Looking for that Perfect Car...

[Nlatio]

Hello everyone,

 

My car is going to expire in approximately one year and I thought that I should start narrowing down my search for that new/pre-loved car.

 

This is where I will enlist all of your collective wisdom in the search for that perfect car, please find my criteria as follows.

1. Any age
2. Prefers Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and newer Kia vehicles but open to trying other brands
3. Car type: SUV, or sporty-looking MPV, or better-still 7-seater SUV
4. At least 2L for NA engines, no preference for Turbo; automatic transmission
5. Rear air con
6. Sunroof or Moonroof or Panoramic Roof
7. Automatic headlights and/or wipers
8. Keyless entry and/or start
9. Spacious 2nd row and huge boot
10. Automatic sliding doors (least important)

Appreciate your inputs and sharing, best is if you have first-hand experience! Would love to hear about the drive, fuel economy, reliability, and other pros and cons.

 

Thank you in advance!

 

Bro, I am in similar situation... with ride going to the scrap yard in 1 year time.... the main diff is you got the budget and I dont.........

 

So maybe got to look at PI or Leasing.... Got a family of 1 wife and 2 kiddo, sometime got in-laws tag along... current ride Latio still okay.... but wify no like Xi-ssan.... she prefer Toyota.....

 

Any bro got recommendation for PI ride or leasing??? Okie no tank, bus, lorry, 3 tonner, 5 tonner, 10 tonner, container truck.... ...... Madza 3 PI no have right..... was looking at Altis vs Madza 3 (PI equivalent).....

[Blueblueman]

Me too In exact same scenario haha

 

 

 

 

quote name="Nlatio" post="5619479" timestamp="1444206698"]

 

 

Bro, I am in similar situation... with ride going to the scrap yard in 1 year time.... the main diff is you got the budget and I dont.........

 

So maybe got to look at PI or Leasing.... Got a family of 1 wife and 2 kiddo, sometime got in-laws tag along... current ride Latio still okay.... but wify no like Xi-ssan.... she prefer Toyota.....

 

Any bro got recommendation for PI ride or leasing??? Okie no tank, bus, lorry, 3 tonner, 5 tonner, 10 tonner, container truck.... ...... Madza 3 PI no have right..... was looking at Altis vs Madza 3 (PI equivalent).....

[Fuelsaver]

Forget about Fortuner. It is also in the 5km/l range.

 

Not forgetting the lack of power and spongey brake.

Not to mention rock like boat n grossly overpriced.

[Carbon82]

Basically, there are 2 class of vehicle TS is looking at, and here are my 2 cents.

 

Full Size MPV

Honda Odyssey, most balanced in price, space and power department (don't expect it to fly, but good usable cabin space)

Mazda 8, although quite spacious, but the dated engine is a killer in fc and attract high CEVS

Mercedes V Class, if you can look pass the panel van look, the ineterior design is both useful and classy

Nissan Elgrand, most value for money large MPV (almost the same price range as the Odyssey)

Toyota Alphard / Vellfire, most comfortable large MPV (business class like seat and nice build quality - new model)

Toyota Estima / Previa, put aside the age of the current model and rather dated engine, it interior space is as usable as Odyssey

VW Sharan, most powerful MPV available and come standard with full glass roof. Reliable engine and gearbox

 

 

7 Seater SUV

Audi Q7 (Gen 1), most spacious 7 seater SUV in this list and good available power but probably the most expensive too

Hyundai Santa Fe, although built on the same platform as Sorento but 3rd roll is cramp (as it is shorter than Sorento)

Kia Sorento, good balance of space and power but the centre console design and small LCD screen make it look less premium

Land Rover Discovery Sport, most powerful SUV but 3rd roll not as spacious as Sorento

Mitsubishi Outlander, most value for money SUV but 3rd roll is for emergency use only

Nissan X-Trail, about the same as Outlander in term of size / space but 2.0L NA engine can be a limitation

Volvo XC90 (Gen 1), well look good, feel good, but drink fuel like water

Edited October 8, 2015 by Carbon82

[Mcscot]

Bro ...

 

Can you explain why VW Sharan no issues with Gearbox? How about the Touran? I thought the main advice is to stay away from VW at ALL cost especially with the recent emissions scandal.

 

I a certain the prices will come down with less people trusting VW but gearbox is what I am concerned about.

 

 

 

 

Basically, there are 2 class of vehicle TS is looking at, and here are my 2 cents.

 

Full Size MPV

Honda Odyssey, most balanced in price, space and power department (don't expect it to fly, but good usable cabin space)

Mazda 8, although quite spacious, but the dated engine is a killer in fc and attract high CEVS

Mercedes V Class, if you can look pass the panel van look, the ineterior design is both useful and classy

Nissan Elgrand, most value for money large MPV (almost the same price range as the Odyssey)

Toyota Alphard / Vellfire, most comfortable large MPV (business class like seat and nice build quality - new model)

Toyota Estima / Previa, put aside the age of the current model and rather dated engine, it interior space is as usable as Odyssey

VW Sharan, most powerful MPV available and come standard with full glass roof. Reliable engine and gearbox

 

 

7 Seater SUV

Audi Q7 (Gen 1), most spacious 7 seater SUV in this list and good available power but probably the most expensive too

Hyundai Santa Fe, although built on the same platform as Sorento but 3rd roll is cramp (as it is shorter than Sorento)

Kia Sorento, good balance of space and power but the centre console design and small LCD screen make it look less premium

Land Rover Discovery Sport, most powerful SUV but 3rd roll not as spacious as Sorento

Mitsubishi Outlander, most value for money SUV but 3rd roll is for emergency use only

Nissan X-Trail, about the same as Outlander in term of size / space but 2.0L NA engine can be a limitation

Volvo XC90 (Gen 1), well look good, feel good, but drink fuel like water

 

Bro ... sounds to me like you're a perfect Honda Jade person! Have a look!

 

It is a PI only car with 6 seats.

 

 

Bro, I am in similar situation... with ride going to the scrap yard in 1 year time.... the main diff is you got the budget and I dont.........

 

So maybe got to look at PI or Leasing.... Got a family of 1 wife and 2 kiddo, sometime got in-laws tag along... current ride Latio still okay.... but wify no like Xi-ssan.... she prefer Toyota.....

 

Any bro got recommendation for PI ride or leasing??? Okie no tank, bus, lorry, 3 tonner, 5 tonner, 10 tonner, container truck.... ...... Madza 3 PI no have right..... was looking at Altis vs Madza 3 (PI equivalent).....

 

[Carbon82]

Bro ...

 

Can you explain why VW Sharan no issues with Gearbox? How about the Touran? I thought the main advice is to stay away from VW at ALL cost especially with the recent emissions scandal.

 

I a certain the prices will come down with less people trusting VW but gearbox is what I am concerned about.

 

I am refering to the 2.0 TSI unit (EA888) on 6 speed wet clutch DSG (DQ250).

 

The problematic one are 7 speed dry clutch DSG (DQ200) which is found on the Touran.

[Zhngmycar]

I also like Conti leh now

Guys u should know sometimes u go in to workshop for normal servicing.. when u realize the clutch is slipping during first two gear and u sent back and check.. yet they will ask u to change all disc rotor and etc.. which not covered under warranty in order to change the clutch.. (Sounds quite familiar right?) so I was wondering.. Conti really so many problem (with the AD).. That's why people go for Japanese car. Cause user don't wan to go back AD to do servicing..

[Myap2328]

According to the TS who keen on sporty MPV or 7 seater SUV, I think most sporty MPVs are continental cars and if you have a preference for Jap/Korean ones, which I personally feel are more reliable, then there are few if not none at all. Let me share on the few SUVs my family and I took a look at before we made our purchase.

 

(They are conveniently ranked by how spacious their 3rd row are, with 1. being the best and 4. being the worst) (Int: Interior; Perf: Performance)

 

1. Kia Sorento

Int: Simply the best package of them all, boasting what I feel might be the best few interior in its class, perhaps only losing to the Toyota Harrier which is a 5 seater only and hence off your list.

 

Perf: Based on specs alone, the Diesel is the more powerful one but CnC say they are waiting approval from LTA because they just changed the model from 4WD to 2WD, but do note that the Diesel clatter is rather noticeable when compared to the petrol. However, the Diesel variant having a low rev torque output would probably the most exhilarating to drive!

 

2. Mitsubishi Outlander

Int: Rather let down by the Interior quality as to me, by touch and sight and the lack of a 2nd row air-con vent is seriously absurd for a 3-row SUV.

 

Perf: Sports a very common 2.4 NA engine found in almost all Japanese SUVs and MPVs, nothing fantastic but nothing to complain about either.

 

3. Hyundai SantaFe

Int: The interior quality is a step up from the outlander but it loses out to the Sorento and perhaps just a little behind the X Trail and I was rather taken aback by the shedding of rubber seals on the door.

 

Perf: Once again same common 2.4 NA engine, need not comment more.

 

4. Nissan X-Trail

Int: It just loses out to the Sorento but it is quite a step up from the Outlander and edging out the Santa Fe as well. Has Theatre seating layout that gives rear passengers a really good view out the road.

 

Perf: Here is where things got problematic as to lug such a huge car around, the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine won't have enough juice if you are a guy who enjoys the drive, but test it out for yourself.

 

 

Other Notes:

 

I did not mention on the exterior or the handling because those two are extremely subjective and it is better TS figure those two out himself.

 

And regarding the 4 options I mentioned above, the X-Trail even being the one with the least 3rd row leg room can sit a 170 guy with a 170 guy comfortably seated in the 2nd row, so to be honest, you can try it out yourself. However, regarding the ease access the gap to get into the third row is rather tight on the X Trail in comparison to the rest.

 

My Take:

I really find the Kia Sorento to offer the must value for money for a peppy engine and a sumptuous interior along with what I think is a handsome good exterior, but I did leave out something about all cars and that is their price! The Sorento weighs in at about 160k++ together with the Santa Fe.

 

The Nissan and Outlander on the other hand weighs in at below 130k++ and that is a surely hefty difference because if a 30,000 sum isn't hefty to you, I can gladly recommend you the Volvo XC90.

 

So assume you are budget can fit the Sorento, to be honest this isn't even a competition, your dilemma would be only Petrol and Diesel and I think go for the Diesel and cough up some dough for sound insulation.

 

Now assuming you are on a tight budget or you are a rather budget conscious man (or married to a budget conscious one), then the Nissan and Outlander would make a better choice and to me looking at the interior build of both cars, I would gladly give up the 30bhp for a better interior experience and hence two weeks I booked Nissan X Trail in Greyish Blue and awaiting its arrival with excitement.

 

 

The Alternative

 

There is actually an alternative that if you are brave enough to get on. There are used BMW X5s with a depreciation rate of only 17-19k a year and yes it might seem rather hefty compared to the 13-16k of these Jap and Korean cars NEW, you have to give credit that it is a Beemer after all and the driving experience will be well above any of the 4 cars I mentioned above but do beware of potential repair costs cos buying used is like buying the lottery, u never know u will be so heng to have some failure somewhere.

 

*Last Point: I have no affiliation to any of the brands mentioned above cheers.

[Porche]

Thinking of getting a golf, but so worry about the gear box esp when i travel up to malaysia often for work. Scare it break down at high way

[Myap2328]

Thinking of getting a golf, but so worry about the gear box esp when i travel up to malaysia often for work. Scare it break down at high way

The Volkswagen Issue lies with its clutch/transmission. Find out whether it is a dry clutch or wet clutch, avoid the dry one but the wet one shld be safe. Not sure about golf but would avoid scirroco at all cost, my friends new one entered work shop twice alr!

[Porche]

My mechanic ask me to avoid volks and honda

[Mcscot]

Honda?!!?!?

 

I am quite shocked! Bro ... I was quite keen on the Ody but why Honda? I thought they are Mr Reliable albeit the price!

Edited October 11, 2015 by Mcscot

[Chucky2007]

Honda?!!?!?

 

I am quite shocked! Bro ... I was quite keen on the Ody but why Honda? I thought they are Mr Reliable albeit the price!

bec gets stolen in Malaysia often...

[SG79]

bec gets stolen in Malaysia often...

 

every is a steal.....

[SG79]

If I were to choose a MPV..... most likely will go for Honda Mobilio although is a 1497cc.....

[Atrecord]

TS requirement, looks like Sorrento is the best.

 

I tested it and it drove well. But it's not sliding door, and like all SUVs, a bit high for old folks to get in. 3rd row is in fact quite spacious for a 'non-full-sized-MPV' type of vehicle. The only prob was the headspace there is not a lot for tall people (i'm 1.8 m). 

 

Else should tick most boxes. 

 

But COE has dropped significantly from Feb, and yet the price has not...

[Nzy]

TS requirement, looks like Sorrento is the best.

 

I tested it and it drove well. But it's not sliding door, and like all SUVs, a bit high for old folks to get in. 3rd row is in fact quite spacious for a 'non-full-sized-MPV' type of vehicle. The only prob was the headspace there is not a lot for tall people (i'm 1.8 m). 

 

Else should tick most boxes. 

 

But COE has dropped significantly from Feb, and yet the price has not...

 

IMO SUVs actually better for old folks. My grandmother went with us on a test drive once and she commented that MPVs or sedans are really hard to get in cuz the seats are so low and she has to slowly bend down and maneuver into the car. Whereas for SUVs the height makes it easier cuz the seats are just at the right height, no need to bend down to get in. She commented that climbing up into a SUV is easier than bending at the knees to get into a lower car.

[Mockngbrd]

Found the car already or not?