What is best 2nd hand car for 200,000?

[Jeboy25]

Hi,

I'm planning to get our first car and my budget is 200,000. I narrowed down my list to Toyota (Lovelife) and Mitsubishi (Lancer) but I'm also open with Nissan, Honda, or Hyundai (Getz, Accent). Please help me decide. I would prefer automatic transmission because of everyday long drive to office but some say A/T isn't fuel efficient, is this true?

Thanks

[ghosthunter]

Hi,

I'm planning to get our first car and my budget is 200,000. I narrow down my list to Toyota (Lovelife) and Mitsubishi (Lancer) but I'm also open with Nissan, Honda, or Hyundai (Getz, Accent). Please help me decide to choose. I would prefer automatic transmission because of everyday long drive to office but some say A/T isn't fuel efficient, is this true?

Thanks

Would you be open to getting N16 Sentra 1.3L (EFI) if it would fit in your budget?

As for fuel consumption for AT vs MT, AT consume a bit more than MT but you get convenience in exchange for that.

[Jeboy25]

Would you be open to getting N16 Sentra 1.3L (EFI) if it would fit in your budget?

As for fuel consumption for AT vs MT, AT consume a bit more than MT but you get convenience in exchange for that.

mga gaano kaya kalaki ang difference ng consume ng gas ng AT sa MT? Like ilang liters per kilometer? Thanks bro.

[ghosthunter]

mga gaano kaya kalaki ang difference ng consume ng gas ng AT sa MT? Like ilang liters per kilometer? Thanks bro.

typical difference is about 1-2 km/L less for AT compared to MT for the same car.

So if the car in MT form can do 10km/L, you can expect 8-9 km/L for the A/T.

[ghosthunter]

BTW, for P200,000 you can get a 2003 Nissan Sentra GX 1.3L which is probably fresher than what you can get from the models.

The Corolla "lovelife" is okay (I have one) but the rear seat is cramp. Parts are easy to find. But note that this car is getting pretty old. Major parts have started to fail or have failed by now like alternator, a/c compressor. So check with the owner before buying if any of the major parts have been replaced already.

If Honda Civic, you would be looking at late 1990s Civic which will be older because of the higher resale value. So if you want a Honda, you will need looking at Civics that are at least 12 years old or older. If that does not turn you away, the Civic LXi 1.5L is the better deal for you because it is cheaper and does well in the fuel economy (then).

Just try avoid modified cars in any shape (engine mods, lowered, bodykits, etc) unless you know more about cars. This will help you avoid headaches later on.

[Jeboy25]

BTW, for P200,000 you can get a 2003 Nissan Sentra GX 1.3L which is probably fresher than what you can get from the models.

The Corolla "lovelife" is okay (I have one) but the rear seat is cramp. Parts are easy to find. But note that this car is getting pretty old. Major parts have started to fail or have failed by now like alternator, a/c compressor. So check with the owner before buying if any of the major parts have been replaced already.

If Honda Civic, you would be looking at late 1990s Civic which will be older because of the higher resale value. So if you want a Honda, you will need looking at Civics that are at least 12 years old or older. If that does not turn you away, the Civic LXi 1.5L is the better deal for you because it is cheaper and does well in the fuel economy (then).

Just try avoid modified cars in any shape (engine mods, lowered, bodykits, etc) unless you know more about cars. This will help you avoid headaches later on.

Thank you so much for invaluable information. Are there any known disadvantages to that Nissan Sentra GX? I'm also looking after for low maintenance in addition to fuel efficiency.

By the way, I found a Lancer GLXi 1997 for 188k AT, is Mitsubishi particularly this model, a quality one and also good for both maintenance and fuel efficiency?

Thanks for helping me, I appreciate it a lot. I have very limited knowledge with cars.

[ghosthunter]

Thank you so much for invaluable information. Are there any known disadvantages to that Nissan Sentra GX? I'm also looking after for low maintenance in addition to fuel efficiency.

Since it is a "newer" car (2002-04), it should need less maintenance as compared to buying a late 90s car. As for parts, since this car is being used as a taxi by many cab companies, spare parts would be rather plentiful.

The only disadvantage of the Sentra GX is the small engine vs the big body. It does not get as good a fuel economy as smaller cars like Vios, or City. But with good driving techniques, fuel economy figure are only slightly less than those cars. Advantage is you have a bigger car (more interior space) and new car too.

By the way, I found a Lancer GLXi 1997 for 188k AT, is Mitsubishi particularly this model, a quality one and also good for both maintenance and fuel efficiency?

Lancer is not really bad or good. Cramped interior and cheap interior plastics. Fuel economy is average for this car's level & tech then, at around 8.5km/L. Spare parts are not as easy to find (compared to Corolla or Sentra) but available.

[garfield_08]

Nissan Sentra GX is a good choice for your budget, and quite new too compared to other choices.

if its for your daily driver, ok na ok siya. just don't expect the engine to punch the redline as others models do. pero in terms of build quality and interior, maganda yung model na to.

[Jeboy25]

Since it is a "newer" car (2002-04), it should need less maintenance as compared to buying a late 90s car. As for parts, since this car is being used as a taxi by many cab companies, spare parts would be rather plentiful.

The only disadvantage of the Sentra GX is the small engine vs the big body. It does not get as good a fuel economy as smaller cars like Vios, or City. But with good driving techniques, fuel economy figure are only slightly less than those cars. Advantage is you have a bigger car (more interior space) and new car too.




Lancer is not really bad or good. Cramped interior and cheap interior plastics. Fuel economy is average for this car's level & tech then, at around 8.5km/L. Spare parts are not as easy to find (compared to Corolla or Sentra) but available.

So if you are to choose between this Lancer GLXi 97 and Sentra GX 03, what will be your pick? I'm a bit concerned with fuel economy because I will use it for everyday travel to office. What would be the fuel rating (kl/liter) of a Sentra GX 03 both manual and automatic?

[Jeboy25]

Hmmn, where can I find Sentra GX for 200k? Haven't seen an ad yet. I'm looking in sulit :D

[ghosthunter]

Hmmn, where can I find Sentra GX for 200k? Haven't seen an ad yet. I'm looking in sulit :D

I tend to check the prices in http://www.buyandsellph.com/

TIP: just type "sentra gx" in the search box located at the upper right corner of the site for quick searching.

[ghosthunter]

So if you are to choose between this Lancer GLXi 97 and Sentra GX 03, what will be your pick? I'm a bit concerned with fuel economy because I will use it for everyday travel to office. What would be the fuel rating (kl/liter) of a Sentra GX 03 both manual and automatic?

You can check other owners on their Sentra GX at http://tsikot.yehey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52389

[Jeboy25]

thank you very much for your help

[myk384]

Suggestion: Get a Sentra (base model) and use the remaining money for upgrades (power windows, alarm, cd player, all the posibilities)

[GTi]

Where is your route? Does it involve lots of highway travel? If so IMO, the Sentra GX would be quite lacking and return lesser fuel mileage instead due to the more pressured engine. I suggest you consider the Civic LXi as well. Its got more power and is perfectly adequate for long drives. If you don't do highway travel a lot, then I'd agree that the Sentra GX is the one for you.

[kompressor]

If we share the kuripot/economy based point of view, I'd go for the sentra compared to the Civic EK (LXi or VTi). Here are my thoughts about it:

- A newer car will give you fewer headaches. GH was correct about the "consumables" or parts that you'll need to eventually replace because of wear and tear. The likes of A/C compressors, alternators and power steering systems to name a few.

- The resale value of a Nissan in the Philippines because of the sentra box type stigma is actually an advantage for 2nd hand car buyers since the acquisition cost is less than the competition. You think it's because of poor quality? Try talking to owners of the B14's (sentra series 3) or even B13's.

- Used as fleet cars or taxis also translates to more replacement spare parts. The very reason why I keep my ol' 1300 Mazda 323 (the small bodied one). Some original parts can be bought dirt cheap (like an original engine timing belt for example, which cost me only P550)

- If I'm not mistaken, the sentra's DOHC engine is chain driven. I'd prefer a chain driven over a belt driven engine anytime. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

- The sentra comes in base rims or magwheels from 14" below, which translates to cheaper tires compared to 15"s and above.

- The EG and EK series have roof assemblies that are rust traps. Sakit talaga ng honda yun, ewan ko ba kung bakit.


Again, this view comes from a guy who looks at his car as a necessity/utility and is focused more on economy rather than looks. Besides, I didn't really need to show my car to get the girls (whew yabang, hehehe).

[Jeboy25]

Hi, in Honda, which is better between vtec and lxi? I found a vtec 1998 MT for 210k, is that a good price? Some of my friends said honda parts are quality though little bit expensive.

[GTi]

Hi, in Honda, which is better between vtec and lxi? I found a vtec 1998 MT for 210k, is that a good price? Some of my friends said honda parts are quality though little bit expensive.

VTi of course. The VTi variant has a 1.6L engine with the VTEC mechanism (variable valve timing and variable lift) along with electronic fuel injection. The LXi uses a 1.5L engine with only electronic fuel injection. Which translates to a 20hp advantage of the VTi over the LXi despite only a difference of 100cc in displacement.

As for the 210k '98 Civic VTi you found, it will have to depend on the condition of the car and the mileage. Also, is it the facelifted version already? If it is then get it at once! But you may want to haggle for 200k nalang.

[Jeboy25]

VTi of course. The VTi variant has a 1.6L engine with the VTEC mechanism (variable valve timing and variable lift) along with electronic fuel injection. The LXi uses a 1.5L engine with only electronic fuel injection. Which translates to a 20hp advantage of the VTi over the LXi despite only a difference of 100cc in displacement.

As for the 210k '98 Civic VTi you found, it will have to depend on the condition of the car and the mileage. Also, is it the facelifted version already? If it is then get it at once! But you may want to haggle for 200k nalang.

So it means vtec is ahead over lxi in terms of power? How about fuel consumption considering both MT? Medyo mas marami kasi akong nakikitang lxi posts na within my budget hehe, 200k lng ksi kaya ko. Btw, ito yung specs nung vtec 210k.

HONDA CIVIC VTEC 98
NEWLY REGISTERED 2011
ALL STOCK
ALL POWER
COOL AIRCON
78,000 mlge
NEW CHANGE OIL
NEW SPARK PLUG (PLATINUM)
A1 CONDITION
4 NEW TIRES
NOTHING TO FIX

[jojomonsalud]

Nissan Sentra GX is a good choice for your budget, and quite new too compared to other choices.

if its for your daily driver, ok na ok siya. just don't expect the engine to punch the redline as others models do. pero in terms of build quality and interior, maganda yung model na to.

is nissan sentra gx efi already?