Used car for 200k or below

[myk384]

My adviser in our school publication have been asking me what car is good for him, since his family is planning to sell their 1999 Toyota Revo (2nd hand) for 200k and he plans on getting his own car for the daily commute with the following factors:
-Fuel Efficiency (no carburetors)
-Parts availability
-Must be stick shift (MT)
-Good for daily use (commutes to work, fetching his sister in school, trips to the supermarket, etc)
-Must fit the budget
-Power features and extra featrures (i.e airbags) are much welcome

Here are some choices that i even recommend for him:
1. Toyota Corolla GLi (big body)
2. Mitsubishi Lancer GLI/GLXi (either itlog or Pizza early model)
3. Nissan Sentra Super Saloon/EX Saloon (either B13/B14)
4. Honda Civic ESi (EG)
5. Mazda Familia -GLi (or top model)

Note - he does not want a Ford Lynx (1st) or Proton Wira.

I'm asking for advise since he might be purchasing next year, and any good cars for him?? Thanks a lot.

[GTi]

My adviser in our school publication have been asking me what car is good for him, since his family is planning to sell their 1999 Toyota Revo (2nd hand) for 200k and he plans on getting his own car for the daily commute with the following factors:
-Fuel Efficiency (no carburetors)
-Parts availability
-Must be stick shift (MT)
-Good for daily use (commutes to work, fetching his sister in school, trips to the supermarket, etc)
-Must fit the budget
-Power features and extra featrures (i.e airbags) are much welcome

Here are some choices that i even recommend for him:
1. Toyota Corolla GLi (big body)
2. Mitsubishi Lancer GLI/GLXi (either itlog or Pizza early model)
3. Nissan Sentra Super Saloon/EX Saloon (either B13/B14)
4. Honda Civic ESi (EG)
5. Mazda Familia -GLi (or top model)

Note - he does not want a Ford Lynx (1st) or Proton Wira.

I'm asking for advise since he might be purchasing next year, and any good cars for him?? Thanks a lot.

For the money, you get a very old AE101 Corolla GLi as compared to the others in its class due to its ridiculously high resale value. As for the Lancer, get the newer pizza version and look for the highest trim you can find. The B14 Sentra is nice and much more spacious than the cramped B13 and it offers stuff like ABS and driver's airbag in the higher variants which are also absent in its competitors. The Civic ESi is old... too old compared to the others and its engine (non-VTEC 1.5L) is rather weak as compared to the others mentioned. As for the Mazda... its not really my type and the dwindling numbers of these on the roads doesn't seem to be saying a good thing about its reliability...

[basti08]

He's missing a lot for not including the Lynx. especially the 99-00 Ghia variant which is bang on his budget.

[myk384]

He's missing a lot for not including the Lynx. especially the 99-00 Ghia variant which is bang on his budget.

He would look like an old man when he drives one (he's in his 20's) plus the overheating issues i hear makes me worry...

[GTi]

I've never heard of such issues with the Lynx. I find it to be a nice car. Elegant design, kitted to the roof, powerful engine, good ride. Only downside with this car, I hear, is the FC which doesn't seem to be that good. As for the GLi, it may be a good car but I doubt you'd be able to find one that's younger than the Revo for less than two hundred thousand bucks. I'd push for a Civic VTEC if he can find one. But if not then I believe the B14 Sentra would do as its the only youthful one in the lot besides the Civic. For the Sentra, look for the Super Touring or GTS variant for the sportiest looks and the most features. You may also opt to change the headlights to multireflectors for good measure. BTW, since he'd be selling the Revo for 200k (a bit low don't you think? what year and variant is it? 250-300k would be more appropriate) won't he be adding a bit more to the budget?

[basti08]

To each his own nga talaga. I find the Lynx rather more elegant and much decent than the GLi. It has more safety and convenience features too. Manual Lynx should consume more or less same as the GLi.

[_Cathy_]

Hands down, Toyota Corolla GLi.

I have nothing but good things to say about this car. Reliability, Availability of parts, Practicality, Ease of Maintainance. This car model made me a Toyota fan. If your adviser doesn't mind driving a model that's commonly used for taxis then I highly recommend the GLi. And besides di naman tina taxi and Gli My car is now at 180k+ km and ZERO problems with the engine. Religious 5k change oil and this car will serve you well.

Why is your adviser selling his 1999 Revo? Isn't that a good model din?

[myk384]

Hands down, Toyota Corolla GLi.

I have nothing but good things to say about this car. Reliability, Availability of parts, Practicality, Ease of Maintainance. This car model made me a Toyota fan. If your adviser doesn't mind driving a model that's commonly used for taxis then I highly recommend the GLi. And besides di naman tina taxi and Gli My car is now at 180k+ km and ZERO problems with the engine. Religious 5k change oil and this car will serve you well.

Why is your adviser selling his 1999 Revo? Isn't that a good model din?

The car has been seldomly used since his mom doesnt have a drivers license the his dad (who has one) is an OFW.

[myk384]

UPDATE

I'm currently re listing my choices for my adviser:
1. Toyota Corolla GLi (later model Big Body; Love Life)
2. Honda Civic (LXi/VTi EK; later model EG)
3. Nissan Sentra (later model and efi B13; B14 Super Saloon)
4. Mitsubishi Lancer (Itlog GLXi; Pizza Pie GLXi)
5. Honda City (1st gen)

STILL EVALUATING:
1. Chevrolet Optra
2. Hyundai Matrix
3. Toyota Echo Vereso
4. Opel Astra

Are these vehicles fall in the P230-300 price range? Any Suggestions? Thanks!

[myk384]

Note: Scratched off sa list ang Mazda Familia.. so the choices above are the ones im considering for him...

[isa1023]

The Exaltas are slow compared to the Civic, and you may also consider the 2003 Honda City Type-Z VTEC.

You mean the GX variants (1300) which has way more torque than a D15B VTEC against the VTI-S/RS versions?

Note: Scratched off sa list ang Mazda Familia.. so the choices above are the ones im considering for him...

Good choice. Mazdas are not for the non-car enthusiasts.

[GTi]

I meant the ones in the early 2000s with all the bells and whistles found in luxury sedans. Despite being the same as the Super Saloon sold in the late 90s, AFAIK these had a differently tuned suspension which gave it poor handling (in favor of ride comfort if I'm not mistaken), and owners were telling that it was slow.

I'd stay away from the Opels. They have NO dealer network, parts are expensive and hard to come by, and the Astra if I remember right is very cramped inside. The Optra is fine with me, the design is quite boring but not ugly, although I've heard that these do not have good fuel mileage. I'd suggest the facelifted EK Civic VTi or, even better, the more spacious Matrix. But for the Matrix, I strongly suggest the diesel variant which is very economical and fast but for which he will have to extend the budget slightly higher at 300+k. But remember that diesel is cheaper than gasoline and its also more economical. Just ask though Accent cab drivers out there.

[myk384]

I'll tell my adviser to look at the Hyundai Matrix, there are some Matrixes in the price range. The Familia was listed off because of difficulty in sourcing spare parts (which would be a headache for a first time owner), and the fuel economy isn't that good (from what I read). I wont anymore consider the Astra (lack of dealer support, slow) and Optra (early models had quality problems, fuel efficiency).

Guys, what are the pros and cons of the following vehicles:
1. Toyota Corolla GLi (later model Big Body; Love Life)
2. Honda Civic (LXi/VTi EK; later model EG)
3. Nissan Sentra (later model and efi B13; B14 Super Saloon)
4. Mitsubishi Lancer (Itlog GLXi; Pizza Pie GLXi)
5. Honda City (1st gen)
6. Hyundai Matrix (2003-2005)


I'll try to check the Hyundai Getz and Kia Picanto (i found some in the price range)

[crave]

UPDATE


STILL EVALUATING:
1. Chevrolet Optra
2. Hyundai Matrix
3. Toyota Echo Vereso
4. Opel Astra

Are these vehicles fall in the P230-300 price range? Any Suggestions? Thanks!

At that price range, i will also consider the later models of Kia Picanto and Hyundai Getz (2005-2008) since Hyundai Matrix is in your list

[ans_lim168]

UPDATE

I'm currently re listing my choices for my adviser:
1. Toyota Corolla GLi (later model Big Body; Love Life)
2. Honda Civic (LXi/VTi EK; later model EG)
3. Nissan Sentra (later model and efi B13; B14 Super Saloon)
4. Mitsubishi Lancer (Itlog GLXi; Pizza Pie GLXi)
5. Honda City (1st gen)

STILL EVALUATING:
1. Chevrolet Optra
2. Hyundai Matrix
3. Toyota Echo Vereso
4. Opel Astra

Are these vehicles fall in the P230-300 price range? Any Suggestions? Thanks!

If 230k to 300k I'll get the Civic Sir body Vti, better to get all stock and no modifications.

[basti08]

*GTi: The Matrix especially the CRDi variant is way off the budget.

The pre-facelifted Getz may fit the budget though.

[GTi]

Well, the selling price of the Matrix CRDi is just a bit higher than 300k, if he can add a bit more then it would be a very wise purchase as compared to gasoline powered cars.

[myk384]

Well, the selling price of the Matrix CRDi is just a bit higher than 300k, if he can add a bit more then it would be a very wise purchase as compared to gasoline powered cars.

What is the fuel economy of the gas and diesel versions??

[myk384]

UPDATE!!!

Budget is P270K-290K... wants a 2000 model year above

CHOICES IS NARROWED:
1. Chevrolet Optra (2004-05)
2. Ford Lynx
3. Honda City (2000-2002)
4. Mitsubishi Lancer (2000-2002)
5. Nissan Sentra (2000-2004)
6. Chevrolet Aveo Hatch
7. Hyundai Getz
8. Hyundai Matrix
9. Kia Picanto


Any pros and cons of these vehicles... thanks!!! Since the school publication adviser already found a buyer..

[ghosthunter]

1. Chevrolet Optra (2004-05) - bad choice, no parts, guzzles gas
2. Ford Lynx
3. Honda City (2000-2002) - for the money, you can do better. Too much of a stripped down car as compared to contemporaries.
4. Mitsubishi Lancer (2000-2002)
5. Nissan Sentra (2000-2004)
6. Chevrolet Aveo Hatch - bad choice, not durable, rebranded korean car.
7. Hyundai Getz - gas version not as fuel efficient as other small hatchbacks
8. Hyundai Matrix - dead ugly.
9. Kia Picanto - ok car, but still kinda small.