Please help us choose a new car

[loverlionus]

We spent the whole yesterday at different dealers looking at and getting a 'feel' of the cars.

Our first stop was Mazda, we looked at the Mazda 2 and 3. My wife liked the looks of the Mazda 3 5 door hatchback. The Mazda 3 would be the better fit to the budget, which we want to maximize. Overall impression was that the interior and exterior were nice enough, but already quite an old design.

Next was Mitsubishi, too bad they didn't have the EX GLS on display, only the Ralliart version, which was of course very nice but unattainable. They offered a test drive, but we may not have enough time as we wanted to see all the different dealers.

At Nissan we saw the Sentra 200, which was big and nice, and unfortunately out of the budget. Interesting that this is made in Mexico, so quite a long travel for this car. The model that fits the budget was the middle variant of the Grand Livina, but they had no demo unit.

Then we went to Toyota, where we have one of the top contenders, the 1.6 G AT. The demo was in black which was nice. The interiors was also nice and spacious, full of plastic trim. The V variant would be nicer, but a little over the budget, we will still look at how we can fit this as this has a better trim level. Pros of the Altis are the bigger space, both interior and luggage, the climate control, dual VVTi and all wheel disc brakes. The design is also a bit old, even with the minor changes.

Our next stop was Honda, in terms of dealership ambaince this one had the most expensive feel, which would also translate to the prices of their cars, hehehe. Looked at the Civic, City, and the Jazz. The Civic is out of budget, and due for a model change at the end of this year though the dealer wouldn't confirm anything (all the dealers would not say anything about the next model change). So we go to the Jazz, appearance wise definitely it was very nice, both in and out. The ULT seats were also good to see in action. The space inside is surprisingly adequate for a subcompact hatchback. The new orange color though feels like it's too much a reaction to the orange Fiesta, so I would choose the Polished Metal if we end up with the Jazz.

Our last stop was Ford, and we looked at the Fiesta and the Focus. The Fiesta also looks good outside, being a new design. The inside is also roomy, but it feels a little smaller than the Jazz. The interiors are nice and modern, but I feel that some features are more of non-essential additions, like the voice activated radio. Pros of this model are the 6 speed twin clutch, rear parcel shelf (none for Jazz, but an add on accessory). The Focus on display was the TDCi variant, so we didn't see the 5 dr Trend which fit our budget.

Here are some things we learned in our visit:
1. Discounting
The discounting varies a lot depending on the model and brand. From the high discount of the Lancer EX to no discount for the Jazz or the Fiesta. The good selling models offer less while those with poor sales are discounted bigger. The Ford dealer even said that the Fiesta price will increase in April, but we are not in a hurry so it did not matter to us.
So when making price comparisons we should include the discounts.

2. Insurance and LTO
Generally the LTO is included in the package, but the insurance is not always included. This affected the Lancer EX GLS, which fit the budget with the discount, but went over again with the insurance. These two should also be included in price comparisons.

3. Sales tactics
I was expecting the agents to be aggressive and to give us a hard sell, but this was not so. They were generally upfront and honest and pleasant overall.

So we've narrowed down our choices to the Altis and the Jazz. The plan is to see if we can get the 1.6V Altis within the budget, if not we will go with the Jazz.

But before we do this, we will first have to sell our beloved Lynx.

[userfriendly]

Few things I learned when buying a new car.

1. Shop around. Different dealers and agents will give you different offers. Ex. Toyota QAV and Shaw will have different offers.

2. Study their offer, they like to give free insurance, lto etc but add it back in the interest you will pay if you are financing.

3. Haggle.

4. Test drive.

6. If you can get a diesel, big price diff in fuel cost.

[fullmetal]

Few things I learned when buying a new car.

1. Shop around. Different dealers and agents will give you different offers. Ex. Toyota QAV and Shaw will have different offers.

2. Study their offer, they like to give free insurance, lto etc but add it back in the interest you will pay if you are financing.

3. Haggle.

4. Test drive.

6. If you can get a diesel, big price diff in fuel cost.

i agree with number 1, kasi mayroon iba't ibang companies na may-ari sa mga casa. sa number 6 naman, in the long run ma-ooffset din yun dahil sa maintenance cost

[cjv_justice]

So we've narrowed down our choices to the Altis and the Jazz. The plan is to see if we can get the 1.6V Altis within the budget, if not we will go with the Jazz.

But before we do this, we will first have to sell our beloved Lynx.

Nice. A bit tiresome but enjoyable eh?

Altis G or V na yan...

[myk384]

Few things I learned when buying a new car.

1. Shop around. Different dealers and agents will give you different offers. Ex. Toyota QAV and Shaw will have different offers.

2. Study their offer, they like to give free insurance, lto etc but add it back in the interest you will pay if you are financing.

3. Haggle.

4. Test drive.

6. If you can get a diesel, big price diff in fuel cost.

1. There are different deals in different dealers kaya I would rather go to a far dealership who satisfied me than the one nearby who is rubbish.

2. As explained by number one

3. It depends since some salespeople agree while some not. It also varies brand per brand. Example if you can get a discount on a Toyota Fortuner G while a Mitsubishi Montero Sport GTV cannot have one.

4. Nothing substitutes a proper test drive

5. This really varies your needs since a diesel is ideal for a van or a pick up truck, but too much for a Celerio, or an i10.

[ghosthunter]

Paying for the car is simply the start or the first 1%.

Enjoying the car is the remaining 99%.

I suggest giving the prospective cars a test drive each because once you've paid for it, you can't give it back for a refund. Make sure the car you buy is the car you would love driving. You might end up paying a bit more for what you love but better than ending it with "sana binili ko yun" thoughts for the next five to ten years.

[loverlionus]

Already sold the Lynx. Our next step is to follow your suggestions, test drive the top choices. Thanks.

[eljo3025]

Already sold the Lynx. Our next step is to follow your suggestions, test drive the top choices. Thanks.

I like the Mz3 Hatch or the Altis G A/T

[genesischain]

The Mazda 3 hatch would actually be a good opportunity for the TS. Big discounts kasi outgoing model, and the underpowered engine on a heavy body won't actually be an issue kung hindi mo naman hina-hataw. Advantage pa nga yung small engine displacement kasi less FC pag idling sa heavy traffic. I'm sure it will serve well as a daily driver, as long as you don't treat it as a play thing.

[GTi]

Kung 1.6 naman ang hahanapin, IMHO huwag na ang MZ3. The glaring lack of power is unforgivable. Even an "itlog" Lancer GLXi or AE101 Corolla GLi have more power! And they're both more than ten years the MZ3's senior at that. For 1.6, I suggest you look at the Altis or Accent, or the base model Elantra once it comes out in a few weeks time.

[galant E SS]

Paying for the car is simply the start or the first 1%.

Enjoying the car is the remaining 99%.

I suggest giving the prospective cars a test drive each because once you've paid for it, you can't give it back for a refund. Make sure the car you buy is the car you would love driving. You might end up paying a bit more for what you love but better than ending it with "sana binili ko yun" thoughts for the next five to ten years.

kung ako, lancer ex na. i like its looks and it's the most powerful/nimble car among the TS' choices. sometimes, you need powerful/nimble car specially when you're in a hurry and needs to overtake other cars and ayaw mag-give way ng driver. my 2nd choice would be toyota altis. this is one of the best selling cars of all times. if yor not conscious about its being "taxi-ble". sabagay, vios na ngayon ang pang-taxi. no offense lang po sa vios and altis owners. pero kaya nga ginagamit na taxi kasi subok na matibay.

[sachiel]

You can also consider the Grand Livina. Underrated sobra tong vehicle and the price of the manual model has been decreased. Although the 3rd row seats are very cramped, at least you still have an option in case you need the additional seats.

[jhnkvn]

The Mazda 3 hatch would actually be a good opportunity for the TS. Big discounts kasi outgoing model, and the underpowered engine on a heavy body won't actually be an issue kung hindi mo naman hina-hataw. Advantage pa nga yung small engine displacement kasi less FC pag idling sa heavy traffic. I'm sure it will serve well as a daily driver, as long as you don't treat it as a play thing.

Actually, even if you don't make "hataw", the power difference is very much apparent in everyday driving. This is especially evident when you're on ramps, and trying to ferry 4 people? PATAY! Sluggish na. This is coming from a former Mazda3 driver Fuel economy was from 7.5-8.5km/L. Either that or I just love the suspension too much... feeling Beemer 3-series. Haha..

[genesischain]

Actually, even if you don't make "hataw", the power difference is very much apparent in everyday driving. This is especially evident when you're on ramps, and trying to ferry 4 people? PATAY! Sluggish na. This is coming from a former Mazda3 driver Fuel economy was from 7.5-8.5km/L. Either that or I just love the suspension too much... feeling Beemer 3-series. Haha..

Talaga? Had the opportunity to drive one in the past, though I don't remember having difficulty on slopes. 2 passengers only tho. Oh well, to each his own, I had a good impression on the 3 kasi dati. On a side note, the altis and the jazz would be really safe pics anyway. And it always comes down to test driving. Feedback and specs on paper kasi doesn't tell the whole story.

[eljo3025]

Kung 1.6 naman ang hahanapin, IMHO huwag na ang MZ3. The glaring lack of power is unforgivable. Even an "itlog" Lancer GLXi or AE101 Corolla GLi have more power! And they're both more than ten years the MZ3's senior at that. For 1.6, I suggest you look at the Altis or Accent, or the base model Elantra once it comes out in a few weeks time.

Mz3 1.6 is very slow. It's even slower than the Vios 1.5G. But the motor driven hydraulic power steering is very good. NVH of the pre-facelifts are worse than the facelifts. But I really like the interior of the facelifted Mz3.

[jhnkvn]

Yep. Steering + Interior Quality habol mo abot Mazda3. The 2.0 is good, but the price difference is not.

[loverlionus]

Hi, we are just waiting for the approval of the company car plan before making the purchase. May I just ask some newbie questions on how to purchase a car (this is our first brand new car):

1. Is there a need to make a reservation? Is this refundable? What is the purpose of this?
2. Can the dealer already process the sale based on the reservation? For example, if there is a two week waiting time to get the car, does this start upon payment of a reservation?
3. What are the next steps after the reservation?

Thanks.

[ghosthunter]

Hi, we are just waiting for the approval of the company car plan before making the purchase. May I just ask some newbie questions on how to purchase a car (this is our first brand new car):

1. Is there a need to make a reservation? Is this refundable? What is the purpose of this?

In the local market, yes. This gets the "ball" rolling and the sales process moving.

Generally it's not refundable but you can ask your specific sales person if you can still refund your deposit in case you change your mind.

2. Can the dealer already process the sale based on the reservation? For example, if there is a two week waiting time to get the car, does this start upon payment of a reservation?

Yes, see previous reason.

3. What are the next steps after the reservation?

The sales agent will ask you to fill an information form which includes your general information, mode of payment, address, business, car to be bought, etc. They will also ask you if you want to have the in-house insurance or will you prefer to have your own insurance.

For more details, just ask your sales agent to guide you through the steps.

[basti08]

You could never go wrong with the Altis. Although I feel Honda should be giving discounts to Civic buyers too cause it's also due for replacement already. The Civic 1.8V is a nice option too. But if you can, step up with the 1.8S.

[loverlionus]

Thanks to everyone for the many inputs, we've finally decided and chose the Altis. Target date to get the unit is on the 16th. Will next visit the Altis thread : )