For a 800k-900k budget, what do you think is the best?

**alvinator** · January 18th, 2013 03:50 PM

Hello fellow tsikoteer's

I would like to ask for your recommendations for our very first car. Budget is between 800k-900k. Here's our profile:

1. Newbie driver, I will be fresh out of driving school
2. Will be a daily drive car (80% city/20% highway) and with occasional weekend road trips.
3. Usual payload would be 3 adults and a baby while lugging around some stuff like a stroller
4. My body preferences are: compacts > subcompacts and hatch > sedan
5. Possibility of selling the car after 5 years

In terms of my needs ranked in order:

1. Reliability/Good after sales
2. Safety
3. Space
4. Fuel Economy
5. Looks (less ubiquitous models has an advantage)

Currently here's the models that I'm choosing from and will definitely consider for a test drive:

1. 2012 Ford Focus Ambiente 1.6 MT 4dr (P859,000) - I consider the Focus as my first love since Colin Mcrae's days. My worry with this car though is the longevity of its parts as this appears to be the most technically advanced in the bunch. It's also only the MT in the bunch.
2. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 EX GLX AT (P855,000) - Seems to be a nice addition to the roster. I like the roomy interior and aggresive look but the trunk capacity could be an issue plus the design is already 4-5 years old and could be refreshed soon.
3. 2013 Honda City 1.5E AT (P836,000) - I like it because of its paddle shifters and nice interior but I realized that adding a little more could get me a compact car.
4. 2013 Honda Jazz 1.5E AT (P836,000) - My wife's choice. I like the utility and space it provides. One thing that bothers me is how lowered it is and the looks for me is a bit feminine (that opinion might change though).
5. 2012 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6G AT(P894,000) - Screams as the safest choice between all five thus the practical side of me added this on my list. Although, It just looks bland and boring to drive. Also Toyota seems to be moving to a more aggresive design soon (see Corolla 2013) which will make the current model look dated.

I need your help to narrow my choices, I'm also open for other suggestions. I don't have any hyundai in the list as I'm afraid of the after sales. Thank very much in advance guys!

**Mguy** · January 18th, 2013 04:27 PM

Jazz, without a doubt.

You got a kid. Daming bitbit nyan. Walang tatalo ang Jazz when it comes to space. the 1.5V has paddle shifters. and priced at 859k. A lot of guys own a Jazz and its the future pocket rocket. The resale value is very high.

**vinj** · January 18th, 2013 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by Mguy

Jazz, without a doubt.

You got a kid. Daming bitbit nyan. Walang tatalo ang Jazz when it comes to space. the 1.5V has paddle shifters. and priced at 859k. A lot of guys own a Jazz and its the future pocket rocket. The resale value is very high.

Same here. Amongst the choices i'll go for either the Jazz or Altis.

**niky** · January 18th, 2013 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by vinj

Same here. Amongst the choices i'll go for either the Jazz or Altis.

x3.

Hard to go wrong with the Jazz. The interior is starting to look outdated, but no sedan or hatchback in this price range yet can beat the flexibility of cargo and passenger capacity that the Jazz has.

**Egan101** · January 18th, 2013 05:42 PM

Another vote for the Jazz or Altis.

**dct** · January 18th, 2013 06:02 PM

also jazz

**alvinator** · January 18th, 2013 07:04 PM

As much as I want to include the new civic, it's already out of my budget.

The hyundai accent crdi looks interesting but seems expensive to maintain in the long run since its diesel. I'm still inclined to get a gas fueled car.

I wonder why there's no love for the Lancer? I just saw black MX while on my way and it's quite a head turner for me.

**Mguy** · January 18th, 2013 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by alvinator

As much as I want to include the new civic, it's already out of my budget.

The hyundai accent crdi looks interesting but seems expensive to maintain in the long run since its diesel. I'm still inclined to get a gas fueled car.

I wonder why there's no love for the Lancer? I just saw black MX while on my way and it's quite a head turner for me.

My take on the Lancer is that its a good car for single yuppies or settled 50+ y.o. people that have no babies to worry about. Wouldn't recommend it based on your requirements. But then again, its going to be your car. If you could manage the pros and cons about the car, then its all well and good.

**MikkiW** · January 18th, 2013 07:12 PM

Altis for me :-O

**GTi** · January 18th, 2013 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by alvinator

Hello fellow tsikoteer's

I would like to ask for your recommendations for our very first car. Budget is between 800k-900k. Here's our profile:

1. Newbie driver, I will be fresh out of driving school
2. Will be a daily drive car (80% city/20% highway) and with occasional weekend road trips.
3. Usual payload would be 3 adults and a baby while lugging around some stuff like a stroller
4. My body preferences are: compacts > subcompacts and hatch > sedan
5. Possibility of selling the car after 5 years

In terms of my needs ranked in order:

1. Reliability/Good after sales
2. Safety
3. Space
4. Fuel Economy
5. Looks (less ubiquitous models has an advantage)

Currently here's the models that I'm choosing from and will definitely consider for a test drive:

1. 2012 Ford Focus Ambiente 1.6 MT 4dr (P859,000) - I consider the Focus as my first love since Colin Mcrae's days. My worry with this car though is the longevity of its parts as this appears to be the most technically advanced in the bunch. It's also only the MT in the bunch.
2. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 EX GLX AT (P855,000) - Seems to be a nice addition to the roster. I like the roomy interior and aggresive look but the trunk capacity could be an issue plus the design is already 4-5 years old and could be refreshed soon.
3. 2013 Honda City 1.5E AT (P836,000) - I like it because of its paddle shifters and nice interior but I realized that adding a little more could get me a compact car.
4. 2013 Honda Jazz 1.5E AT (P836,000) - My wife's choice. I like the utility and space it provides. One thing that bothers me is how lowered it is and the looks for me is a bit feminine (that opinion might change though).
5. 2012 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6G AT(P894,000) - Screams as the safest choice between all five thus the practical side of me added this on my list. Although, It just looks bland and boring to drive. Also Toyota seems to be moving to a more aggresive design soon (see Corolla 2013) which will make the current model look dated.

I need your help to narrow my choices, I'm also open for other suggestions. I don't have any hyundai in the list as I'm afraid of the after sales. Thank very much in advance guys!

The Lancer is not as suggested in your case since it has a small trunk, and by the looks of it, you lug quite a lot of stuff. Might I suggest you consider the Kia Soul. Very large cargo space with the 1.6L Elantra's engine and tranny, and definitely a guaranteed head turner. Only slightly more expensive at 919k SRP.