Budget 80K only, what choice do I have?

[Kelpie]

1. Just back from Penang and feel like I need a more comfortable car.

 

2. So, I went test driving in the late afternoon and tested the Chervolet inline 6 Epica. Very smooth engine, no noise from 0-100Km/h. The interior is much more refined than Sonata and Magentis. At 78K, it is priced lower than the Civic VTI-S. It is not a big car, having the same wheelbase size as the Civic. Don't like the steering, which the SE told me will stiffen progressively at high speed. What can you expect? they even have electrically controlled driver seat and the mirror auto adjusted when reverse parking.

 

3. Then I stepped into KM, and tried the Stream and VTI-S(2008 version). Both within my budget and the price are priced neck to neck with each other. l like the furturistic dashboard design and it is clearly a driver's car than Stream. Now the challenge is space. VTI-S doesn't have the space that my daughter requires, she found the 3rd row of Stream comfortable for a nap. Since I drive to the North often, I wonder if a MPV makes better sense? This stream also funny one, no armrest nor center console for the driver, how thoughtful!

 

4. The wife likes the VTI-S as it feel more upmarket and just as comfortable. I like the sunroof that comes with Stream. Performance wise, both are about the same so it is a hard decision to make too. New Accord will be priced around 90+ range and I doubt I want to pay so much. 2.0SI according SE is more performance based and is only 3K+ difference. Stream has ready stock but Civic may not be available before CNY.

 

5. Would like to hear from Bros, who are driving Stream and VTI-S, the plus and minus of these 2 cars. If you have other recommendation at this price range, do let me know.

 

Thank you very much.

 

Regards,

[W4nt3d]

STREAM = TAXI

[Odyssey02]

Please wake up from your stupid idea.

[Odyssey02]

If you're considering the Stream, maybe you could have a look at the Mazda 5 too.

[Whiteride]

Epica - +point is price and nice interior

VTI-S - +point is looks and umm value ?

Stream - might be more comfortable for long journey?

 

Umm, considered Tucson? also much cheaper and quite spacious(compare to sedan)

 

Edited December 2, 2007 by Whiteride

[Ahyoo2002]

If you like Stream, I suggest you to look at PI Stream RSZ, which is exactly the same Stream that KM is offered but it come with extra such as:

 

1) Arm rest (since you complaint KM one do not have )

2) Paddle Shift

3) Factory fitted 17" rim

4) Factory fitted Bodykit

5) Sports suspension

6) HID

7) Fog light

8) Auto light

9) Chrome Pipe finisher

10) Chrome Door Handler

11) Leather wrap steering

 

 

All the above extra for the price of about $80k with immediate delivery with most PIs.

 

If you like sun-roof, another $2k.

Edited December 2, 2007 by Ahyoo2002

[Ahyoo2002]

If get Tuscon, better takeSuzuki GV 2l, about $70k and make in Japan

[Sfrtuscani]

agree bro...just raise up ur arm and flag one down....somemore have driver wor,,,,

[Slowmo]

why not get the hybrid cars? some cases, you can opt not to have engine noise at all.

[Ahyoo2002]

1. Just back from Penang and feel like I need a more comfortable car.

 

2. So, I went test driving in the late afternoon and tested the Chervolet inline 6 Epica. Very smooth engine, no noise from 0-100Km/h. The interior is much more refined than Sonata and Magentis. At 78K, it is priced lower than the Civic VTI-S. It is not a big car, having the same wheelbase size as the Civic. Don't like the steering, which the SE told me will stiffen progressively at high speed. What can you expect? they even have electrically controlled driver seat and the mirror auto adjusted when reverse parking.

 

3. Then I stepped into KM, and tried the Stream and VTI-S(2008 version). Both within my budget and the price are priced neck to neck with each other. l like the furturistic dashboard design and it is clearly a driver's car than Stream. Now the challenge is space. VTI-S doesn't have the space that my daughter requires, she found the 3rd row of Stream comfortable for a nap. Since I drive to the North often, I wonder if a MPV makes better sense? This stream also funny one, no armrest nor center console for the driver, how thoughtful!

 

4. The wife likes the VTI-S as it feel more upmarket and just as comfortable. I like the sunroof that comes with Stream. Performance wise, both are about the same so it is a hard decision to make too. New Accord will be priced around 90+ range and I doubt I want to pay so much. 2.0SI according SE is more performance based and is only 3K+ difference. Stream has ready stock but Civic may not be available before CNY.

 

5. Would like to hear from Bros, who are driving Stream and VTI-S, the plus and minus of these 2 cars. If you have other recommendation at this price range, do let me know.

 

Thank you very much.

 

Regards,

 

Strongly suggest you to take a look at PI Stream RSZ The reason that KM has ready stock for Stream is because the version that they have is really much lousier (way too basic) than the PI version in term of trim level.

[Cheekg98]

u asked pple to buy, but why are u waiting ??

[Kelpie]

why not get the hybrid cars? some cases, you can opt not to have engine noise at all.

 

Can't tahan the slow pick-up and lack of gust. Perhaps in the next gen of hybrid car. Thanks.

 

Regards,

[Carnut]

The JDM Euro Accord would be a good replacement for your Civic. Though it an outgoing model, and sold by P.Is, it is still a solid sporty executive type of saloon.

[Bentwy]

future plans to expand family? get a dog?

 

could influence your current choice.

[Kelpie]

If you like Stream, I suggest you to look at PI Stream RSZ, which is exactly the same Stream that KM is offered but it come with extra such as:

 

1) Arm rest (since you complaint KM one do not have )

2) Paddle Shift

3) Factory fitted 17" rim

4) Factory fitted Bodykit

5) Sports suspension

6) HID

7) Fog light

8) Auto light

9) Chrome Pipe finisher

10) Chrome Door Handler

11) Leather wrap steering

 

 

All the above extra for the price of about $80k with immediate delivery with most PIs.

 

If you like sun-roof, another $2k.

 

1. I would also say the paddle shift is great, having test driven the VTI-S. The rest of the mentioned items are good to have. By the way, is this sports suspension different from the KM one? I feel safer to buy from AD unless there is no choice . In that case, I should be able to get the arm rest from the aftermarket since PI RSZ has it.

 

2. Now after second thought, 2.0SI is 3K+ different from VTI-S, may be worth taking a look too.

 

Regards,

[Kelpie]

The JDM Euro Accord would be a good replacement for your Civic. Though it an outgoing model, and sold by P.Is, it is still a solid sporty executive type of saloon.

 

But Accord doesn't have a real flat floor so can't sit 5 comfortably leh.

 

Regards,

[Kelpie]

future plans to expand family? get a dog?

 

could influence your current choice.

 

I learnt my lesson and will not have pet dog in the forseeabel future. Thanks.

 

Regards,

[Firstcall]

Skoda Superb? negating the taxi image, it has the most/easiest upgradable engine(among yr choices) should u need more power (jus pay abt 1k+ extra to upp 200bhp)

 

Space? very spacious

 

Upmarket feel? Very executive

 

Quiet? U bet

 

Comfortable/Idea for NS highway? Sure.

 

Peace of mind in Malaysia? Less attractive to car theft than any Jap makes. they prob wun bother with this car.

 

Price? 85k

 

Maintenance - Among the most reliable European brands. Shares lots VW parts but u'll get into prob if u need to replace parts that r unique to superb tho.