Advice for first timer on getting a car

moongster SG

Hi people, I'm planning to get a car soon. I'm planning to get a cheap car coz' I don't like to be in too much debt.

I'm still deciding to get a second hand car or a new car.

For new car, I'll most likely get the Kia Picanto - think it's around SGD38K.

For second car, I've seen advertisements for cars that are left with 5 years below 20K. Is it worth buying?

For budget car, what is good?

mr sunray SG

Picanto is good for a budget car. May be you can also consider kelisa.

Though budget is one of the main deciding factors but be reminded to get a car that can meet your daily needs.

For example, if you have infant or you need to ferry kids, parents, parents-in-law or maid, picanto may not be a good option though it's cheap.

For old cars, be prepared to fork out more for road tax, maintenance and repair cost and also, it's quite hard to tell if the particular old car has any accident before or not.

I drove an old car before but not now anymore since new car now is pretty affordable and also, peace of mind to own a new than an old car.

wbucket SG

Depending on how budget is your budget. Plus your traveling needs, like family and stuff. To compare the cheapest car in town, Picanto is much more spacious than Kelisa. But I have know many family who drive Kelisa, so it is all about how well you handle the space.

You can give Kia Rio sedan a though, or Chevrolet Aveo. Daihatsu siron would be 1 of my top choices. Suzuki Swift is 1 comfort ride with some pack for action. Then there are the all time fav Toyota Vios and Mistubishi Lancer Manual. Anything above these cars, then it wouldn't be budget anymore. Wink

Looks, Space, FC, Power, Comfort. Rank your perferences.

mr sunray SG

Originally posted by wbucket:

Looks, Space, FC, Power, Comfort. Rank your perferences.

If I'm not wrong, power and FC belongs to two different world?

Good power will give poor FC?

Good FC will give poor power?

moongster SG

I think Daihatsu Sirion is using the same chasis as the Perodua Myvi. That model had a back order of 7 months last year - very popular in KL, Malaysia.

I might want to look at the Lancer Sports model. It looks really good.

By the way, I'm not married yet, so, not much financial commitment. Just that I don't like getting into too much debt and also, I would like some spare cash to enjoy - no point getting an expensive car and u dun have spare to do other stuffs Very Happy

Running cost (installment + petrol + carpark + insurance + misc) around SGD500/month possible?

If Lancer Sports, would it be about SGD1000/month?

Say, Monday to Friday travelling from Boon Lay to Toa Payoh for work.

wbucket SG

That depends on the level of power you are going for. For example, a Vios would feel slightly more powerful than a lancer, but its FC figures are better. Likewise for City, which in my opinion takes the cake for auto-transmission car, if looks isn't a piority.

Whereas for Kelisa and Picanto, I believe Kelisa would feel more torque-y than Picanto and the general FC figures are better too, if both the car remain as stock. This is mainly because for Kelisa, it is designed to perform at low-speed, whereas Picanto feels much better at high.

That is my understanding.