Time for change.....but still undecided.
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Hi all!
This is my first post here. My car is due for scrap in Feb '05 and I am actively looking for a replacement ride. So far, I have been driving Alfas and despite the immense pleasure they have given me, I am now looking for something more practical and with cheaper running cost & fuel consumption.
The shortlist I have so far reads like this -
Honda Fit/ Jazz
Mazda 3
Subaru 1.6 M
Citroen C3
Ford Focus
a. Could someone tell me of these, which would be the most affordible/practical and which would be the best bang for the buck
b. Also, for comparison sake, would it make for better sense to buy a 1 year old car instead of the same car new? Eg a new Fit would be around 71k, so if a 1 yr old Fit cost about 58-60k, which would be more worth it?
c. Will buying a car from parallel importer give me similar levels of 3 year warranty?
d. I only just came across ads for a 1 year old Fit 1.3A and a 15mth old Subaru 1.6 TS M. Which is more reliable and a better buy?
Thanks all in advance for your input.
Alfasud -
citroen C3 is a really good car....same for the ford focus
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If you want to buy Focus, maybe you should wait for while. Hear the new model will be release end of this year.Originally posted by alfasud14:Hi all!
This is my first post here. My car is due for scrap in Feb '05 and I am actively looking for a replacement ride. So far, I have been driving Alfas and despite the immense pleasure they have given me, I am now looking for something more practical and with cheaper running cost & fuel consumption.
The shortlist I have so far reads like this -
Honda Fit/ Jazz
Mazda 3
Subaru 1.6 M
Citroen C3
Ford Focus
a. Could someone tell me of these, which would be the most affordible/practical and which would be the best bang for the buck
b. Also, for comparison sake, would it make for better sense to buy a 1 year old car instead of the same car new? Eg a new Fit would be around 71k, so if a 1 yr old Fit cost about 58-60k, which would be more worth it?
c. Will buying a car from parallel importer give me similar levels of 3 year warranty?
d. I only just came across ads for a 1 year old Fit 1.3A and a 15mth old Subaru 1.6 TS M. Which is more reliable and a better buy?
Thanks all in advance for your input.
Alfasud
One of my friend are dring Citroen C5. Due to malfunction of a sensor in the rear side, its bumper is always dragged down by the stoppers in car park. Its a design problem, you cannot repair it. Just keep sending the car to workshop to fix back the bumper. Don't know whether C3 have these problems or not. But it spoil my impression to Citroen. If you are interested in continental car. May consider renault magene. Its 2nd version is pretty good. Spacious, safe, a lot of features. But it is a real heavy car, not sporty at all.
I like Subaru, AWD is kind of unique in the range.
I like Mazda3 more. Good exterior, interior. Excellent handling, suspension. Combine the forte of Euro car architecture and Japanese car engine thechnology. A lot of garget for driver to play with. A confortable driver's car
What car is good? It is something very subjective. Try yourself, pick the most loved. It won't be too wrong to pick anyone in your list. -
U mite wanna take a look at the pics of the new Focus model before deciding to wait cos the looks of the new one doesn't appeal to me. In my opinion, I think the present model looks better although different ppl will have different opinionsOriginally posted by LLukeShen:If you want to buy Focus, maybe you should wait for while. Hear the new model will be release end of this year. -
No offence but the Fit/Jazz looks out of place in your list, to me its in a different league from the other cars u shortlisted... Btw it seems that u have a preference for great handling cars huh?
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I agree. Drove a stock rental C3 in Melbourne and it was a great drive. Quirky, not too powerful but not too bad either. Actually, if money is no object, their rally-spec brothers are even higher on the drool factor.Originally posted by AE86tofu:citroen C3 is a really good car....same for the ford focus -
I agree. Drove a stock rental C3 in Melbourne and it was a great drive. Quirky, not too powerful but not too bad either. Actually, if money is no object, their rally-spec brothers are even higher on the drool factor.Originally posted by AE86tofu:citroen C3 is a really good car....same for the ford focus -
Hey bro,Originally posted by alfasud14:Hi all!
This is my first post here. My car is due for scrap in Feb '05 and I am actively looking for a replacement ride. So far, I have been driving Alfas and despite the immense pleasure they have given me, I am now looking for something more practical and with cheaper running cost & fuel consumption.
The shortlist I have so far reads like this -
Honda Fit/ Jazz
Mazda 3
Subaru 1.6 M
Citroen C3
Ford Focus
a. Could someone tell me of these, which would be the most affordible/practical and which would be the best bang for the buck
b. Also, for comparison sake, would it make for better sense to buy a 1 year old car instead of the same car new? Eg a new Fit would be around 71k, so if a 1 yr old Fit cost about 58-60k, which would be more worth it?
c. Will buying a car from parallel importer give me similar levels of 3 year warranty?
d. I only just came across ads for a 1 year old Fit 1.3A and a 15mth old Subaru 1.6 TS M. Which is more reliable and a better buy?
Thanks all in advance for your input.
Alfasud
If you are driving in singapore, i would advise you some Jappy car ... it is the most practical in terms of servicing and 'Hole savings' from your pocket ...
Why not consider these few cars ....
1. Corolla Altis
2. Nissan Sunny 1.6m
3. Toyota Vios
4. Honda Civic 1.6
5. Chevo Optra
From your short list ... i would recommand the Focus, of course the hatch version, if you dun mind the sedan looks.
Drove a 1.6 TS before ... the FC is damn high but the ride is superb ...
do give my list of cars a consideration ....
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Hi!Originally posted by w2k_83:No offence but the Fit/Jazz looks out of place in your list, to me its in a different league from the other cars u shortlisted... Btw it seems that u have a preference for great handling cars huh?
The focus is indeed lovely....if only they brought in the RS....AND if only I could afford it then! But still each time I see a nicely done up Focus, I think of Colin McRae.
With regards the Fit/Jazz, yes it seems out of place. I am kinda set on either the Mazda 3 or the Jazz. I hope that this is a temporary stage before I get back to driving Alfas again so although between the 2 I like the Mazda 3, FC-wise, the Jazz will probably beat it hands down. I guess I will wait a while longer, meet up with more Jazz owners and see what stuff Kah Motors can throw into the deal....... -
Hi!Originally posted by johncooper:Hey bro,
If you are driving in singapore, i would advise you some Jappy car ... it is the most practical in terms of servicing and 'Hole savings' from your pocket ...
Why not consider these few cars ....
1. Corolla Altis
2. Nissan Sunny 1.6m
3. Toyota Vios
4. Honda Civic 1.6
5. Chevo Optra
From your short list ... i would recommand the Focus, of course the hatch version, if you dun mind the sedan looks.
Drove a 1.6 TS before ... the FC is damn high but the ride is superb ...
do give my list of cars a consideration ....
It is a good list but with all due respect, none of those cars do it for me, thrill-wise nor in the looks department. I guess I am used to a car with handling on rails that even the cars on my list may cause withdrawal symptoms (in the words of the brother above). I also agree with you, FC plays a important role in my decision making. My current car drinks like the Irish!! -
Hey,Originally posted by alfasud14:Hi!
It is a good list but with all due respect, none of those cars do it for me, thrill-wise nor in the looks department. I guess I am used to a car with handling on rails that even the cars on my list may cause withdrawal symptoms (in the words of the brother above). I also agree with you, FC plays a important role in my decision making. My current car drinks like the Irish!!
Thanks for the feedback ... now will you consider this car .... the Volvo S40? heard my manager that went to test drive it have very good feedback .... it can respond and handles like a Evo 7(he is driving one) ... and the power is there
*my 2 cents* -
S40 is a good car. good power too.Originally posted by johncooper:Hey,
Thanks for the feedback ... now will you consider this car .... the Volvo S40? heard my manager that went to test drive it have very good feedback .... it can respond and handles like a Evo 7(he is driving one) ... and the power is there
*my 2 cents* -
The Subaru 1.6 would be a nice change.
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147GTA ai mai?...kekekeke...Originally posted by alfasud14:I agree. Drove a stock rental C3 in Melbourne and it was a great drive. Quirky, not too powerful but not too bad either. Actually, if money is no object, their rally-spec brothers are even higher on the drool factor. -
yes the Jazz/Fit is different from the rest. But I think there is some good issues to think abt here.Originally posted by alfasud14:Hi all!
This is my first post here. My car is due for scrap in Feb '05 and I am actively looking for a replacement ride. So far, I have been driving Alfas and despite the immense pleasure they have given me, I am now looking for something more practical and with cheaper running cost & fuel consumption.
The shortlist I have so far reads like this -
Honda Fit/ Jazz
Mazda 3
Subaru 1.6 M
Citroen C3
Ford Focus
a. Could someone tell me of these, which would be the most affordible/practical and which would be the best bang for the buck
b. Also, for comparison sake, would it make for better sense to buy a 1 year old car instead of the same car new? Eg a new Fit would be around 71k, so if a 1 yr old Fit cost about 58-60k, which would be more worth it?
c. Will buying a car from parallel importer give me similar levels of 3 year warranty?
d. I only just came across ads for a 1 year old Fit 1.3A and a 15mth old Subaru 1.6 TS M. Which is more reliable and a better buy?
Thanks all in advance for your input.
Alfasud
a. Fuel Consumption: JAZZ wins hands down. The iDsi engine is one of the most fuel saving engines in the market now and depending on how u drive, an average of 16km/llitre is possible......some higher, some lower but generally it has to be one of the highest in fuel savings. In terms of car price, I believe Jazz would be one of the cheapest amongst all ur choices.
b. To me, when I buy a car, I dun look at how expensive it is. I ask myself whether I am emotionally and financially stable to accept that price. If yes I go ahead. A first hand car need not has high downpayment, in fact the downpayment part can be considered non issue in first hand or 2nd hand becos both can be almost the same anyway. Therefore I declare that buying first hand is always better unless the price difference is so great or you are getting a damn good deal (my fren's fren sold him the Nissan Sunny 6 mths old at just 55k which he bought at 68K, to me thats a good deal lah.). WHY? becos u never know what problems u have in a 2nd hand car. I have experience that. Buying a 2nd hand car can be good or can be bad. If you can live with that risk, then sure! If not, u better buy a first hand to ease ur worries.
c. I am not sure abt warranties with parallel importers. But just a food for thought in buying from parallel importers.
Will they stock parts for you? Even so, will they be cheap?
Anything happen to ur car, you think servicing will be easy?
The thing abt PI is that when ur car spoils or anything happens, it gonna get expensive and the authorised dealer are not going to help u man cos this is not their car.
d. What u wan lor. How to tell u leh? hahaha -
I think Ford Focus is now offering discount.... the SE whom I meet at the showroom is SMSing me to consider their new price.....can go showroom to check out..... but the minus is the new forcus is coming out!Originally posted by LLukeShen:If you want to buy Focus, maybe you should wait for while. Hear the new model will be release end of this year.
One of my friend are dring Citroen C5. Due to malfunction of a sensor in the rear side, its bumper is always dragged down by the stoppers in car park. Its a design problem, you cannot repair it. Just keep sending the car to workshop to fix back the bumper. Don't know whether C3 have these problems or not. But it spoil my impression to Citroen. If you are interested in continental car. May consider renault magene. Its 2nd version is pretty good. Spacious, safe, a lot of features. But it is a real heavy car, not sporty at all.
I like Subaru, AWD is kind of unique in the range.
I like Mazda3 more. Good exterior, interior. Excellent handling, suspension. Combine the forte of Euro car architecture and Japanese car engine thechnology. A lot of garget for driver to play with. A confortable driver's car
What car is good? It is something very subjective. Try yourself, pick the most loved. It won't be too wrong to pick anyone in your list.