Recommend 1.3-1.6 Japanese Car ( 2nd Quarter 08)

[Fitvip]

When I was looking to replace my 03 Fit, I went for Cerato Variant 2 (High equipment level, cheapest at $46199), only to cancel the booking later!

 

I was also looking at SX4 Sedan. It has all the good reviews but I don't like the interior feel and the material used seem cheapo, shape is quite odd too! Low OMV plus not so impressive fc put me off...

 

Then, I went for Airwave, 08FIT and Axio (I did not consider Axio initially as I've read some poor comments about it being BARE, but actually not so. I did not have time to try around as my car was reaching 5 full years).

I booked 08FIT.

 

During my waiting, I was given an AXIO to drive for half a month. The initial negative comments which i've read were all defeated! I started to love the car.

 

It is comfortable, very good over-taking power and very good fc. The shock absorbers were good too. It came with auto one-touch operation on all windows. Driver and front passenger seat belt warning signal. Head lamp adjust at the dashboard, Auto fold wing mirrors. Spacious interior with flat rear floor and a huge boot,double glove compartments...

 

I chose FIT as it is the new model with i-VETEC engine. Now I have done 2K+ kms on this ride...

Edited May 1, 2008 by Fitvip

[Hoppe]

Swift - If it is too small, I think it is out. I am 176 and not the smallest guy around.

Honda fit 08 - Other than the steering wheel, the rest okay? Space seems good?

Latio sport - Seems like good review from many. Only comment is the pickup not good.

Allion - Agree with the comments, I check the OMV of Allion vs Axio. It is around 2K. But price diff is around 7K. Where is a good place to view and get Allion at good price?

Axio - Got friends driving it now. No bad comments.

Mazda 2 - seems like a bit small. Same as Swift?

Premio - Read that it is the same as Allion. Just some outlook diff.

 

I had just put in some comments on the above cars. Will welcome more inputs. Seems like I might have to compile a list of cars with its pros and cons soon.

 

hehe, I am 183 and driving a swift lah. U are much smaller than me

[Jazz]

Latio fit your bill, poor pickup can install spark bridge or voltage stabiliser etc. to improve.

[Observer]

nissan latio hb the stock suspension is & uses a foot brake instead of hand brake, but it does looks nice at certain angles.

 

the interior space really is a class of its own

 

the hb has a sports button

 

axio the engine is pretty noisy at low revs

 

the sports button do wad one huh? add bhp issit?

[Observer]

Actually I am pretty impressed by Honda Fit 2008. Just that I am a 30s guy. Not 100% sure if I want to drive the Fit when I am 40.

 

Why not? Age should not be a problem right?

 

I concur.IMO, HBs are ok for all ages

[Watwheels]

The sporty sound kicks in making u think the car is going fast.

[Tyer]

Haha. Unfortunately I am the shortest guy in the house. The other 2 gentlemen are much taller than me. Had taken a ride in Swift for me. It is not bad for ppl who usually don't have passengers. But I will surely take the Swift Sport for better horsepower.

[Sgnick]

<$70K can get MPV like Toyota Sienta, more seats for your bucks, and can still drive till 40s. Fold the 3rd row seats if don't use much and u'll get a huge cargo space. At least u know u can pop up 2 more seats when u need it in future. Estates like Airwave or Fielder have huge boots, but what u gonna do when u need more seats?

Edited May 1, 2008 by Sgnick

[Perrier]

When I was looking to replace my 03 Fit, I went for Cerato Variant 2 (High equipment level, cheapest at $46199), only to cancel the booking later!

 

I was also looking at SX4 Sedan. It has all the good reviews but I don't like the interior feel and the material used seem cheapo, shape is quite odd too! Low OMV plus not so impressive fc put me off...

 

Then, I went for Airwave, 08FIT and Axio (I did not consider Axio initially as I've read some poor comments about it being BARE, but actually not so. I did not have time to try around as my car was reaching 5 full years).

I booked 08FIT.

 

During my waiting, I was given an AXIO to drive for half a month. The initial negative comments which i've read were all defeated! I started to love the car.

 

It is comfortable, very good over-taking power and very good fc. The shock absorbers were good too. It came with auto one-touch operation on all windows. Driver and front passenger seat belt warning signal. Head lamp adjust at the dashboard, Auto fold wing mirrors. Spacious interior with flat rear floor and a huge boot,double glove compartments...

 

I chose FIT as it is the new model with i-VETEC engine. Now I have done 2K+ kms on this ride...

 

How's your FC for your FIT?

 

The feedbacks from JFC is not too ideal. Not many are able to attain the 15km/l even. I will be collecting mine next weekend.

 

For me, I got the new FIT because of the newer engine too. Plus I love the skyroof. So Airwave also get my vote for space, FC, power. CNG is an attractive option nowadays.

 

My good friend who drove a G9 Hippo commented that his old ride is more comfy that his new Airwave. But the Airwave got more power. He got his in Feb from Tanwei at 67K, skyroof version with full set bodykit.

 

I also heard the 2008 Jazz from KM will feature a different gearbox, SCVT from the 2008 FIT.

[Fitvip]

I don't get really good fc as most of my trips are 10 km or less. My current fc hovers between 12 plus to 14 plus, and that is expected, as I've upsized the wheels and tyre width. On HWs, it can be very good.

 

The ride is smooth but on comfort level, we cannot expect too much. Even AW's comfort level is not that good too. If compared between G9 and AW or FIT, of course G9 wins hands down in comfort.

 

At $67K in Feb is quite OK as my friend got the M model w/o skyroof for less than $60K. But another friend got it (w/o skyroof) earlier at $68988! Btw the skyroof costs $3K.

 

I have read in the newspapers some time ago about Kah's 08 Jazz. It has some extra features like disc brakes on all 4 wheels, etc. It may also come with SCVT, but you can expect the price to be high too!

 

Your is GF with skyroof? Do you get a good deal and from which PI? if not convenient to post here, please PM.

Edited May 2, 2008 by Fitvip

[Tyer]

Think I had went thru a few threads here and will try to compile a list of Jap cars based on its prices range(max: $70K) and list here. Maybe you guys can add on to it too.

 

$50,000-$55,000

 

1. Mitsubishi Lancer

2. Nissan Sunny

 

$55,001-$60,000

 

1. Honda Fit 08

2. Nissan Latio

 

$60,001-$65,000

 

1. Toyota Axio

2. Mitsubishi Lancer Ex

 

$65,001-$70,000

 

1. Toyota Allion

2. Honda Airwave

[Akari_ph]

At 50-60k region

1. Mitsubishi colt

2. Mitsubishi coltplus

3. Suzuki SX4

4. Suzuki Swift

5. Toyota Vios

6. Honda fit 08

7. Nissan Latio

[Perrier]

Yup. GF with skyroof at $59k.

[Bryan09]

A Mitsubishi ColtPlus Turbo would be a nice car..

[Hata21]

GF with skyroof at $59K only?

[Perrier]

Thats the price when I order it in Feb, COE was 12k

[Jamesc]

Currently looking to get a car in this quarter before the COE goes higher when the supply is cut. Currently the PI cars seems more interesting with the 2 big bros, BM and KH selling their 1.6L cars for around $70K.

Any nice recommendation on the 1.3-1.6L cars that will be suitable for a first time owner.

We should be talking under $70K since the AD cars are around that price.

Will look forward to all you inputs.

 

I would like to recommend the Honda Civic.

 

I think it is available at $69,999.

[Tyer]

Now with the current COE prices, there are even more choices available. This is a good time to look at cars. Will expect some crowd at the showroom this weekend.