What's the Best All-Around 2nd Hand Vehicle 450K Can Buy?

[ikaela]

Hi Tsikot members, I need your expertise on what's the best second hand all-around vehicle my 450K can buy. I've already gone through so many threads on different automobiles here but since everyone's been so helpful to everyone else, I thought I'd take the plunge and create my own thread.

Here are my concerns:

1. I'll be using the vehicle mostly around the city and with my newborn baby. I foresee my husband will be using it to lug around bulky stuff for his business. We like to take out-of-town trips every weekend or so and the vehicle will be subject to rough roads.

2. We're first time owners and not that knowledgeable about cars (although we're very keen on learning -- syempre excited about the new purchase). We're also based in the province -- there are no "casas" here. We have to drive to the bigger cities if we need casa service. Finding a knowledgeable mechanic and car parts also might be difficult.

3. With our new baby as our main focus, the vehicle has to be inexpensive to maintain and of course, as fuel efficient as possible.

So you see, we need an all-around vehicle. So far, I've narrowed down my choices to diesel-fed SUV/AUV/pickup types. I have the Hyundai Santa Fe (1st gen), Kia Sorento (1st gen), Ford Everest and the Isuzu Crosswind XT/XTO shortlisted.

I feel like I should be looking at more models so here I am asking for your help! Please help! Thank you

[ghosthunter]

From your four vehicles listed, your best option would be the Crosswind. Parts would be easier to get. Comfort isn't that high on this vehicle though since it's a dinosaur in terms of design.

Other vehicles you might want to check would be the pickups like the Toyota HILUX (with crewcab).

[ikaela]

Thank you for the quick reply ghosthunter. The Crosswind is what my parents picked out of my choices too because (1) they have tried and tested the exact model and (2) they're old school -- they don't trust Kia and Hyundai.

We were looking at the Toyota Hilux at first but there's Hilux and then there's Hilux Surf. Which should I shop for? I also feel like it would be too much for me to just drive and park around the city, although I have used a Mitsubishi L300 van and a Toyota Fortuner before.

[1D4LV]

aside from the xwind, the Sta. Fe would be good.

[yapoy86]

kung ako lang siguro suzuki jimny ang kukunin ko... tamang tama pang ikot ikot lalo na kung isa ka lang lagi na sakay

[garfield_08]

*TS: Toyota Innova J (or E) fits your bill.

Comfortable
Seats 7-8
Higher ground clearance
Good for long drives
Has large cargo space
Good FC

[ghosthunter]

Thank you for the quick reply ghosthunter. The Crosswind is what my parents picked out of my choices too because (1) they have tried and tested the exact model and (2) they're old school -- they don't trust Kia and Hyundai.

We were looking at the Toyota Hilux at first but there's Hilux and then there's Hilux Surf. Which should I shop for? I also feel like it would be too much for me to just drive and park around the city, although I have used a Mitsubishi L300 van and a Toyota Fortuner before.

Even the Crosswind is a bit tough to drive and park in the city, although its shorter, its still bulky and hard to park in narrow areas.

With regards to the HILUX SURF...
LINK: Toyota Hilux Surf - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Based on the article from Wiki, it's the predecessor to the Toyota Fortuner.

Choosing between the HILUX and HILUX SURF, you might be better off with the SURF because the rear cargo area is lockable for the security of the stuff in the back.

[ikaela]

Thank you for your very valuable inputs!

1D4LV: The old Hyundai Santa Fe is what I really want (and can afford with some leftover for after-purchase repairs). The ones sold here are the Korea surplus ones and there are many buyers of those types of cars here in our area so I'm hoping there are mechanics and car shops who know how to service them. I have to research more on surplus automobiles.

yapoy86: Naku, super liit nung Jimny at baka mapanganak ako ng di oras sa sobrang tagtag if we use it on rough provincial roads.

garfield_08: We were able to test our friend's Toyota Innova on one of our long drives and sadly, it wasn't to our liking.

ghosthunter: I use my parents' Crosswind whenever I visit them and it's ok for me to drive. But to be honest, getting the Crosswind wouldn't be as exciting as the other vehicles. It's such a blah car, like the Mistubishi Adventure and Toyota Revo (which other people have suggested to us but they're just so unattractive to me -- sorry). I'm beginning to like the Hilux! The second hand ones usually have high mileage though so I have to look really hard for a fresh one.

[GTi]

Hi Tsikot members, I need your expertise on what's the best second hand all-around vehicle my 450K can buy. I've already gone through so many threads on different automobiles here but since everyone's been so helpful to everyone else, I thought I'd take the plunge and create my own thread.

Here are my concerns:

1. I'll be using the vehicle mostly around the city and with my newborn baby. I foresee my husband will be using it to lug around bulky stuff for his business. We like to take out-of-town trips every weekend or so and the vehicle will be subject to rough roads.

2. We're first time owners and not that knowledgeable about cars (although we're very keen on learning -- syempre excited about the new purchase). We're also based in the province -- there are no "casas" here. We have to drive to the bigger cities if we need casa service. Finding a knowledgeable mechanic and car parts also might be difficult.

3. With our new baby as our main focus, the vehicle has to be inexpensive to maintain and of course, as fuel efficient as possible.

So you see, we need an all-around vehicle. So far, I've narrowed down my choices to diesel-fed SUV/AUV/pickup types. I have the Hyundai Santa Fe (1st gen), Kia Sorento (1st gen), Ford Everest and the Isuzu Crosswind XT/XTO shortlisted.

I feel like I should be looking at more models so here I am asking for your help! Please help! Thank you

Good day ma'am!

1st gen Hyundai Santa Fe- The engine is punchy and it should be fuel efficient enough. But I am worried if you will be able to easily find parts for it since it was not sold locally. Besides, it looks too odd for me to swallow. This one's also only available as a 5 seater if I'm not mistaken.
1st gen Kia Sorento- This one looks great, has excellent performance, and is capable off road. But then most of those in this price range are the gasoline V6 variants, and most 1st gen Sorento's are 5 seaters.
1st gen Ford Everest- This one's spacious and durable. FC is not very good though, especially with the matic variant. The ride is rather bouncy too.
Isuzu Crosswind- You get minimal maintenance bills and excellent gas mileage. Its really slow though, especially in the highway. Ride quality is quite poor as well. It is important to note that this one has a high tendency to emit black smoke especially if you don't take good care of it. I've seen brand new Crosswind's still without plates smoke belching. While running slowly too!

Some other suggestions I have:
Toyota Innova D4D- It gives gas mileage pretty similar to the Crosswind, and yet has much better engine performance. You won't have to worry much about emission problems too. Its a much more civilized car as a whole. Considering that it shares the same platform as the Hilux and Fortuner, it is very well capable of hauling heavy loads and going through bad terrain, not to mention very flood capable.
Hyundai Starex - The last batches of the "Millenium" Starex or first batches of the GRX will fit your budget. Despite being similar in size to an SUV or midsize sedan, it is much more spacious, able to properly carry ten full size adults. Its much more comfortable than an AUV or SUV too. Get the manual transmission turbo intercooler variant for minimal maintenance and better gas mileage compared to the thirsty matic. Many parts are also interchangeable with Mitsubishi so you will have no problem in this regard.

Hope this helps!

[1D4LV]

also try to look at the kia carens. at your budget you can get one na.

[blue_gambit]

TS as you said you're new to cars,

I'd avoid the Hi-lux surf since its probably a converted unit and you might get a poorly converted unit. Though there some that are done right

In your shoes its the crosswind, why? its dirt cheap to maintain and come resale time when you got more cash to spend resale value holds up very well as compared to a you're other choices. Yes its slow pero most hi-ways naman hanggang 100kph lang naman top speed and besides family car and utility vehicle naman hanap mo hindi sports car...

[ikaela]

*GTi: Wow, super helpful breakdown. Thank you for taking the time to write that! My husband shares the same sentiment -- he hates the way the old Hyundai Santa Fe looks too. He'd rather choose the Sorento. The Korea surplus sellers here have the Sorento and they're diesel A/T. A 5-seater is not a problem for us i.e. a 7-seater is just a bonus.

We included the Ford Everest on our list only recently because we feel like it would be easy to resell here in our area where people just LOVE off-road type vehicles. If we find a 4x2 manual transmission variant, would you say that would be fuel efficient? Or does it still guzzle fuel compared to other diesel SUV/AUV/pickups? Also, I know the Ford Everest has an old diesel engine so do you think parts for it would still be difficult to find in our neck of the woods?

That's another +1 to the Toyota Innova and Hyundai Starex. Now if only I could convince my husband to drive these soccer mom-type vans!

*1D4LV: Our friend has a Kia Carens here and it's actually not that bad-looking ha! It's also on our list. Just didn't list it here because I already have Kia represented by the Sorento.

*blue_gambit: I did hear something about the Hilux Surf being Japan-made so thank you for affirming that.

Yes, I know, if it were just practicality, I should be looking at the Crosswind and nothing else. But I'm just not in love with it, you know? It's like plain white bread, it'll fill me up and get the job done but why choose that when you can get cake or a brownie. LOL. I'll still go shopping for a Crosswind. All I know is to stay away from the XUV variant.

[Brennt]

Kung ako, i'd get the Pajero FieldMaster. Madami parts tsaka sakto lang maintenance. May angas factor pa! hehe.. yung 1999-2000 Pajero FM nasa ganyang price range na ;) Medyo downside lang nya eh medyo malakas sa krudo. i think it gets around 7 KM/L

[blue_gambit]

Kung ako, i'd get the Pajero FieldMaster. Madami parts tsaka sakto lang maintenance. May angas factor pa! hehe.. yung 1999-2000 Pajero FM nasa ganyang price range na ;) Medyo downside lang nya eh medyo malakas sa krudo. i think it gets around 7 KM/L

Yung matic ang malakas sa FM, pero yung M/T nasa 9km/l city naman... Kung kasama sa choices ng TS yan dun ako... hahaha

[GTi]

*GTi: Wow, super helpful breakdown. Thank you for taking the time to write that! My husband shares the same sentiment -- he hates the way the old Hyundai Santa Fe looks too. He'd rather choose the Sorento. The Korea surplus sellers here have the Sorento and they're diesel A/T. A 5-seater is not a problem for us i.e. a 7-seater is just a bonus.

We included the Ford Everest on our list only recently because we feel like it would be easy to resell here in our area where people just LOVE off-road type vehicles. If we find a 4x2 manual transmission variant, would you say that would be fuel efficient? Or does it still guzzle fuel compared to other diesel SUV/AUV/pickups? Also, I know the Ford Everest has an old diesel engine so do you think parts for it would still be difficult to find in our neck of the woods?

That's another +1 to the Toyota Innova and Hyundai Starex. Now if only I could convince my husband to drive these soccer mom-type vans!

*1D4LV: Our friend has a Kia Carens here and it's actually not that bad-looking ha! It's also on our list. Just didn't list it here because I already have Kia represented by the Sorento.

*blue_gambit: I did hear something about the Hilux Surf being Japan-made so thank you for affirming that.

Yes, I know, if it were just practicality, I should be looking at the Crosswind and nothing else. But I'm just not in love with it, you know? It's like plain white bread, it'll fill me up and get the job done but why choose that when you can get cake or a brownie. LOL. I'll still go shopping for a Crosswind. All I know is to stay away from the XUV variant.

I see. Where are you from, by the way? A manual 4x2 Ford Everest should give you good gas mileage, its just that its unrefined and uncomfortable. If its just the Crosswind and this one though, its definitely this one. The 1st gen Everest uses Mazda parts, many of which are from the B-Series pickup of the 90s so you shouldn't have parts problems.

I agree the Innova is rather like a soccer mom vehicle. But then its an excellent soccer mom vehicle. If it helps, I know of many successful men who personally drive their Innova's and like it.

As for the Starex, I personally don't find it to look like a soccer mom van. I for one wouldn't mind driving one. For me it looks more like an SUV than a minivan, actually and its a proper truck underneath with a ladder frame chassis. There are 4x4 variants available too. Since you are considering the Sorento, and you don't find the modern engine a deterrent, you may be interested to know that (if I'm not mistaken) the Starex GRX CRDi shares the same engine. Its not as economical to maintain as the old turbo intercooler engine, but is much more rewarding to drive. Just look for the ones with lower mileage.

[ikaela]

*Brennt and blue_gambit: I never did like the Pajero because it comes off as "old mannish" to me. Sorry. And I'm not happy about that 7-9 km/L fuel consumption.

*GTi: I'm from an area where mining is the main industry. I'm kind of used to the rough rides and drives. I mean, nothing can be as bad as the noisy Crosswind or the super tagtag Fortuner, right? I can hardly hear myself think in the Crosswind and driving the Fortuner made me check if my tires were blown a few times because it was just bouncing all over the place. The Everest CAN'T be THAT bad?

After everything you've said and I've researched, I've put down the Starex and Innova on my list (scratched out the old Hyundai Santa Fe). They're still not on my husband's though. Hay.

Newbie question again: Why would the modern CRDi engine be a deterrent to me? Is it considerably more expensive to maintain? Hard to find parts for particularly here in the province? Do I have to be a more careful driver with it (no clutch riding, no high RPMs, no revving, no sudden brakes and etc.)?

I've come across a bit of info on the CRDi engine and I think I'm alright with all the extra care it needs (using only cleaner diesel, being strict with the PMS, getting regular oil changes and etc.) I may be a first-time owner but when I have a new toy, I can become obsessive. I need to know everything about how it works. As long as it won't be a pain to find a shop that knows how to service it and find parts for when needed -- especially since I'll be buying a second hand unit -- I'm okay with it.

And now since I'm looking at Everest types, I've included the Toyota Hilux (not the Surf). It's on the higher end of my budget but its reputation here on Tsikot makes it worth it I believe.

[ikaela]

Once again, thank you for sharing your wisdom with me, sir GTi.

So I see that the key to the CRDi engine is preventive maintenance (and finding one that is in good shape since I'm getting a second hand). I'm somewhat confident about finding mechanics and parts for that type of engine as I see plenty Hyundai Starexes here. Which actually confirms what you're saying about how the Starex is a viable option for us.

Okay, so I'm narrowing down my choices to the Kia Sorento and Isuzu Crosswind. If there is a Toyota Hilux with low mileage (every secondhand Hilux under 500K is so used!), a 4x2 MT Ford Everest and if my husband agrees to the Hyundai Starex, I'll still include those too. I'll see what's the most sariwa I can get at the best price. Hope something comes up before Christmas.

Thank you once again all of you for generously sharing your knowledge with a newbie like me! Very much appreciated

[GTi]

Once again, thank you for sharing your wisdom with me, sir GTi.

So I see that the key to the CRDi engine is preventive maintenance (and finding one that is in good shape since I'm getting a second hand). I'm somewhat confident about finding mechanics and parts for that type of engine as I see plenty Hyundai Starexes here. Which actually confirms what you're saying about how the Starex is a viable option for us.

Okay, so I'm narrowing down my choices to the Kia Sorento and Isuzu Crosswind. If there is a Toyota Hilux with low mileage (every secondhand Hilux under 500K is so used!), a 4x2 MT Ford Everest and if my husband agrees to the Hyundai Starex, I'll still include those too. I'll see what's the most sariwa I can get at the best price. Hope something comes up before Christmas.

Thank you once again all of you for generously sharing your knowledge with a newbie like me! Very much appreciated

Glad I can help.

The Hilux has ridiculously high resale value, even with the old models. The Hilux (pickup) is extremely durable, but especially with the old models, its extremely uncomfortable. The engine is normally aspirated old school diesel, so its noisy and slow too. The Hilux Surf (SUV version) gets the turbocharged engine, but its not officially available locally. Which means most units here are converted Japan surplus, others are gasoline US units. Take note though, that Hilux Surf with the 2L-T engine is notorious for cylinder head cracking issues.

[d_mac]

Hi Tsikot members, I need your expertise on what's the best second hand all-around vehicle my 450K can buy. I've already gone through so many threads on different automobiles here but since everyone's been so helpful to everyone else, I thought I'd take the plunge and create my own thread.

Here are my concerns:

1. I'll be using the vehicle mostly around the city and with my newborn baby. I foresee my husband will be using it to lug around bulky stuff for his business. We like to take out-of-town trips every weekend or so and the vehicle will be subject to rough roads.

2. We're first time owners and not that knowledgeable about cars (although we're very keen on learning -- syempre excited about the new purchase). We're also based in the province -- there are no "casas" here. We have to drive to the bigger cities if we need casa service. Finding a knowledgeable mechanic and car parts also might be difficult.

3. With our new baby as our main focus, the vehicle has to be inexpensive to maintain and of course, as fuel efficient as possible.

So you see, we need an all-around vehicle. So far, I've narrowed down my choices to diesel-fed SUV/AUV/pickup types. I have the Hyundai Santa Fe (1st gen), Kia Sorento (1st gen), Ford Everest and the Isuzu Crosswind XT/XTO shortlisted.

I feel like I should be looking at more models so here I am asking for your help! Please help! Thank you

Kung pang-harabas na AUV chief, Isuzu Crosswind - built-to-last gaya ng plus plus plus 350,000 km na 2003 Crosswind namin (huminto na ang odo, pero ayaw pa ring masira ng sasakyan). At kahit man masira boss, di mo pag-hihinayangan haha

Kung pickup, puede din lumang D-max 3.0 TD Intercooler (o baka maka-score ka pa ng 3.0 Ddi-iTEQ, lalo na doon sa mga may ari niyan na inis na sa Isuzu Philippines bakit ayaw pa magpalit ng model ), Strada 2.8 4M40 (ito yung guapong Endeavour na may hood-coop), o Nissan Frontier 3.2 (baka Titanium series pa makuha mo chief)

Kung CUV naman, get ka nalang ng previous model Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi - matipid mga ito sir, mabilis pati guaranteed ;)

Cheers! Goodluck!

[GTi]

Kung pang-harabas na AUV chief, Isuzu Crosswind - built-to-last gaya ng plus plus plus 350,000 km na 2003 Crosswind namin (huminto na ang odo, pero ayaw pa ring masira ng sasakyan). At kahit man masira boss, di mo pag-hihinayangan haha

Kung pickup, puede din lumang D-max 3.0 TD Intercooler (o baka maka-score ka pa ng 3.0 Ddi-iTEQ, lalo na doon sa mga may ari niyan na inis na sa Isuzu Philippines bakit ayaw pa magpalit ng model ), Strada 2.8 4M40 (ito yung guapong Endeavour na may hood-coop), o Nissan Frontier 3.2 (baka Titanium series pa makuha mo chief)

Kung CUV naman, get ka nalang ng previous model Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi - matipid mga ito sir, mabilis pati guaranteed ;)

Cheers! Goodluck!

There was never a 4M40 Strada locally, AFAIK. The one with the hood scoop was the 4D56 intercooler turbo with 100hp.