Below Php 1.2M budget

[justin_]

Planning to buy a new car around May or June this year. Max budget is 1.1xx million.

Original plan was to get a City/Jazz VX, but the parentals decided to raise the budget a bit higher to get a bigger car.

Considerations:

1. To be primarily used by me (early 20s), and to be occasionally borrowed by my brother in college. Been borrowing family cars lang so this is going to be my first legit car.
2. City driving only (to and from work, weekend pasyal with barkada), with some out of town trips here and there.
3. Priorities are, in order: comfort, pogi points (oops, sorry can't help it), driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, ease and affordability of maintenance.
3. Should be something that will make me happy driving it every day.

The options are:

1. Nissan Navara 4x2 EL Calibre AT: 1.113M
- 2018 model has been updated with 18 in wheels, around view monitor, roof rails -- basically looks like the TOTL VL model now
- price slash makes the most affordable truck in the market even more affordable
- ultra pogi exterior, so-so interior
- most comfortable pick up
- diesel engine
- base platform of the MB pick up, which is indicative of how good it is
- biggest among the options -- pros: less prone to being bullied on the road, more commanding view, ultra macho looks; cons: least exciting to drive, might be difficult to park esp. in very tight parking spaces, long bed will be a useless and unnecessary bulk because because the car won't be used for hauling anyway
- still feels kinda bare with no bedliner (could be haggled to be included in the freebies though), no bluetooth connection, no steering wheel controls, manual AC
- read in the NP300 thread that it has steering column issues, not sure if this has been resolved already
- parents' first choice for me because they really prefer bigger cars

2. Honda Civic 1.8 E: 1.138M
- the RS in rallye red has been my ultimate crush since its release, but its prohibitive pricing pushes it out of consideration
- great exterior, amazing interior
- beautiful startup graphics of instrument cluster leaves me in awe and excited to drive every time
- best driving dynamics among the choices
- sentimental because I learned to drive in a Civic FD
- only color I like (white pearl) is an additional 20k

3. Toyota Altis 1.6 G/V: 1.033M/1.105M
- safest option because it's a Toyota, and all our Toyotas never gave us headaches
- basically a mini Camry
- cheapest among the options
- not very exciting to drive
- replacement might be due soon
- again, white pearl has a 15k premium

Not exactly an apples to apples comparison, but these models are what we like most AND, more importantly, these fit the budget. Honestly a toss up between Civic and Navara though. Hoping you guys could help.

[StockEngine]

I drove the Corolla and Im not a fan! 🤦

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[justin_]

I drove the Corolla and Im not a fan! 🤦

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Too boring, sir?

[StockEngine]

Too boring, sir?

engine and transmission are good but suspension and steering are too boring. yes boring

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[Egan101]

Are you talking about the Jetta?

Give it a test drive and you might reconsider. That 2.0L turbo diesel is quite potent (150hp/350Nm). It is the same engine as the one used on the Audi A3 and Audi A4. By the way, it is quicker to triple digit speeds than your choices. The Civic 1.8L will give it a good fight to 200kmh as the Jetta has a heavier platform.


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[Egan101]

Civic among your choices. Have you considered a diesel-powered sedan? There happens to a be a sedan with a 2.0L turbo Diesel engine at around the same price as a Civic 1.8L and Altis 1.6V.


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[justin_]

Civic among your choices. Have you considered a diesel-powered sedan? There happens to a be a sedan with a 2.0L turbo Diesel engine at around the same price as a Civic 1.8L and Altis 1.6V.


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Are you talking about the Jetta?

[jut703]

Funny coincidence - I've owned a Civic 1.8E, Altis 1.6G, and pickup (Ranger though, not Navara).

Easily, my pick would be the Civic.







Comfort? Check. It absorbs road imperfections with more finesse than an Altis, and is certainly way more comfortable than a Navara.

Pogi points? Check. I'm not a fan of the stock rims though but that's a cheap and easy upgrade.

Driving dynamics? Check. It has very, very good handling without sacrificing comfort and is more fun to drive than the Altis and certainly more fun than a pickup. The Civic is also easily the fastest among the 3, 0-100 in 10ish seconds and over 200 kph top speed.

Fuel efficiency? Check. Though it has a bigger engine, I actually have similar consumption figures between my Altis and Civic. Not as frugal as a diesel pickup of course, but respectable given that it's a 1.8.

Ease and affordability of maintenance? Check. Among the 3, the Civic has the lowest maintenance cost. Hondas only need maintenance every 10,000 km or twice a year, compared to the 5,000 km intervals of Toyotas. And compared to the Navara, it uses half the amount of oil so each PMS comes out cheaper.

The Altis is a decent choice but I only really got one because it had a manual. If you're choosing between an automatic Altis or Civic, the Civic is better, hands down.

The Navara is a decent and practical choice but you nailed it with your concern on the difficulty with parking and tight streets, plus the pickup bed which you don't really get to use often.

So, yeah, Civic it is. [emoji18]

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[justin_]

Funny coincidence - I've owned a Civic 1.8E, Altis 1.6G, and pickup (Ranger though, not Navara).

Easily, my pick would be the Civic.







Comfort? Check. It absorbs road imperfections with more finesse than an Altis, and is certainly way more comfortable than a Navara.

Pogi points? Check. I'm not a fan of the stock rims though but that's a cheap and easy upgrade.

Driving dynamics? Check. It has very, very good handling without sacrificing comfort and is more fun to drive than the Altis and certainly more fun than a pickup. The Civic is also easily the fastest among the 3, 0-100 in 10ish seconds and over 200 kph top speed.

Fuel efficiency? Check. Though it has a bigger engine, I actually have similar consumption figures between my Altis and Civic. Not as frugal as a diesel pickup of course, but respectable given that it's a 1.8.

Ease and affordability of maintenance? Check. Among the 3, the Civic has the lowest maintenance cost. Hondas only need maintenance every 10,000 km or twice a year, compared to the 5,000 km intervals of Toyotas. And compared to the Navara, it uses half the amount of oil so each PMS comes out cheaper.

The Altis is a decent choice but I only really got one because it had a manual. If you're choosing between an automatic Altis or Civic, the Civic is better, hands down.

The Navara is a decent and practical choice but you nailed it with your concern on the difficulty with parking and tight streets, plus the pickup bed which you don't really get to use often.

So, yeah, Civic it is. [emoji18]

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Would like to commend the pretty solid stable you got there! Been checking out the Civic thread for a while now and I must say I really like your set up. Hopefully I could find a good set of wheels on a bargain if I end up with a Civic hehe.

On a daily basis, which among your rides do you use most often?

[jut703]

Would like to commend the pretty solid stable you got there! Been checking out the Civic thread for a while now and I must say I really like your set up. Hopefully I could find a good set of wheels on a bargain if I end up with a Civic hehe.

On a daily basis, which among your rides do you use most often?

Thanks bro. I really lucked out on the rims since I got them for a really good price, 1/4 of what it costs from the casa.

I had the cars one after the other. First the Ranger, then replaced it with the Altis, then sold that and got the Civic which I use now as my daily. The Civic is the best all-rounder among the three.

Really appreciate all the suggestions.

Researched more about the Jetta and I must say, I’m honestly impressed! Exterior might be less exciting than other compacts, but its level of kit certainly trumps the competition, not to mention the German build quality (even if the car’s from Mexico). Engine is very promising too! At this price point, this looks like one of the best deals. In the long run, will the running and maintenance costs of the Jetta be at par with the Japs? Also, is it all right to use regular diesel for the Jetta? AFAIK its engine is Euro 5 so will the quality of our Euro 4 diesels not pose a problem?

The biggest caveat is that VW just released the next gen Jetta last January, so the current model could possibly be replaced next year at the earliest No problem for me though if they bring it in by 2020 pa, but it's kinda sad to see your car immediately become an old model right after buying it.

As for second hand units, not really considering them. Because this is going to be my first car, I want to have the full experience of being the only owner of whatever it is I'm getting. Mahirap na rin since I'm not an expert when it comes to fixing up car problems which will be a big possibility in used cars, so better to avoid all that trouble.

Thinking of adding Mazda 3 1.5 to the choices na rin.

I also have high regards for the Jetta. Outstanding drivetrain and competitive feature set.

But it reminds me of the Ford Focus TDCi. That was the Tsikot favorite during the mid-2000's. People recommended it over the Civic FD because it was faster and more efficient.

But compare the two now - parts availability of the FD is far, far better than the Focus. Lots of people (a few of my friends included), have had DCT problems (because DCT inherently sucks in heavy Manila traffic). And even if the Focus was more expensive brand new (1.1M vs 900k for the Civic 1.8S), the Civic now sells higher in the secondhand market.

Something to take into consideration because you're the one who's gonna have to live with the car, not the anonymous strangers who recommended it on the internet.

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[Lakwatsero]

Bro with your usage, getting a pickup will just be a pain in the ass. Parking, u-turns, driving along eskinitas, list goes on. A simple maneuver will take twice as long with a pickup. Navara has heavier than usual steering so expect a workout. All of this while having similar interior space as a sedan. So unless you plan on going into business which will require you to haul cargo at least once a week, don't bother.

Civic, Altis, any basic sedan would work for you. Civic is the default choice for your demographic. I'd pick the Mazda 3 personally but that might be out of your budget.

Someone recommended the Jetta, it's a good choice but be wary with the maintenance if you plan on keeping it long-term. It looks boring AF too. Though If VW brought the Golf 1.4 here, I'd be down for it.

[Egan101]

Someone recommended the Jetta, it's a good choice but be wary with the maintenance if you plan on keeping it long-term. It looks boring AF too. Though If VW brought the Golf 1.4 here, I'd be down for it.

Yep, the Jetta looks boring like an Altis but it drives really well. It does share its platform with the Golf. The platform feels solid and the suspension is tuned just right (not to firm, not to soft). Best of all, it is very fuel efficient. PMS is every 15k KM or 12 months, whichever comes first. We paid around 10k for the first PMS.

By the way, the Golf and Jetta 1.4T were released locally back in 2016. Both were initially priced around 1.3M. I drove the Golf 1.4T on a test drive in Laiya, Batangas and it is one good hatchback. The 1.4T engine is very responsive and has enough oomph to get the car moving in a fast pace (0-100kmh in 8-9 seconds). The platform has a lot of natural grip so you can be a bit aggressive on corners pushing the tach to the end of its torque limit (5k rpm) at 2nd gear. Think of it as a more refined and quicker Fiesta Ecoboost. With the eventual release of the newer Jetta 2.0L TDI and Golf GTS wagon in 2017, the Jetta and Golf 1.4T were sold at a bargain (950k for the Jetta, 1M for the Golf) on December 2016 to January 2017. The inventory was cleaned up before February 2017.

[jut703]

Yep, the Jetta looks boring like an Altis but it drives really well. It does share its platform with the Golf. The platform feels solid and the suspension is tuned just right (not to firm, not to soft). Best of all, it is very fuel efficient. PMS is every 15k KM or 12 months, whichever comes first. We paid around 10k for the first PMS.

By the way, the Golf and Jetta 1.4T were released locally back in 2016. Both were initially priced around 1.3M. I drove the Golf 1.4T on a test drive in Laiya, Batangas and it is one good hatchback. The 1.4T engine is very responsive and has enough oomph to get the car moving in a fast pace (0-100kmh in 8-9 seconds). The platform has a lot of natural grip so you can be a bit aggressive on corners pushing the tach to the end of its torque limit (5k rpm) at 2nd gear. Think of it as a more refined and quicker Fiesta Ecoboost. With the eventual release of the newer Jetta 2.0L TDI and Golf GTS wagon in 2017, the Jetta and Golf 1.4T were sold at a bargain (950k for the Jetta, 1M for the Golf) on December 2016 to January 2017. The inventory was cleaned up before February 2017.

Just realized, VW's massive discounting can pose a problem in the future come resale time.

In 3-5 yrs, those who got their Jettas for 1.1M will want to sell for say 50% of the value so they will be asking 550k. The guys who got it for 900k won't mind selling it for just 450k. Those who got it at a higher price will have to match down to sell quickly, leading to lower secondhand prices.

Of course, it's a problem for the sellers and a big boon for the prospective buyers. [emoji16]

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[Lakwatsero]

Yep, the Jetta looks boring like an Altis but it drives really well. It does share its platform with the Golf. The platform feels solid and the suspension is tuned just right (not to firm, not to soft). Best of all, it is very fuel efficient. PMS is every 15k KM or 12 months, whichever comes first. We paid around 10k for the first PMS.

By the way, the Golf and Jetta 1.4T were released locally back in 2016. Both were initially priced around 1.3M. I drove the Golf 1.4T on a test drive in Laiya, Batangas and it is one good hatchback. The 1.4T engine is very responsive and has enough oomph to get the car moving in a fast pace (0-100kmh in 8-9 seconds). The platform has a lot of natural grip so you can be a bit aggressive on corners pushing the tach to the end of its torque limit (5k rpm) at 2nd gear. Think of it as a more refined and quicker Fiesta Ecoboost. With the eventual release of the newer Jetta 2.0L TDI and Golf GTS wagon in 2017, the Jetta and Golf 1.4T were sold at a bargain (950k for the Jetta, 1M for the Golf) on December 2016 to January 2017. The inventory was cleaned up before February 2017.

Too bad it's a limited release. I'd be in the market for a Golf. I don't understand why I find the Jetta plain jane but the Golf a real looker. Probably a soft spot for hatches.

Anyway, it turns out the 1.4 was replaced by a 1.5 TSI in its mk7.5 refresh. VW should strongly consider bringing it here even if we're not a hatch market. Price it reasonably and I'll file a reservation asap.

[Egan101]

Too bad it's a limited release. I'd be in the market for a Golf. I don't understand why I find the Jetta plain jane but the Golf a real looker. Probably a soft spot for hatches.

Anyway, it turns out the 1.4 was replaced by a 1.5 TSI in its mk7.5 refresh. VW should strongly consider bringing it here even if we're not a hatch market. Price it reasonably and I'll file a reservation asap.

Those models were not a limited release but it couldn't sway buyers as they are priced a bit higher. There was a Jetta 2.0L TDI model that was released together with the turbo petrol models but it was priced almost 1.5M (which was sold at a discount for 1.1M at the end of 2016). Our 2016 Jetta 1.6L TDI DSG should have an SRP of 1.3M+ but it was released thru the Ayala employee corporate car program for 950k.

VW-PH decided to sell them for a bargain as the newer Jetta and Golf GTS (2017) was priced lower than those 2016 models. The top-end Jetta and Golf GTS models are not even priced at 1.4M nowadays.

Try to look around for folks who may want to sell their 2016 Jetta/Golf 1.4T. Below is a comparison review of TopGearPH of the top turbo compacts in 2016.

https://www.topgear.com.ph/drives/bi...5-lfrm/page/1?


Going back to topic, if you think of a reliable all-around compact car, it is got to be the Civic. There may be some not good generations of the Civic but the new platform will surely be something to be as good as the older FD and EK platforms.

[bloowolf]

I saw a Jetta displayed in SM Southmall. Just like any European designed car, looks very subdued. Priced at P1.1M with 2.0 diesel engine. Lady said PMS once year only, didn't ask what mileage. Only disadvantage of using a diesel in a city setting is the turbo cool down & you'd have to let the car loose in a HW every 2 weeks just to keep the diesel engine healthy.

[iskramble]

Try mo boss Suzuki Vitara GLX

SPECS: Suzuki Vitara GLX

Engine: 1.6-liter gasoline

Price: P1,098,000

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Power: 115hp * 6,000rpm

Torque: 156Nm * 4,400rpm

Powertrain: FWD

Android 10" inch infotainment (Bluetooth,wifi,aux,USB)
6 Airbags
Panoramic Sunroof (pang pogi points)
Keyless Entry
Front, side, back sensor (for parking)
Leather Seats
17 inch alloy wheels (GLX)
LED headlamps
Comes with two tone colors Red and black roof, Atlantis Turquoise and Black roof and Horizon orange/black roof

Madami pa siyang features na available lang usually sa mga High end na sasakyan. kaya nga marami nagsasabi na Bang for Buck siya na car.

[Verbl Kint]

Try mo boss Suzuki Vitara GLX

SPECS: Suzuki Vitara GLX

Engine: 1.6-liter gasoline

Price: P1,098,000

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Power: 115hp * 6,000rpm

Torque: 156Nm * 4,400rpm

Powertrain: FWD

Android 10" inch infotainment (Bluetooth,wifi,aux,USB)
6 Airbags
Panoramic Sunroof (pang pogi points)
Keyless Entry
Front, side, back sensor (for parking)
Leather Seats
17 inch alloy wheels (GLX)
LED headlamps
Comes with two tone colors Red and black roof, Atlantis Turquoise and Black roof and Horizon orange/black roof

Madami pa siyang features na available lang usually sa mga High end na sasakyan. kaya nga marami nagsasabi na Bang for Buck siya na car.

It's a lot roomier inside, too, than any of the choices initially posted. If you're a single guy chasing tail, then having a lot of room helps.

[justin_]

Thanks bro. I really lucked out on the rims since I got them for a really good price, 1/4 of what it costs from the casa.

I had the cars one after the other. First the Ranger, then replaced it with the Altis, then sold that and got the Civic which I use now as my daily. The Civic is the best all-rounder among the three.
I also have high regards for the Jetta. Outstanding drivetrain and competitive feature set.

But it reminds me of the Ford Focus TDCi. That was the Tsikot favorite during the mid-2000's. People recommended it over the Civic FD because it was faster and more efficient.

But compare the two now - parts availability of the FD is far, far better than the Focus. Lots of people (a few of my friends included), have had DCT problems (because DCT inherently sucks in heavy Manila traffic). And even if the Focus was more expensive brand new (1.1M vs 900k for the Civic 1.8S), the Civic now sells higher in the secondhand market.

Something to take into consideration because you're the one who's gonna have to live with the car, not the anonymous strangers who recommended it on the internet.

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I see. So you've had the pleasure of having a pick up as a daily drive. How was it? Was the size too much of a pain in the a** in the city? Hehehe. My dad actually has a Hilux too but haven't had the opportunity to drive it yet. This is where my Navara dilemma comes in. Our pick up basically has the interior of a raised sedan, but with a ride that could churn fat into butter.

I like your analogy with the Focus. A decade ago, we also chose between an FD Civic and the diesel Focus, ended up with the Civic (where I learned how to drive). Sold it in 2016 with no worries. Have a friend who got his dad's 2008 Focus hatch; he decided to sell it in 2016 too but no buyer till now. His is a TOTL but selling price is considerably less than what we sold the Civic for. Sabi ko nalang sa kanya, at least he enjoyed the ride while it lasted

So far I'm kinda leaning towards the Civic. Jetta is very, very tempting. But aftersales reliability, parts availability, and resale value remains to be seen, and the new gen is just around the corner too. Hays, such a hard decision.

Try mo boss Suzuki Vitara GLX

SPECS: Suzuki Vitara GLX

Engine: 1.6-liter gasoline

Price: P1,098,000

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Power: 115hp * 6,000rpm

Torque: 156Nm * 4,400rpm

Powertrain: FWD

Android 10" inch infotainment (Bluetooth,wifi,aux,USB)
6 Airbags
Panoramic Sunroof (pang pogi points)
Keyless Entry
Front, side, back sensor (for parking)
Leather Seats
17 inch alloy wheels (GLX)
LED headlamps
Comes with two tone colors Red and black roof, Atlantis Turquoise and Black roof and Horizon orange/black roof

Madami pa siyang features na available lang usually sa mga High end na sasakyan. kaya nga marami nagsasabi na Bang for Buck siya na car.

It's a lot roomier inside, too, than any of the choices initially posted. If you're a single guy chasing tail, then having a lot of room helps.

Although I'd have to agree that it's quite feature-packed given its price, I'd have to pass on the Vitara cuz it doesn't really appeal to me. Personally, I don't find the exterior beautiful with its proportions that kinda look off. I'm not a fan of the very cheesy two tone color scheme of the GLX too. The interior, like other Suzukis, doesn't look inspired as well. Power and handling are also so-so when compared to the Civic.

Suzuki has repositioned the new Vitara, which now goes against the Ecosport, compared to the previous gen which was going head to head with other CUVs like the CRV and Rav4, size wise at least. Any idea why?

Honda Civic then add an RS Spoiler

Haha, that's exactly the plan if I end up with a Civic! Better wheels, gloss black grilles, and RS spoiler. Pero siyempre have to save up for the upgrades because those will be shouldered by me na.

• PMS is every 15K kms or 1 year at around 11k php.
• Yes, you can use regular diesel.
• I like the mature businessman-like look of the Jetta. The looks will age well like most of euro cars, e.g. Audi A4 & BMW 3xx. Japanese cars do not age well, take a look at the 2012 Mazda 3, Civic & Altis. Japanese cars are always trying "robot-icized" or "curvy-cized" every year.

As I said above, the Jetta is a very tempting option as it shares the same platform with the Audi A3, but I'm scared it would be a pain to maintain in the long run. Would you know how aftersales service of VW currently is? Honda dealerships by Ayala suck, so I'm a bit wary of VW casas. Or has this improved recently?

[claytonyu]

Get the Navara. Mas matibay without sacrificing comfort (has no leaf springs in the rear). Its also better than the Civic and Corolla if you are bringing it out of town.