Would you compromise on your first car?

[jhnkvn]

I'm thinking of buying a car within the next quarter (or maybe half) of the year. My brother's kinda pressuring me to buy one since I kept on hogging my sister's Mazda 3 for over 3 years now.

In the end, I narrowed my entries into (ranked according to current preference):

1. Hyundai Sonata non-Premium (1.4m)
2. Hyundai Sonata Premium (1.6m)
3. Montero Sport 4x2 GLS-V (1.4m)
4. Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8L A/T (1.9m)

There's a huge disparity over the prices, even I acknowledge that. Technically, my given budget (the ones my parents would shoulder) is somewhat in the tune of less than 1m (or the price of a 1.8S Civic). I'm wagering that I can increase that to the budget of the 1.3m CR-V while I'll spend for the excess.

For a brief background, I'm a working university student (I don't act like one) Working -- as a since-HS-investor and as an entrepreneur this coming summer. I am financially capable of financing the excess cash (which is why the Genesis Coupe is there). The thing here is that: I've become exceedingly price-conscious as I'd rather funnel the excess funds into my start up (how price-conscious? I offered to buy my sister's Mazda 3 at 500k but the excess 500k goes into my pockets and the 200k difference between Sonata Premium and non-premium got me thinking)

Dream-wise, I'll get a Hyundai Genesis Coupe since I dunno if I'll grow up to be that type of balding guy who drives a Porsche in the future or would be a self-actualized daddy driving family cars with the kids without caring what the others think. So I thought of living on a high for 5 years (coupe + twenties = WTF) and start worrying thereafter.

Of course, there's that middle ground of selfishness and practicality which is why I settled for a Sonata as my top 2 choices. 4 doors - check. ***y - check. Head-turner - check. Bang-per-buck - check.

The Montero presents the best of my practical side. Wouldn't have to worry about floods and future cargo problems (if there is). Problem is, I'm biased towards sedans rather than SUVs and I don't see myself tying the knot soon when I'm less than 20 years of age.

ATM, I crossed off compact sedans and I'm definitely not a fan of subcompact cars. (In other words, I like my cars relatively big. I'm not compromising there on a purchase)

Frankly, I know my family would frown (big frown) if I dip into my earnings just to finance my car. The choices surpasses the budget given since I want to buy a car I want and not because it's within the "budget". Family situation is that we're one of those discreet upper-class families that uses a 2002 CRV with 140k on the odometer as a daily family workhorse while having bulletproof SUVs in the garage for work purposes

Bottom Question here is that: Opt for Practicality (Sonata/Montero) [your family is all smiles] or Selfishness (Coupe) [you're all smiles]?

[ghosthunter]

I know how you feel about deciding between your heart's desire and practical decisions.

If it was me, I would narrow down my choices to the Sonata. So you will just have to decide if the premium or non-premium variant is worth it for you given the P200,000 price difference.

[foresterx]

i'd get the sonata premium, i love the GC but in your case i'd rather save the money. also i'm assuming you're going to shoulder gas and maintenance besides the 900k additional money you'll be adding, for a working student that would really hurt your pocket. the sonata premium isn't as fun as the GC but when it comes to the looks it doesn't fall behind, it has more features than the GC, more room and better FC than the GC.

[CVT]

I'd rather see you "all smiles", bro....

You just pay-out the difference 'later'.....

12.3K:outcold:

[tradewind26]

Hehe.. Mahirap talaga magdecide... Pag isipan mo nlang kung alin, "what you need" from "what you want"..

[GTi]

I'd suggest the Sonata Premium so you get the practicality of a midsize sedan while still retaining the good looks and some measure of performance. Getting the white one along with the big glass roof and slap on huge rims is perfect!

Or, you can get the Montero Sport, which is also not lacking in power, and has the high ground clearance and durability in case you should decide to go up to the mountains or encounter floods and also bring along lots of stuff. And then, you get to earn pogi points with your parents for helping them save money and/or showing your thrifty ways (lower purchase price, all the thrifty benefits of a diesel). If your parents are anything like my grandfather, I'm sure if they see your thoughtfulness in that you're trying to help save money and are even using your own money to fill in the part that they didn't, they'd be so happy that they'd shoulder all the expenses altogether. :rofl:

[regaia]

As for me, bite the bullet and get what you want... you don't want something like this to happen to you:

Imagine yourself along EDSA, driving _____ <-- insert the car that you need; and suddenly a ________ <-- insert the car that you want; stops beside you in traffic. You do a double take at the car beside you. Then you think to yourself "Damn, that car looks way nice. I should have taken that instead". Then, you just try to ignore it as much as you can .

Take what you want and pay for it.

Just my opinion .

[jhnkvn]

I see, so a majority still votes for the Premium variant rather than the non-Premium. Alright, I'll take note of that. 220k isn't really big once you start paying in monthly intervals (the wonders of installment plans..haha..). As much as I would like a GC, I think that the impracticality of having it as your non-weekend car is like wearing long-sleeved shirts during a hot summer. Gwapo nga, impractical lang nga but nothing stops a party like a hot car.

I guess #1 ko right now is the Premium Sonata. Already checked out the interior and I really like its "feel"... now if they only followed-up my test drive

Haha, actually had eyes on a Mitsu EX on 2007 but couldn't pull the trigger overpriced kasi dati GT-A eh.

*GTi

Ganun pala yun tips para expense-paid lahat

[Horsepower]

Prioritize.

Business will make you earn (under ideal conditions).

versus

A car will make you part with your money (acquisition, operation, maintenance and consequential payables such as parking, fuel, insurance, et cetera).

As I am sure you know, it's ideal to have a buffer fund whenever you run a business. It's best to stay liquid so you're ready for anything.

As for a car. I'd probably buy a second hand FD (or even a brand new one) FD will become a classic like the EK (not really a fan yet of the upcoming 2012 Civic), a Nissan Livina or a Mitsu Strada GL. Civic for its effortlessness to drive, not to mention its excellent handling and reliability. Livina for its thriftiness and low maintenance cost, Strada for its usefulness. I suggest you wait for the GTV version which will come out this March.

Genesis Coupe and Sonata can wait. These are pricey cars with pricey maintenance and operating cost. Unless your parents are also gonna pay for those, you're gonna get drained financially. Personally, I'd wait for the diesel version.

[mazingerZ]

swanky nga ang dating ng sonata e - cool yet mature looking.

[Ry_Tower]

Don't put all your eggs in one basket ika nga. Buy the MS for flood-proof riding in the Metro and then when you graduate and the business is good, you can finally buy a sports car. Heck, your budget may even surpass the price of GC. But it's just me...

[RustyXIII]

What's your business? A pickup could perform double-duty. Some are due for a refresh in the coming months. You may want to look into them.

[GTi]

I see, so a majority still votes for the Premium variant rather than the non-Premium. Alright, I'll take note of that. 220k isn't really big once you start paying in monthly intervals (the wonders of installment plans..haha..). As much as I would like a GC, I think that the impracticality of having it as your non-weekend car is like wearing long-sleeved shirts during a hot summer. Gwapo nga, impractical lang nga but nothing stops a party like a hot car.

I guess #1 ko right now is the Premium Sonata. Already checked out the interior and I really like its "feel"... now if they only followed-up my test drive

Haha, actually had eyes on a Mitsu EX on 2007 but couldn't pull the trigger overpriced kasi dati GT-A eh.

*GTi

Ganun pala yun tips para expense-paid lahat

Hehe... Kapag mayaman ang parents tapos nakitang matured na ang isipan ng anak, na thoughtful na siya sa parents niya. Marunong na mag-planning at magkontrol ng expenses kahit na lumaki siya sa very comfortable, luxurious and worry-free environment...Especially kapag dating spoiled ang anak, lahat ibibigay sa kanya!

[Ry_Tower]

What's your business? A pickup could perform double-duty. Some are due for a refresh in the coming months. You may want to look into them.

+1 here, it's a really versatile vehicle and puwede pa yung brand new with the TS budget. Pero strada para kung sa front, mukhang MS na rin. hehehe

[jhnkvn]

My business shouldn't involve hauling heavy cargo. But in the event I'll do promotions, I'll need to haul 4-5 LCD/Plasma TVs. Still, cargo is at the back of my worries since the car's use is basically for city driving. Would probably only buy the Montero just for its increased land elevation and practicality.

Still, leaning towards the Sonata Premium. I've already suggested that second-hand cars, pero ayaw nila take it or leave it daw yun 1m. Can't simply use the 500k and send the other half to my pockets. And I definitely want to spend for my own car. Ayaw ko yun stigma ng "given by parents" yun mga kotse.

As for the business itself, I decided to emulate US' Gamefly in the renting of console games. I'll wager that piracy would lessen with additional security measures and that I might give them a middle ground between Php100 (piracy) or Php2000 (originals). Meron actually competitor sa PH eh, by the name of Gamehopper, but I'm optimistic kaya naman ng team ko (of course, innovation is included) So as for the car's cargo, I don't see how hauling PS3 games would be "heavy cargo". Distribution would be done via motorcycle (I'll properly train them, no worries there. Alam ko rin annoyance factor nila being an auto driver). Do what you want to do and love and worry about the profits later -- best advice ever for a startup

[isa1023]

If it's my first car, I'd stick to what I really want, as long as it's within my means and reach.

Most cars (depending on class) already give what we need.

[tradewind26]

Eh mag business k naman. So why dont your start being practical na..Go for what you need and not what you want.. Any from your choices are still good buy

[GTi]

Suggestion ko lang po. Bili ka ngayon ng practical na car, one that's fuel efficient, spacious, not as costly and yet maporma and can still satisfy most of your luho's. Like I said before, if you get lucky they might even pay for everything. And then when you are able to save up a sizeable sum by yourself, THEN go and buy the toy that you've always wanted but found it less practical to buy. And there you are, extra pogi points again! "Ang anak ko marunong na magtiyaga magtrabaho't mag-ipon ng sariling pera para sa sarili niyang bilihin!". Of course, if you buy your wants with your own earned money there is more satisfaction that comes from it.

[eljo3025]

If I was given 1M by my parents to buy a car. I'd buy a 1M peso car even if I have 2-3Million Pesos Net Worth. In which I will buy a Tucson.

If you don't want to have a car that's given by your parents then buy your own car.

For 400k-900k in which you are willing to spend by yourself. 400k would buy a previous gen ALTIS, 500k a previous gen Camry in which second hand cars would be needed to be replaced with new parts to run smoothly. In which 50k would be a good price to make your car in a good running condition, change brake pads, change oil, bushings, etc with interior and exterior detailing.

For 600k-900k would buy a brand new car. From Vios, City, Fiesta, Accent for Subcompacts and Civic, Altis, Cruze, Mazda3 for compacts. You wouldn't need to spend money for maintenance and detailing for they are new.

Also, a Hyundai Sonata looks like a car borrowed from dad or grand-dad if driven by a late teenager. Also the Genesis Coupe, looks like a car borrowed from a dad in a midlife crisis. If you were in your twenties, in which you would look like working class a GC would look good on you. But the Sonata would still look a car borrowed from dad even if you're in your twenties.

As for the Montero Sport, spending 400k from your own pocket is painful, if I were you I'd give my 400k to my parents so that they would just shell out 600k and the 400k would be like your share. In which, you would own 40% of the car. My parents would be proud of me because I'm practical and I saved them 400k in return.

Better yet, if your parents are really into spending 1M in a car let them buy that car but you're gonna shoulder maintenance and gas till that car falls apart or gets sold.

[dcph172]

from your choices, id pick the sonata premium. its right there in the middle of your parents 1m budget and your 1.9m dream car.parang you met halfway ang feeling. also, i dont think you'd ever be disappointed with the sonata.

now, if i were you and im confident with my business venture, ill take my parents 1m and buy a 1m car then ill take my 500k and pour it to the business.

youre less than 20y/o. be practical and business savvy. 2-3 years from now, you can prolly afford 2-3m peso cars. DELAYED GRATIFICATION is the key. what is 2-3years to a young guy like you. car depreciates. take your money now and make it grow. buy yourself your dream car in two years time. im sure you can afford it then. afterwards, buy your parents a 1million peso car for their "we're low profile" days to replace your aging crv whose prolly reaping 200k km by then. :D

again, delayed gratification.


BTW: this thread is well sorted out and present the facts very well and concise. one of the best car comparison threads here hehe