AUV, SUV, or Van recommendation please!

[pinoy_cal]

Komusta na mga kababayan! This site is really informative, and I have been reading different post all day long. I am trying to get more information so my wife and I can make a decision on what vehicle to buy. Hopefully, you guys can help us.

Here's the background. We live in California and make it a point to visit family there yearly. Mainly stay in Ilocos after quick shopping trip around Manila malls in the day of our arrival. Vehicles avilable in Philippines are not so similar to the ones we see here so we need first hand info from owners/drivers. On previous vacations we used our family's old Nissan Vannette, but it has seen better days. Our next planned vacation is end of the year, and we will be bringing along our newborn baby. Hence, the decision to buy a new ride. Don't want to get stuck on the side of the road in a broken down van with a baby that is not used to the different climate/temperature, etc.

Our budget is around 850-900k. I was looking into different post about Mitsubishi adventure or crosswind, but my in-laws just told us on the phone that there's not much room especially for a 5'11" - 250lb guy like me , wife, baby, and lots of luggage. Specifically, there's not gonna be much legroom for me behind the wheel. I often drive around when were in the province during vacation.

Now we are wondering what you guys can recommend. with regards to cargo room, the Adventure type AUV's should still be ok since you can add a roof cargo rack (whatever is the term they use there). We are more concerned about the number of people it can comfortable seat, interior comfort, size (leg room, head room, etc.), and of course body and engine durability. Diesel is preferred.

By the way, what's the common rates on car loan financing there?

Sorry if the post is too long. I wanted to give as much info as I can so you can narrow your suggestions.

[userfriendly]

For vans, you can check ut the Toyota Avanza (7 seater) or Suzuki APV (8 seater). Both are gasoline pwered.

For AUVs you are limited to the base model of the ancient Mitsu Adventure, Isuzu Crosswind and the more recent Toyota Innova.

New SUVs will be out of your budget.

Just do a search for the above models. They have been disscussed over and over and some even have their own threads.

[heightdeprived]

'di kaya masyado nang maliit ang Avanza? And they also do not have a Diesel trim as far as I know, best bet I think is the Adventure but if you're willing to veer in to petrol version, I think the Innova is better. OK rin ang crosswind if you do not mind the engine vibration. Kagandahan lang sa Adventure proven na ang 4D56 engine niya, tapos pag nasa loob ka 'di mo dinig ang ingay ng diesel engine masyado...

[badkuk]

methinks you'd be much happier in an innova.

other ride to consider:

within your budget:

kia pregio -- fits your budget, dunno about ride quality


1m and up:
kia sedona
hyundai starex
nissan urvan
toyota previa(insanely priced, imho)
toyota hiace


you can check out motioncars.com's Car Chart, that should give you an idea on what choices you have.

[wildthing]

kulang budget at 900k...starex ang the best.

if you don't mind the fuel...go for a secondhand Ford E150...runs about P600k ang secondhand nito.

[mazdamazda]

The Starex is the best choice for you.

[Tigerbug]

You can check the pricelist here.
or http://www.auto-searchphilippines.co...PriceList.html

[drey]

kulang budget at 900k...starex ang the best.

if you don't mind the fuel...go for a secondhand Ford E150...runs about P600k ang secondhand nito.

The Starex is the best choice for you.

Sir, I am with this two users.

STAREX is the Best for You! No problem with the quality of Hyundai's nowadays. They are dependable and reliable. Very good space for you in the front and lots of space for your baby to hide in the back. You can choose either 9 or 12 seater depends on your needs. I have a friend OFW in China. He uses his Starex everytime he visits Philippines every 4 months or every 1 year, no problem. Naka casa. Last time they were here, they went to Bicol then Bora still no problem. And the best part of the Starex is that it has a cool aircon. No problem with your baby since its very cold inside.

If you cant afford the CRDi Starex which is about 1M go for a second hand, a well maintained Starex even if its not CRDi should serve you a happy dad.

[pinoy_cal]

:groupwave: Thanks for all your suggestions! That link to pricelist is very helpful since those dealer websites usually don't post any pricing info.

The suggestions actually match our current considerations. The top of our list is the Toyota Innova for under 1m. And the Hyundai Starex is our top choice for over 1m. We have heard so much horror stories from relatives and friends (Pinas and here) regarding used cars. But that does not mean its out of our consideration. Can you guys recommend a reputable used car dealership there?

We are actually hoping to afford something over 1m if we finance the transaction. Can anyone mention how much is the average car loan rate there? It will be nice to know and it helps in decision making.

Salamat ulit!

[drey]

:groupwave: Thanks for all your suggestions! That link to pricelist is very helpful since those dealer websites usually don't post any pricing info.

The suggestions actually match our current considerations. The top of our list is the Toyota Innova for under 1m. And the Hyundai Starex is our top choice for over 1m. We have heard so much horror stories from relatives and friends (Pinas and here) regarding used cars. But that does not mean its out of our consideration. Can you guys recommend a reputable used car dealership there?

We are actually hoping to afford something over 1m if we finance the transaction. Can anyone mention how much is the average car loan rate there? It will be nice to know and it helps in decision making.

Salamat ulit!

sir, 2nd cars aren't really bad. Just be careful to inspect and choose the car you are choosing in the ads. Tell your relatives to bring their trusted mechanic with them when checking out the car. You could also download some tips and checklist in the internet for buying used cars. If the owner has records of the cars history, then that would be really good. You can also try to check out his other cars (if there is one) so that you can really see if he is telling the truth about the care and health of his automobiles.

With regards to the to finance schemes. I really dont know. Sorry

[diesoline]

finance rates are at rock bottom last month when my bank manager enticed me to get a car loan. 4.99% at equitable and 4.95% at bpi family for a one year term.

[drey]

sir, lets wait for the new Starex. Baka better and mas reasonable ang pricing nya.

[ryan]

finance rates are at rock bottom last month when my bank manager enticed me to get a car loan. 4.99% at equitable and 4.95% at bpi family for a one year term.

You can get it for even less if you haggle enough

Yup, Innova seems the most practical for your needs and budget but I guess you shouldn't expect too much in terms of comfort.

[170kphlang]

may i suggest yung kasya yung halos 2 pamilya. the grandia. mukha lang ref pero very generous sa space unlike the innova and avanza na masikip ang 3rd row na bata lang ang komportable sa 3rd row

[niky]

The driving environment in the Grandia isn't good for an American sized driver... although you probably need to be a basketball player to get in the front seat (my Mom, at 5'0", had such a ridiculously hard time getting in the front that I made her sit in the back, even though it was just the two of us). Not much in terms of adjustability.

The suspension is pretty good for a van of this type, stiff, yes, but with good body control compared to the L300 and its kin.

A better bet is the Innova. But if your relatives think the space is small in the Adventure or Crosswind, the Innova's headroom is even more limited. It's not really bad, though, and the top-of-the line has Airbags and ABS. The Starex with the ABS is the 1.4 million GRX "Gold".

The Innova rides stiffly but decently, and drives much like a car. Not as spacious as old-school AUVs, but if you're from the US, you'll be much more comfortable driving it.

The Starex has tons of space, rides softly, and has a great engine. Only concern is the bobbing ride over wavy surfaces.

SUVs? Lots to choose from... Alterra... Fortuner... Everest... Santa Fe... Sorento... The Santa Fe is the best of all, but at 1.5m, it's pretty far off your budget.

[IMm29]

If you could add to your budget, the base Starex CRDi GRX is about P1.2M. I'd go for it if I were in your shoes. It's spacious and powerful, plus the A/C is cold. Even if it's the base model, it's really not too bare.

[pup2]

Starex! 'Nuff said. Unless you're like me na pangatlong starex na ito. hehehe.

[CVT]

Bro.,- go for the Starex....

2401:massbounce:

[drey]

STAREX

You will enjoy the space especially in the back. No problem with the headroom since space is never an issue with Starex. Less stress ang passengers sa long drives since they can play cards, sleep well etc. You will really enjoy your journey since the Starex view is great! The lighting of the cabin is also great.

[rion]

Starex definetly. but if I want more porma. I'd go for SUV's...

a van will always be a van. you can make it look better... but you can't make it look better than Suv's....