Would you compromise on your first car?

**jhnkvn** · February 21st, 2011 02:20 AM

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** · February 21st, 2011 09:47 AM

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** · February 21st, 2011 09:55 AM

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** · February 21st, 2011 10:01 AM

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

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

12.3K:outcold:

**tradewind26** · February 21st, 2011 10:29 AM

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

**GTi** · February 21st, 2011 02:00 PM

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** · February 21st, 2011 04:24 PM

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** · February 21st, 2011 04:32 PM

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** · February 21st, 2011 04:53 PM

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.