Php 1M: Tucson, Escape, Focus, Mazda 3?

[April_Ryan]

Hi!

Early this year, I thought I'd have about Php 1.3 Million as budget for a new car. However, I've since found out that I'm down to Php 1 Million.

Non-negotiables: Automatic transmission

For SUVs, it looks like my choices will be limited to:

1. Hyundai Tucson Theta II 2.0 GL 2WD AT (Php 1,038,000);
2. Ford Escape 2.3 XLS 4x2 AT (Php 1,050,000);

As an alternative, I will consider hatchback sedans (though I'd prefer an SUV as I'm coming from a RAV4-SV). Here are my choices:

1. Ford Focus 2.0 Sport 5dr AT (Php 925,000);
2. Mazda 3 2.0 R AT (Php 1,044,000);

Your suggestions? Any other alternatives I can consider such as the Mitsubishi Strada 2.5 GLX-V which is at Php 1,040,000?

[ChunkyLover]

tucson is the better choice, more bells and whistles compared to the other choices better looks too

[ronw123w124]

tucson is the better choice, more bells and whistles compared to the other choices better looks too

+1, the Ford Escape is simply too old already.

[niky]

The Mazda3 is the most loaded. Sunroof, leather, 17" mags, still a great looking, modern interior. Sporty handling and drive. Getting a bit long in the tooth, but a fanastic bargain at its price compared to similarly loaded cars, which cost 100 - 200k pesos more.

The Focus is the most refined of that group (and yes, I've driven all of them, including the 2WD 6AT 2.0 Tucson), with the best sound insulation, the most solid feel and the best combination of ride and handling. (in other words, stiff enough to feel stable, supple enough to not give you a stomachache over bumps. It also handles better than the Mazda3, but don't let anyone know I told you that. If I recall, the 2.0 gas variant has the sunroof and the leather-cloth seat combo (leather on the sides, cloth in the middle for grip... like the VW Golf GTi), as well as rear AC, but I'm not quite sure. It may not look it on the outside, but the Focus is pretty well equipped inside.

The Escape is the most metal-for-the-money. Old? Hell yes, it's old. But it has more interior space than the Tucson, a bigger back seat, and a waffly, comfortable ride. There's enough torque to motor along despite the archaic four-speed gearbox, and this version is much more fuel efficient than early 2.0 models. A friend just bought one brand new. He wanted a Tucson, but with a baby and the associated stroller/bottle bag/diaper bag/car seat and etcetera, as well as his bike, he needed the space. Did he know what he was getting into? Hell yes. His dad had the exact same Escape model (but a 2007-2008 one), he's driven our CR-V and he's driven our other friend's Tucson 2WD. Perfectly happy with his choice.

The Tucson is probably what you'll end up buying after test-driving everything. It's almost (but not quite) as sporty in feel as a car, the ride is actually pretty decent... stiffer than the Escape but not painfully stiff... and it is not as prone to bottoming out as the top-of-the-line diesel with the adaptive suspension. The interior and exterior looks are very reminiscent of the Mazda3 (which is a good thing) and while it's not the most spacious crossover, it's comfortable enough. Fuel economy with the 6AT is phenomenal, almost as good as the CR-V 2.0 5AT (it might be better, but I've never had both cars on the same route).

Test-drive, test-drive, test-drive. Then look at cars that aren't on your list. There are some interesting cars out there... CR-V 2.0 5AT, stiff-ish, with stiff seats, but amazingly frugal for the size. Still the biggest interior and trunk in the class. Lancer... great CVT. Small trunk. But great CVT and good handling. Biggest front seats in the class. Cruze... good car... though I don't like the 6AT. Sentra... best CVT ever. Okay, plastics suck, but it's got a big interior, a big trunk, a great CVT and a fuel-efficient 2.0.

Lots of choices. Try to consider those that you didn't consider before and you might be surprised.

[April_Ryan]

I think the CRV and X-Trail are out of my price range. I will check out the Lancer as the ASX is likewise beyond my price range. I'm not interested in the Sentra at all.

[sachiel]

The 2.0L non CVT Xtrail is also around P1M only. The CVT ones are the above P1.3M. The 2.0L Sportage is around P1.1M so maybe you can stretch your budget a little.

[April_Ryan]

The 2.0L non CVT Xtrail is also around P1M only. The CVT ones are the above P1.3M. The 2.0L Sportage is around P1.1M so maybe you can stretch your budget a little.

I checked the Kia website and it says there that the price of the Sportage "starts" at Php 1.158M. I'm not aware of the variants yet, but if there's an MT variant, this should be it. Would love to have this as one of the options but the AT variant will likely cost more than Php 1.158 (I'd be happy to be wrong about this ). But will check with the dealers na din, to be sure.

[GTi]

Here in the Philippines, its best to have more ground clearance since floods and bad roads are very commonplace. If you require a very solid build and lots of space, the Escape is for you. The underpinnings are undoubtedly built Ford tough and off road worthy. Performance may not be first rate but still liveable. Our family has one in Taiwan (2010 black 2.3XLS) and I'm told it gets more or less 8-10km/L city, though that may not be a very accurate comparison due to the big difference in traffic conditions here and there. But we basically understand what it gets in light city traffic with a comparably heavy foot. We have a 2003 2.0XLT here too. As expected, there's not much power and gas mileage is bad. But its very comfortable and spacious and has withstood years of abuse. The chassis has gone through thick and thin and is still alive today and hasn't complained a bit since it was bought 2nd hand last 2007.

But if you want an up to date ride with good performance and sleek looks, then the Tucson is your choice.

[LucasVN]

I checked the Kia website and it says there that the price of the Sportage "starts" at Php 1.158M. I'm not aware of the variants yet, but if there's an MT variant, this should be it. Would love to have this as one of the options but the AT variant will likely cost more than Php 1.158 (I'd be happy to be wrong about this ). But will check with the dealers na din, to be sure.

Only 2 available, 4x2 and 4x4 ung 1.158 yan ung 4x2, 1.258 naman 4x4

[LucasVN]

Here in the Philippines, its best to have more ground clearance since floods and bad roads are very commonplace. If you require a very solid build and lots of space, the Escape is for you. The underpinnings are undoubtedly built Ford tough and off road worthy. Performance may not be first rate but still liveable. Our family has one in Taiwan (2010 black 2.3XLS) and I'm told it gets more or less 8-10km/L city, though that may not be a very accurate comparison due to the big difference in traffic conditions here and there. But we basically understand what it gets in light city traffic with a comparably heavy foot. We have a 2003 2.0XLT here too. As expected, there's not much power and gas mileage is bad. But its very comfortable and spacious and has withstood years of abuse. The chassis has gone through thick and thin and is still alive today and hasn't complained a bit since it was bought 2nd hand last 2007.

But if you want an up to date ride with good performance and sleek looks, then the Tucson is your choice.

I previously owned an Escape for 5 years, sold it and bought a Tucson... Walang naging major problem ang Escape, just minor and lately lang maingay na ung stab link... Mas maluwag ang cargo ng escape pero I think mas maluwag pa ng konti ung rear passenger legroom ng tucson... And mas comfy ang ride ng tucson.... Concern ko lang ngayon sa Escape may popular thread ngayon sa Escapezone na Nag stall ang Escape pag over 1 foot na baha... Meron daw air resonator located under the bumper dami ng may issue, luma o bago.. Sabi din ng friend ko sa insurance dami ring claim.... Dami ngang asar sa escapezone, sana lang maayos ng ford ito..

[rossph]

I previously owned an Escape for 5 years, sold it and bought a Tucson... Walang naging major problem ang Escape, just minor and lately lang maingay na ung stab link... Mas maluwag ang cargo ng escape pero I think mas maluwag pa ng konti ung rear passenger legroom ng tucson... And mas comfy ang ride ng tucson.... Concern ko lang ngayon sa Escape may popular thread ngayon sa Escapezone na Nag stall ang Escape pag over 1 foot na baha... Meron daw air resonator located under the bumper dami ng may issue, luma o bago.. Sabi din ng friend ko sa insurance dami ring claim.... Dami ngang asar sa escapezone, sana lang maayos ng ford ito..

Actually ito din concern ko sa Escape ko tuwing dinadaan ko sa baha. Although to the TS I would still recommend it. Just ask for discounts and freebies from your dealer.

[Starex_Gold]

I checked the Kia website and it says there that the price of the Sportage "starts" at Php 1.158M. I'm not aware of the variants yet, but if there's an MT variant, this should be it. Would love to have this as one of the options but the AT variant will likely cost more than Php 1.158 (I'd be happy to be wrong about this ). But will check with the dealers na din, to be sure.

The Sportage EX 2WD A/T is priced 1.158M. No M/T option. Yan yung base model palang pero yung features hindi pang base model.

Aside from the features that the Tucson GLS 2WD have, meron pa DRL, power retract side mirror, mud guards, iPod cable..

[guigui]

Kung lampas po ng konti sa budget niyo ang price ng isang sasakyan pero cash niyong kukunin, usually, natatawaran niyan. Itaon niyo rin pong bandang last week of the month kayo magbabayad kasi po yung mga ahente ay naghahabol ng quota sa mga panahon na iyan o kahit maka-isa lang para may benta sila. Yun nga lang, minsan depende rin po sa brand.

[April_Ryan]

I'm considering paying in cash. Thanks for the tip. Hopefully, I will get a more substantial discount because of this. In that way, I can increase my budget a little to include the higher-end Tucson (Php 1.1M) and the Sportage as suggested by Starex_Gold.

[Starex_Gold]

Baliktad na ata sa panahon ngayon, pag financing ka mas malaki pwede ibigay na discount kasi pag cash definitely walang kikitain ang dealership

Pero nasa usapan yan between you and your agent

[niky]

Dami ngang asar sa escapezone, sana lang maayos ng ford ito..

That's the same issue with the CR-V. The air intake snorkel is in the bumper under the headlight.

My take on it: If you flood your car because you don't know where the **** your air intake is, your own damn fault. And this is coming from someone who blew a Sentra engine in flood water. ( Dump truck coming the other way, bow wave pushed water into the snorkel).

When in doubt, don't. And you should always be in doubt.

The old Tucson, if I recall, had a hood level intake. The new one has it lower, with the box dipping below grille level.

None of these namby-pamby soft-roader crossovers are rated for water-fording, so you shouldn't actually drive them in a foot of water.

You don't buy a crossover to wade in floods. If you want a flood-worthy vehicle, you buy a pick-up truck or a true SUV. Or a Crosswind. Three feet of water? No problem-o.

[LucasVN]

That's the same issue with the CR-V. The air intake snorkel is in the bumper under the headlight.

My take on it: If you flood your car because you don't know where the **** your air intake is, your own damn fault. And this is coming from someone who blew a Sentra engine in flood water. ( Dump truck coming the other way, bow wave pushed water into the snorkel).

When in doubt, don't. And you should always be in doubt.

The old Tucson, if I recall, had a hood level intake. The new one has it lower, with the box dipping below grille level.

None of these namby-pamby soft-roader crossovers are rated for water-fording, so you shouldn't actually drive them in a foot of water.

You don't buy a crossover to wade in floods. If you want a flood-worthy vehicle, you buy a pick-up truck or a true SUV. Or a Crosswind. Three feet of water? No problem-o.

Ako rin di ko alam location nyan before sa Escape but in 5 years use, di rin malakas loob ko isuong sa baha hehehehe, pag more than a foot? Takot nako dyan..hehehee...

[GTi]

Onga eh, nahalata ko lang, the Escape is not good in floodwater fording. Which is perhaps why when Ford was showcasing the Escape's offroading capabilities with Beeboy Vargas, they ran it in everything the Ranger went through except the deep water crossings. Natirik yung '03 Escape namin once malapit sa may Dapitan. It seems that my aunt was too much in a hurry to get home and the engine sucked in water...

[April_Ryan]

I'm now leaning towards the Tucson GL.

If I can swing it, I will try for the GLS or the Sportage.

Baliktad na ata sa panahon ngayon, pag financing ka mas malaki pwede ibigay na discount kasi pag cash definitely walang kikitain ang dealership

You're right! Made a query kanina with both Kia and Hyundai. Very negligible to none ang discount pag cash. Sa Kia, halos walang freebies pa. Darn it.

It looks like if I want either the GLS or the Sportage, I need to cough up 200K more

[Starex_Gold]

Yun Tucson iX hood level parin ang air intake. Pati Sportage R.

I remember more than 1 foot yun nadaanan kong flood noon using the iX. It seems fine umabot ata sa fogs yung flood.

We got a pretty good deal dun sa Sportage, kaso financing. Kung gusto mo i-finance mo nalang yung kulang.