Some people does care about brand name and etc. But I care money more than anything else :D The Chevrolet Optra we are getting, Body made in Korea, 1.8L engine from Holden Australia with German ZF gearbox, 1.6L engine with japan Nissin gearbox, assembled in Thailand. I have a 1.8L model. solid body, full leather, big space and etc. Timing belt change is expensive at around RM800 together water pump. But no big problem since 2004. The main point is, 'cold' car like chevrolet, Alfa and etc, new price expensive but used price dropped straight to the bottom. Buying a used unit can save a lot of money and suffering minimal depreciation over long time. Japan car different, especially honda and toyota. Used price maintain high. But after 10 years (till bank cannot loan), price then dramatically drop. Buying a not so old used unit is not a wise choice (loan % high some more). Better to commit that extra RM200-300 every month and get a new unit. If that little money also beh tahan and need to think twice or trice, then should consider my suggestion. Example, buy a Optra 1.8L at now +-RM30k, after 10 years, throw it to besi buruk also can get back at least RM1k. Max loss RM29k. But a 2-3 years old civic, after 10 years (age = 12-14 years), cannot loan, price will be at RM30-35k max (cash buy only)(also depends on economy condition at that moment). Losses = RM45k at minimum. RM15k different can pay for 3 Myvi downpayment or min 10 years of maintenance cost for a new car. Of cause, if don't mine local car, used 200-2001 waja is a good choice too.
BTW, if want this one and that one, then don't talk about budget and just whack the best one downpayment can buy. If got budget, then should think about the best bang for bucks. When talk about best bang for bucks, must look at short, mid and long term losses and also consider to further lower down the requirement and give extra RM100-200 to parent who is old or retired, help them to counter the inflation.
