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.![]()
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)
Toyota Corolla: boring looks, boring engine performance, cheap parts, has safety features like airbags and ABS (but the brakes themselves give poor performance, AFAIK)
Honda Civic EK: excellent engine and handling, timeless looks (IMHO), more expensive parts and maintenance, lack of safety features like airbags and ABS.
Nissan Sentra Series 3: Good engine and sharp handling (Civic is better), can change to multireflector headlights of the Exalta for more modern looks and brighter light output, has ABS and driver's airbag, best compromise among the first 3 for me.
Honda City: excellent engine, especially the one with VTEC, good looks (facelifted Type-Z), lack of safety features.
Hyundai Matrix: very spacious, diesel engine is very thrifty and powerful, more expensive maintenance due to being a diesel although offset by cheaper fuel cost and better fuel mileage, lack of safety features
I wouldn't be looking for the Getz and Picanto as they are so small as compared to the choices above, although I would consider if it was a Getz CRDi![]()
*GTi: The Matrix especially the CRDi variant is way off the budget.
The pre-facelifted Getz may fit the budget though.
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.
Last time i checked, it was faring in at around 400-450K for the CRDi versions. That should consume fuel within the Hyundai Accent's territory. The gas (AT) versions should sip as much fuel as an Elantra AT (around 6-7Km/L).
Question: Expensive ba ang maintenance ng CRDi engines?? (like the one fitted in the Matrix?)
Ok ba yung mga choices ko earlier for maintenance talks???
civic ek! ftw, hehe. i strongly recommend this car, specially the vti 2000,![]()
sa case ng toyota crdi d4d, each injectors costs more than 40k. supply pump costs more than 50k. This parts starts to conk out at at least 150k kilometers. That is kung di tinamaan ng D4d bug at an early age.
Update, I've just talked to my adviser and he said pwede na ang car na may automatic transmission.... any good suggestions?
What's the final budget ba? I'd suggest 2000 Civic VTi A/T if its still the same budget and he wants an A/T
No definite budget yet as of now.... No buyers pa for his Revo. Baka by summer.... At least, car hunting sa summer before stepping to college.![]()
I believe he can sell his Revo for as high as 300k then let them negotiate na. Its the GLX variant naman diba with all the bells and whistles? There are some '98 Starex A/T's selling for 200+k as well as some '00-'02 Kia Carnivals if he's interested.
I think it's "Bro-Science" to say that one should buy ONLY manual transmission..or only buy Toyota...those type of street talk you hear. automatic transmission cars are ok naman. Just make sure when you test drive it, go through all the gears. test it on a road where you can get a feel for every single gear. I have a 92 Sentra and the automatic transmission is still good. It just depends also on the owner if they've been changing the fluids regularly and not abusing the transmission.