Hi everyone! I've been reading the boards for more than a month and have finally decided to ask for your help in deciding which car to buy. This might be a bit long, sorry :P

Here are points for consideration:
1. Quality - No need to consider resale value, but need to consider maintenance cost
2. new-Lady driver (owner) - But will also be used by my parents
3. Conservative driving - Is ABS a must?
3. Sub-compact - Sedan
4. A/T - (are there differences in A/T of different cars? does it matter?)
5. Mostly city-driving with weekly Pampanga trips
6. Passes flood-prone areas during rainy seasons (should I opt for bigger wheels, 15" against 14"?)
7. Max 850T including insurance, LTO, etc.
8. Fuel efficiency (SOHC vs DOHC? Does this affect FC?)
9. Does having sold discs in rear breakes important?
10. Easy handling (Is the suspension better in Mazda/Ford better than Toyota?)

Some info:
1. Previous vehicle: Honda CR-V (1999) So we're used to SUVs
2. Not too knowledgeable about cars (consider "known" brands?)
3. Test drove 1.6G Altis but didn't like the woodgrain, found 1.6E lacking in specs for the price tag
4. Test drove the mazda 3.0, found suspension better than altis

What we are currently considering (car price with discounts):
1. Mazda 3.0 (1.6S or V) ~722000 and 759000
(worried about the FC and maitenance cost, not too keen on the "dark" interior, and how will I know if its a 2007 or 2006 model? What does "activematic" mean?)
2. Ford Trend (1.6) ~ 819,000
(didn't like the "look" of the trend)
3. Mitsubishi (GLS/MX) ~ 723000 and 798,000
(is this a lemon car? what's INVECS3)
4. Toyota Altis 1.6E ~776000
(a bit expensive compared to Mazda 1.6S)

Final question, which month/time is it best to buy cars?
Should the dealer matter?
What should/can I demand from the S/A as "Plus" for my purchase?


Sorry for the long post. Any comments will be appreciated
Thank you very much!!!