Auctions in Subic Bay Freeport

[Hosea]

Hello Everyone, I am kind of new to the Philippines. I say kind of because I have been here off and on for the past 5 years. Now I live here permanently. Coming from the US it is very difficult for me to be without a car. It is difficult for us Americans because the cars here are so much more expensive than in the US. I have been told a number of times that I should check out the auctions at the Subic Bay Freeport zone. I have done a lot of google searching about this subject but keep coming up short on specific information.
Anyone here know the details of (where to go and how to do it) buying a car this way? Any good and inexpensive hotels in that area would be nice info as well.
Thanks!

[blue_gambit]

I'm afraid bro subic bay is no longer authorized to import vehicles, sta. ana cagayan is the new venue. But there are dealers in manila you can purchase from instead of going all the way to cagayan. I search around manila you ca find one, to know weather its fro there, their plates start with Bxx-xxx. What are you looking for, gas or diesel?

Hello Everyone, I am kind of new to the Philippines. I say kind of because I have been here off and on for the past 5 years. Now I live here permanently. Coming from the US it is very difficult for me to be without a car. It is difficult for us Americans because the cars here are so much more expensive than in the US. I have been told a number of times that I should check out the auctions at the Subic Bay Freeport zone. I have done a lot of google searching about this subject but keep coming up short on specific information.
Anyone here know the details of (where to go and how to do it) buying a car this way? Any good and inexpensive hotels in that area would be nice info as well.
Thanks!

[Hosea]

Thanks bro,
That is the kind of reply I was looking for. Believe it or not depending on where it the world you are from people process information differently. Not judging which is right or wrong, proper or improper, it is just different. I do have some difficulty with this although I am understanding more as time goes by. This will impact purchasing a car. My wife won't even let me go to the market with her because of the response we get from the merchants. Everyone here thinks all of us Americans are rich. Sure I have more than most where I live but in American standards, I am at poverty level. Still, we want a good and reliable car. I don't want to be breaking down anywhere away from home if possible.

All that said, my first choice for an automobile was a small 4 door 4x4 pickup truck (Hilux....) or something like that. A pastor friend warned me that getting something as flashy as a new Hilux could be a problem as far as someone wanting to take it from me with me in it or not. I understand that and can appreciate where he is coming from. I don't want to draw any undue attention.

Then I thought I would be ok with a nice mini van or suv. Preferably a little higher off the ground because we live in an area where the roads aren't so good.

I am so frustrated with the difference in auto prices between here and the US, I would even consider something the size of the new larger size taxis here. The car I sold before moving here last year was a Mercedes C230 sports coupe. Although I loved driving that car, it was way too small for us. I have a three year old, 17 year old, me and my wife. It was very difficult getting a baby into her car seat.

Bottom line: I'm kind of flexible. Most important is that the car is reliable and safe. Oh yeah, it must be an automatic. I did that standard stuff in my youth. It was fun but I just don't enjoy all that extra work anymore. Also I don't mind traveling. I haven't seem much of the Philippines and don't mind flying up to Manila to find a good car and maybe have someone drive us back to Davao. As long as we get a trusted driver, I think it would be a nice adventure and way to see the Philippines. Don't think I mentioned it but I trust dealer less than I trust buying from strangers (private owners). Not to say I trust anyone, but you can only do your best.

[scharnhorst]

Welcome to tsikot, sir!

you might want to consider getting a local secondhand car

most surplus imports are converted from RHD to LHD, and the quality of conversion varies

[speed unlimited]

Just my opinion its better to buy a second hand Toyota hilux local version . Its safe and no problem with vehicle registration document.

[renzo_d10]

first of all, welcome sir.

usually, imported vehicles are converted from left hand drive to right hand drive and sometimes conversions tend to have mistakes that could also lead to pricey repairs, however there are some lucky owners that are contented with their imported vehicles, like user testament11. As they say, it's better if you opt for original LHD vehicles, and mostly they are local.

If you still decided on imported vehicles, if i may suggest it would be the nissan elgrand, it has a big space yet it's very cheap because it's imported and converted.

i really dont know the steps in buying imp'd vehicles, since i haven't experienced driving/owning one, so maybe the steps in buying one would be coming from the owners of such vehicles.

if you don't mind sir, how much is your maximum budget ? a local pajero or nissan patrol might fit your budget or the ford expedition, or the ford escape as well.

[ghosthunter]

Why not try looking at the AUV class of vehicles?

Example: Toyota INNOVA. Available in gas and diesel variants. Definitely rides better than a pickup and has the space to haul either lots of people or lots of cargo or a mix of both.

[~JasoN~]

Sir, You're from davao, if you prefer surplus or converted vehicles take a look at the displays at Genesis88 or at JAPPS. JAPPS is located at quimpo boulevard fronting SM Mall, they sell Converted Pajero CK body. Genesis88 is beside Ecoland 4000 Condominiums, they sell a lot of imported converted or non converted cars. They have Lexus, BMW, Mercedes Benz, JDM Converted Pajero, Trooper, Fit etc. and there are also a lot of used car dealers (non converted, local units) around the city. There's one along quirino ave. and there are i guess 2 or 3 along JP Laurel Ave.

Happy Hunting!

[Hosea]

I did the used car thing as a young man because I didn't have the funds to get a new one. Later in life I was able to buy new and did that a few times. Now that I am older and retired, I don't feel a need to buy new if I don't have to. At this point in life it seems more important to hang onto as much of my money as possible. I just want a reliable car or truck. After driving both right and left side everyday for the last 30 years, I don't mind either. In fact, I find driving on the right side easier. I will check out the locations Jason mentioned here in Davao but I like to check out as many avenues as possible. I still want to check out the auctions.

I don't know that many 1995 cars that would sell for what people here are asking for them. No 1995 pickup is worth P250,000 or more in the US. That said, I know I am not in the US anymore but I don't intend on giving into any price until I understand as much of the current situation as possible. I really don't want to spend more than P100,000 but I may go up to P300,000 if I have to.

Isn't that Toyota Innova that crossover the taxis are driving? That is too cheaply made for me if that is the same vehicle.

[ghosthunter]

Isn't that Toyota Innova that crossover the taxis are driving? That is too cheaply made for me if that is the same vehicle.

The Toyota Avanza is the vehicle you might be referring to that looks light and "cheap". The avanza is powered either by a 1.3 or 1.5L gasoline engine.

The Innova is a bigger vehicle using either a 2.0 gas or a 2.5 diesel engine. The chassis is based similar to the current Toyota Hilux and Fortuner. The Innova comes in very many trim levels as you can check in the pricelist link below.


Toyota Pricelist:
http://www.auto-searchphilippines.co...PriceList.html



INNOVA


Innova Specs: http://www.auto-searchphilippines.co...taInnovaV.html



AVANZA


Avanza Specs: http://www.auto-searchphilippines.com/ToyotaAvanza.html

[blue_gambit]

Given that your budget is from 100-300K, i'd say your choices are pretty limited. Especially if you eyeing light trucks and suv, maybe a local 98-99 hyundai starex van(in the high 300K mark)will fit your bill. Most of its parts are shared with mitsubishi like its diesel engine, it has a chassis like a pick-up truck, and good room inside. I would recommend also you have your car to be tinted dark, for your security woes...

Resale value here in the P.I. tend to be more higher because of the higher brand new price due to taxes. You maybe referring to the tamaraw fx's, revo's, crosswind/hi-landers and adventures. But as experience proves these utility vehicles are very well suited to Philippine driving conditions.

I did the used car thing as a young man because I didn't have the funds to get a new one. Later in life I was able to buy new and did that a few times. Now that I am older and retired, I don't feel a need to buy new if I don't have to. At this point in life it seems more important to hang onto as much of my money as possible. I just want a reliable car or truck. After driving both right and left side everyday for the last 30 years, I don't mind either. In fact, I find driving on the right side easier. I will check out the locations Jason mentioned here in Davao but I like to check out as many avenues as possible. I still want to check out the auctions.

I don't know that many 1995 cars that would sell for what people here are asking for them. No 1995 pickup is worth P250,000 or more in the US. That said, I know I am not in the US anymore but I don't intend on giving into any price until I understand as much of the current situation as possible. I really don't want to spend more than P100,000 but I may go up to P300,000 if I have to.

Isn't that Toyota Innova that crossover the taxis are driving? That is too cheaply made for me if that is the same vehicle.

[scharnhorst]

I just want a reliable car or truck. After driving both right and left side everyday for the last 30 years, I don't mind either. In fact, I find driving on the right side easier. I will check out the locations Jason mentioned here in Davao but I like to check out as many avenues as possible. I still want to check out the auctions.

If you have a choice, go for an originally LHD vehicle.

The worksmanship on some converted vehicles are questionable, and as renzo has mentioned, these could lead to expensive repairs in the long run. There might also be some problems in sourcing parts for such vehicles.

[blue_gambit]

Quite true, if the TS goes for an import. He may as well find one the was sold locally, so the parts availability wont be that much of a problem. Like pajero, terrano, hi-ace, trooper(big-horn), and others. A reliable mechanic that wont be bribed by the seller come inspection time would be very much needed...

If you have a choice, go for an originally LHD vehicle.

The worksmanship on some converted vehicles are questionable, and as renzo has mentioned, these could lead to expensive repairs in the long run. There might also be some problems in sourcing parts for such vehicles.

[testament11]

binida pa ako ni renzo, naman oh...

anyway, welcome to tsikot and here to the philippines sir. if you have a budget of 100-300k only, i'm afraid you might end up purchasing a 2nd hand converted 3 door pajero. also, you can buy a 1st generation starex, which is a big vehicle that can haul at least 9 persons. don't worry on the starex, though its big, it still comes with an automatic transmission. a 2nd hand pick up is good, like the nissan eagle but it sells too high here. i found one that sells at 350k.

if you, sir, willing to take a gamble on converted vehicles (RHD to LHD), please choose a vehicle with a local counterpart of it. some good examples are the pajero and big horn (locally known as trooper).

[renzo_d10]

^ ganda naman kasi ng experience mo sa converted paj eh. hehehehe

since the ts wants a big vehicle, then he cannot go for a sedan, so ... *hosea, like what test11 has mentioned, you might be ending up with a 3-door paj which is pretty good too except for it's only 3 doors though.

*hosea :: if you could extend your budget sir to atleast 500k or 450k then you might be ending up to much better local/imported vehicles, that's only if you're still willing to spend that much of money.

[Hosea]

The information you guys have provided here has been very helpful. I wasn't aware so many of the cars here has their steering column changed out. As I have said, it is not necessary for me to have a big automobile but I don't want a subcompact at all. Many of the brands mentioned are not in the US so I am having to check them out. One thing I am concerned about is the US is very strict with safety regulations. Many car models don't make it to the US because they can't meet those standards. The most important seems to be crush zones. Ever seen the Chinese crash test on youtube?

I was told by one of the old guys here that buying from the auctions can save me half of what is being asked for by dealers and private owners. That kind of info begs to be checked out. As I said earlier, making payments on a car is just not what I want to do anymore. I'm not working anymore and want to use my money for other things. $6,000 for a car is just not what I want to do.

[blue_gambit]

Based on the specs you want from your car, i think you might have a hard time getting one that'll fit your given budget. Imported cars are 80% converted from RHD to LHD, and cars below $6,000 are circa 90's. meaning no airbags, most probably have different interpretation of U.S. safety regulations. I'm afraid you are on a market of high resale value cars as compared to the states and you'll have to stretch it...

The information you guys have provided here has been very helpful. I wasn't aware so many of the cars here has their steering column changed out. As I have said, it is not necessary for me to have a big automobile but I don't want a subcompact at all. Many of the brands mentioned are not in the US so I am having to check them out. One thing I am concerned about is the US is very strict with safety regulations. Many car models don't make it to the US because they can't meet those standards. The most important seems to be crush zones. Ever seen the Chinese crash test on youtube?

I was told by one of the old guys here that buying from the auctions can save me half of what is being asked for by dealers and private owners. That kind of info begs to be checked out. As I said earlier, making payments on a car is just not what I want to do anymore. I'm not working anymore and want to use my money for other things. $6,000 for a car is just not what I want to do.

[admiral88]

I was told by one of the old guys here that buying from the auctions can save me half of what is being asked for by dealers and private owners. That kind of info begs to be checked out. As I said earlier, making payments on a car is just not what I want to do anymore.

Welcome to tsikot.

Thats true, buying directly from an auction will come out cheaper even if you spend some more for reconditioning/repairing the car plus the freight cost from luzon to davao.

I knew someone from davao, who specifically travels to subic from time to time to attend auctions for farm trucks and heavy equipments for the plantation.

I guess you have to be there in subic to find it out yourself. And like what the other forumer mentioned, dont forget to go sidetripping to Cagayan valley, you may find cheaper imported cars in there.

Good Luck! Just do it!

[Walter]

Hosea,

Sent you private mail.

[Hosea]

Welcome to tsikot.

Thats true, buying directly from an auction will come out cheaper even if you spend some more for reconditioning/repairing the car plus the freight cost from luzon to davao.

I knew someone from davao, who specifically travels to subic from time to time to attend auctions for farm trucks and heavy equipments for the plantation.

I guess you have to be there in subic to find it out yourself. And like what the other forumer mentioned, dont forget to go sidetripping to Cagayan valley, you may find cheaper imported cars in there.

Good Luck! Just do it!

Now this is what I was told about and looking for. Still, I don't know the Philippines very well yet and need more specific information on a starting point. I see there is an international airport in or around Subic Bay Freeport. I figured I would start my investigation there. Inexpensive hotels but safe and well maintained would be a good jumping off place to start.