overly used.

As for the Focus, if you're not into hatches there is a sedan TDCi variant like this one: FORD FOCUS : 2011 Ford Focus Sedan TDCi Diesel Automatic Philippines - 12265696
The Focus's TDCi engine is very receptive of mods. With less than 100k spent on mods, you'd be smoking V6's, and consuming half as much fuel!

Or, you can consider going for a midsize sedan as well! Late 2000s Accord and Camry V6's go for less than 1M nowadays. Then there's the Sonata too. Very nice car indeed.

[1D4LV]

get an evo 7 or 8.
or a second hand impreza.

[2FastForU]

Wow!~ X5! I see you're pretty loaded... By the looks of it, you're the sort that wouldn't be worrying about fuel expenses at all!

Since this is your first car, in my opinion it is actually better to get a 2nd hand car. That way, it won't hurt as much if you id manage to break something. And then in the long run, if something does break down, you get to learn more about car maintenance and upkeep. I'd suggest something that's just around 1-2 years old though, that way its much cheaper than brand new, having gotten off the initial depreciation but still not overly used.

As for the Focus, if you're not into hatches there is a sedan TDCi variant like this one: FORD FOCUS : 2011 Ford Focus Sedan TDCi Diesel Automatic Philippines - 12265696
The Focus's TDCi engine is very receptive of mods. With less than 100k spent on mods, you'd be smoking V6's, and consuming half as much fuel!

Or, you can consider going for a midsize sedan as well! Late 2000s Accord and Camry V6's go for less than 1M nowadays. Then there's the Sonata too. Very nice car indeed.

My mother will be paying for the car and she's very picky and she'd prefer it if I got a brand-new car instead of a second hand one.

Thanks I'll look into it.

I love the look of the Accords.

[Balikpinoy]

Ask for another million and get a Toyota 86 or a BRZ.

[viper888]

oh youre also from Alabang, have fun with your car, the streets are full of nice drivers in this area (when you get out its a different story, I study in UST and going home feels like goimg to another country)
I woudnt recommend getting an uber fast car, its a bit dangerous at our age, people will just tailgate you for doing the speedlimit in the skyway, If you do get a fast car, you should get training in Tuason Racing

Youre used to BMWs, have you rummaged through the CPO BMWs? you might be able to get a 2-3 year old 1 series for that much, Its not dangerously fast, it drives brilliantly, its cool, its actually safer than many other cars

[Mikemike07]

Get a brandnew car. Less headaches for you and your mom. So just obey her. if you want power, its not present in the 1.6 lancer. Its not underpowered by any means but it doesnt pack a punch either. Sure you can make it jump when you need to but Id say its just right for a daily drive. But knowing the traffic conditions here, top speed youll usually get is 100-120 kmph which is no problem for the 1.6 variant. A fellow owner even reported reaching 180 but ran out of road to go even further. So unless youll be bringin your car to places where there are no speed limits (race track) the 1.6 will do fine. As far as i know the Speedlimit in SLEX is just 100kmph. One more thing, the 1.6 lancer is very, very fuel efficient in its class. Maybe at par with the 1.6 altis which is known to be the most fuel efficient. If you get to test drive it and feel that it doesnt have enough power, i suggest you get the top of the line GTA variant. Its 1.15m. Just slightly above your budget but youll get a 2.0 engine that has more than enough power. Add some performance mods, or heck, turbocharge it and youll get yourself a junior evo x. It wont be as fuel efficient compared to the 1.6 but if it doesnt matter to you or your mother, go for it! Id get the gta in a heartbeat if gasoline wasnt so expensive. Good luck. Please drive safely once you get your new car soon. Only speed when the road and traffic permits it.

[TheMikProject]

Since you're new to driving, I think you should start out with a manual. It's easier to transition from manual to automatic than to do the opposite. Plus, if you want to drive faster vehicles in the future, chances are they'd be a manual. )

Anyways, if you want fast, comfortable, good looking and reliable, why not try the Accent Hatchback CRDi M/T? That car is a pocket rocket. You'll easily leave most car on the road behind with the Accent. Like the Lancer with the manual transmission, it's a 1.6L but it costs less, has less weight, more torque, power and more gears. Plus, since it's a diesel, your fuel expenses would be much less. As for comfort, you could just install aftermarket things on it using the extra money you save from your budget and your fuel! (like leather seats, rims, coilovers, race chips, etc.)

The Honda Jazz is also a good car. It's a good all around car! It looks nice, it handles nicely, has a lot of aftermarket parts, has a lot of space, easy to park and squeeze around town, fairly fuel efficient and has a good engine. Just as with the Accent, you could use the extra money to get other creature comforts like leather seats, audio setup, rims, etc.

The Lancer was a great car. The driving feel of that car is the best in its segment! But if you're getting a Lancer, get the 2.0L, the 1.6L feels sluggish. Too bad Mitsubishi removed the 2.0L variant with the manual transmission.

But if you really want to stand out, get the Honda CR-Z! They're retailing it for P1.4M, I think, but I haven't seen any units coming out of Honda dealerships yet.

[beni23]

Matuto ka muna magdrive ng owner type jeeps / jeep na pampasada / elf truck. Jan ako natuto and I must say, kahit ako nabibilib sa driving skills ko ngayon. Hahaha. Yabang eh. Di ko nga lang magdrive ng 2 wheeler, pero I know how to ride a bike, yung bike na de-padyak ha.

[Mikemike07]

I second the jazz. Specifically the top of the line variant. It looks really nice. Im sure at your age what youre looking for is a sporty looking car. If my hunch is right your options should be among these: lancer ex, jazz, mazda 3 (2.0 is a must). The accent crdi will satisfy your need for power but It doesnt look any sporty at all. Kinda feminine if you ask me. Specially side by side with the lancer. Why go fast if you dont look fast? Id leave that car to the older folks.

[GTi]

Too bad they don't sell Focus TDCi's anymore. But then the 2012 2nd hand units are just as good. I second the Accent CRDi proposition. Turbo diesels will give you a smile everyday with all that humongous torque and great gas mileage. They're the kings of stoplight duels! High horse gasoline engines only get the edge when it comes to a top speed run, which I recommend you wait at least a year or two before doing.
By the way, if you'll be frequenting SLEX, do take note that they strictly implement the 100km/h speed limit there! Skyway is the way to go! They're usually almost empty at night. :devil: Just stay away from policemen driving Adventure's!

Most importantly, check out and if possible, test drive the cars you are picking from. No matter what we suggest, whichever captures your heart gets picked!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

[Egan101]

Brand new for 1M? How about the TOTL Elantra GLS? Or add a few more, you are looking at the TOTL Focus already.

If you want a used one, you have a lot of options for that money. You can get a Focus TDCi, an 8th gen Accord 3.5L V6 with VCM or its 2.4L 4-banger model, previous gen Mazda6, or a previous gen Forester XT. On my end, I will be be leaning towards the Accord or Mazda6. They are more comfortable and this midsizers are no slouch in acceleration and speed. Bling it with bigger wheels and they still ride good. However, if you lean towards mods, a Focus TDCi can easily get piggy-back mods for more torque and HP, new intakes and exhaust, 18" Ford ST wheels, plus the fuel efficiency of a diesel.

[foresterx]

if you can stretch your budget to a little over 1M get a new ford focus and forget about trying to go fast with a 1M budget. you'll just look like a fool trying to keep up with real sports car with that kind of budget, want to go fast, get a real sports car not a wanna be sports car. ford focus has a lot of features to play with and enough power for an 18 year old with no driving experience. forget about trying to get a girl using a car it's pathetic, go out and learn to talk to a girl, you don't need a nice car to get a decent girl.

[deafault]

Ayaw nga daw sa hot hatch eh ang kukulit lol

Focus looks like a nice option but I'm not really too fond of hatchbacks, I don't know why but I just don't find them attractive.

You wont go wrong with the Lancer. Pa-test drive mo sa Mom mo.

[beni23]

you don't need a nice car to get a decent girl.

Agree.

Too short.

[Egan101]

forget about trying to get a girl using a car it's pathetic, go out and learn to talk to a girl, you don't need a nice car to get a decent girl.

Amen to that, bro!