my updated shortlist (in no particular order):

peugeot 206 a/t 1.4 (698k)
lynx ghia a/t 1.6 (700k)
chevy optra a/t 1.6 (675k)
altis 1.6e a/t (742k)

all have abs and airbags (very important for me).

whew. still can't decide. although if i get the peugeot, i think i'll get the red one (instead of my preferred black color).

with the exception of the altis, i have some concerns about the cost of maintenance, service and parts of the others. in truth, the only reason i'm putting the altis up with all the others is because i know that i will have a relatively trouble free time with it. i don't think i can say the same for the others.

and so, although the altis seems like the safe choice, i think i'm ready to be a guinea pig for the 3 new players. hahahaha.

as i've always been partial about small cars, peugeot is on my list. checked it out at powerplant and although the interiors aren't as luxurious as the lynx and the otra, its exterior more than makes up for it. have no idea how maintenance and service will be. parang opel kaya ang prices ng parts?

the optra and the lynx are almost equal, in that they are both value for money. same concerns though, how reliable, cost of maintenance, availability of parts (esp the optra).