300K Budget. Need Advice in Buying A Used Car

[mazdamazda]

ian_rex owns an LXI... he has been suffering from radiator problems lately...

[niky]

ian_rex owns an LXI... he has been suffering from radiator problems lately...

We've gone through that, too, on an LX... fortunately, a radiator swap and new fitments fixed it... thank God the D-engine doesn't blow a gasket every time it overheats...

[ian_rex]

ian_rex owns an LXI... he has been suffering from radiator problems lately...

this is because, i suffered overheating a few years back. add to that was the bad service given by the radiator shop. a l'l leaks here and there, but can be corrected by replacing gaskets/boots, underchasis parts were kinda brittle but all in all, i got no problems whatsoever. feel free to PM me if you have question regarding Honda Civic 1996-00 models. i might be able to help you out. if ever you decide to get one

[shok]

Uy sakto tong thread na to.

I am also thinking of getting a used car 2001 up model.
My budget is up to 350K although i can stretch it to 400K for the ff models
1. Toyota Altis
2. Toyota Vios
3. Honda Civic VTI / VTI-S
4. Honda City IDSi
5. Mitsu Lancer GLS / MX 2003 up

Medyo suntok sa buwan yung ibang models considering my budget pero baka lang swertehin. =P

For up to 350K i'm thinking of the ff cars:
1. Toyota Echo (low mileage dapat) - matipid.
2. Toyota AE111 Corolla Altis 1.6 or 1.8
3. Ford Lynx Ghia 2002 up
4. Opel Astra wagon - although mukhang mahirap ang parts and mababa resale value.
5. Nissan Exalta STA

Priorites in order are:
1. Fuel efficiency
2. Safety (ABS, Airbag/s) / Reliability
3. Low maintenance cost / Parts availability
4. Will hold resale value after a few years

I presently own a 96 Corolla Gli and has been happy with the fuel efficiancy (steady 11Km/ltr) reliability, parts availability, and maintenance cost of my car.
Ayaw nga lang i-accept ng company that i work for sa car plan ko. it needs to be 2001 up daw. haaayyy.....

Any suggestions mga masters?

[niky]

Among the 400k choices, the current generation 1.6 Altis is a good choice... Although a comparable price Lancer MX would have more creature comforts, it's slightly smaller, and residual value is so-so.

Only downside is it's dull. Dull looking, dull handling, dull interior, etcetera... but it's a literally drive-and-forget commuting weapon. And good luck finding a 2001 for under 400k.

The newer Civics are almost like Corollas in dullness... so they're also a good buy,

If you can find a City iDSi for not so much, get it. Great car, and despite what some may think, great provincial trip car, too. Large luggage capacity, incredible fuel economy and decent power. Steering is light but responsive and both manual and CVT are easy to use. Forget about the looks... this is probably the last car you'll ever need (if you need anything bigger, get a van...).

The Vios is a cute car... I'd get it if I were a bachelor, but the City beats it in practicality and frugality hands down. Still, if you ever wanted to join a car club, the Vios club is huge.

----

Under 350k:

The "lovelife" AE111 is a small car... reliable, but kinda small. Pretty cute, though, and a 1.8 SEG gives a little extra pep (but not much excitement) with a minimal hit in terms of fuel consumption.

Still not an exciting steer, but a decent car, and fun to dress up with Euro-kit.

The Echo is just overpriced... much like the City of that era... cute car, but beh.

Both the Exalta STA and Lynx Ghia have their share of electronic niggles but they're good cars, mechanically, and those problems are easy to fix. Maintenance is relatively painless if you go the Banaue route instead of ordering expensive casa parts. Price discounts can be as high as 40%. Sure, you can't buy Lynx parts on every street corner, like you can with a Toyota, but parts aren't that hard to find.

The STA has sort of decent fuel consumption for an AT, the Ghia so-so... I'd get the Ghia in MT over an STA, better handling car with a more controlled ride. The STA is nice and soft, but kind of bouncy for my tastes, and the soft suspension has you scraping humps with a four or five person load.

The Lynx's handling would probably be the icing on the cake. Very responsive. When we went out on a track day, even the guys with 1.6 ATs had fun.

One problem with the Lynx and the Exalta is poor resale compared to Hondas or Toyotas. However, the Exalta's secondhand value has been holding steady for a while, because people like the toys it comes with. The toys in question are getting old. The handsfree suffers under constant use, and the 12-disc player starts skipping after awhile... it's hard to keep clean since it's under the seat. And with its light tan and easily scuffed/marked interior and the lightweight fasteners on its plastic trim, finding one with an immaculate interior will be tough. If you do, it's really nice... like a micro-Cefiro.

The Lynx is a question mark... while the RS seems to be holding value okay, the Ghia can be bought for a very low price. In fact, 01' Ghias can be had for under 300k. Best bet would be the newest Ghia you can find. It's got lots of kit, similar to the STA, and the trim is very nice.

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All up to you, man.

[ian_rex]

OT: just got some info from an officemate. 1.6 VTi A/T Civic could be a gas guzzler. as of late, he consumed 5.6 km/L on city driving. the car is in top shape. even low mileage for a 5 year old car (almost 50T k on the odo). thus, if you can get a M/T Civic, grab it.

[niky]

OT: just got some info from an officemate. 1.6 VTi A/T Civic could be a gas guzzler. as of late, he consumed 5.6 km/L on city driving. the car is in top shape. even low mileage for a 5 year old car (almost 50T k on the odo). thus, if you can get a M/T Civic, grab it.

Kinda figured it would be... but that friend ought to have his AT looked at... I don't have much faith in old ATs... even Hondas.

The MT is a definite. Drove one again (after the longest time) last month. Still smooth, still peppy, and still one of the easiest cars to drive.

[masterboy]

*idol ian_rex

Parang nabasa ko yata yung pag automatic depends kung marunong umapak ang driver. Mag consistently bad footing ang driver instead of getting fuel efficiency it will actually go like what u said.. "guzzler"

i agree better go for manuals. its not like everyday u can be aware of perfect footing on automatics.

[masterboy]

medyo off topic na po ang 400K models. Gawa nlng sana ng 400K thread. 300K hopefuls po kami mga simpleng mamayan dito. :-) Ty!

[mirage_05]

Masterboy kabayan! What's the latest update?

[mirage_05]

guys if you know of someone who's selling his/her ride please let me know. 250-300K budget

[mirage_05]

Peeps!
I'm looking for a 2000 Sentra Exalta STA/SLA
or a 2000 Ford Lynx Ghia/Gsi
Referrals pls.

[margaux]

hey, mirage_05!!!

try to look for this re ford lynx:

http://www.protegetech.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7674

[margaux]

ay sori.... nakalimutan ko, sold na pala yung oto nya. My bad.....Sorry,..... :sorry:

[mirage_05]

inlclude na rin ag 99 civic cti

[mirage_05]

direct lang po ha..

[mirage_05]

guys i really need your advice..
is this a good buy for 280K?
2001 HOnda City GL
49tkm for 280K?

[angelino]

im selling my 99 civic LXi. I could give it at 300K as my best offer. medyo rush din kasi. Pls chk some info.

http://tsikot.yehey.com/auto-classif...&cat=12&page=4

[mirage_05]

ok. where can i see the unit? are you available on june 5? more pics ng engine bay and interiors sana. mirage_010586*yahoo.com

[angelino]

you can see the unit in Singalong, Manila. I'm only available only during mondays and saturdays.Just let me know when do want to see it.My contact nbr is 0918-5121058.tks!