Hi,
Mazda 2 were also one of my choice, have checked out the lastest
promotion of $300, and realised that it's only for the first 14
months, 15th month will be around $760 and $850++ for the rest of
the months!!! Which is consider very high unless you are very sure
you will be rich by that time.
Have also checked the picanto and found the boot is too
small.
Beside that, I have also checked out some other models:
Mazda 3 -
Excellent body! But the engine imported here is only 1.6 with Auto
which has made the car very underpower and fuel comsumption is
high!
Toyota Vios -
Very soft body, can easily feel the body metal is warping when you
gently push with your fingers. We bought a Sonata for my mother in
law in brunei, same problem and the engine compartment is really
cheap.
Proton Gen2 -
Very nice design and powerful engine, also very good in the
handling as well. Just before wanted to book it, I read some news
that a Gen2 just caught in fire after 4 days of ownership. And also
found some very negative feedback about the materials used in the
interior. like the door handle, handbrake and cheap plastic all
over the place.
http://www.suaramalaysia.com/archives/2004/08/gen2_on_fire_1.html
Peugeot 206-
One of my dream car! Top quality all over and Superior sales
service! The SE explains every single point of the car and is very
professional. But my wife doesn't like the small interior space.
Sighh!!!
Kia Cerato-
Looking nice, but our company's Korean made Mercedes Van has given
us so much trouble which has made me not interested in Korean made
vehicle anymore.
Toyota IST-
Very nice design and good value in 2nd hand market, but priced at
$76,000 which I don't think I can afford it.
My final choice is - Daihatsu YRV
Same engine used in Toyota Echo, looks equally nice as Mazda 2,
lower fuel comsumption at 19km/L, and the most affordable car fully
made in Japan.
This is after few months of research for almost all of the cars
below $80K.
