Comprising of two islands (the so-called mainland and Borneo), Malaysia is home to two car makers: Proton and Perodua. Other than that, this South East Asian country has a variety of car makers just like ours and with a population of 29.72 million people, they do have lots of choices. When it comes to sales, they rank third behind Indonesia and Thailand.
Given that they have nearly 30 plus brands available, there are some models that can be accessed by Malaysians that we will list in this article (and list models that they don't get but we have). The list does not include the likes of engine and body configurations for both countries and we would only focus on popular brands, leaving out small players such as luxury brands and some unknowns.
In case you are wondering, we will not be including Proton and Perodua in this list, as cars in what we don't get would be rebutted by cars we have but they don't get.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Quickie Used Car Review - Toyota Alphard (2010-2015)
The Good: Top levels of comfort and luxury in a practical package
The Bad: Strained 2.4 engine for such size
The Say: The Lexus of all minivans.
Go For: 3.5 V6
Avoid: 2.4
Price Range: P1,850,000-P2,600,000
Our Rating: ****
Full Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Alphard (2010-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Alphard
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2010-2015
Quickie Used Car Review - Subaru Legacy Wagon (2009-2014)
The Good: Fun to drive, practical wagon body
The Bad: Noisy
The Say: A wagon that you can enjoy on a daily basis.
Go For: 2.5 GT Touring
Avoid:
Price Range: P730,000-P1,200,000
Our Rating: ****
Full Review: Used Car Review - Subaru Legacy (2009-2015)
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2009-2014
Quickie Used Car Review - Subaru Legacy Sedan (2009-2015)
The Good: Something that is a delight to drive
The Bad: Some bad behavior persist
The Say: Fun to drive sedan for the executive.
Go For: 2.5 GT
Avoid:
Price Range: P730,000-P1,200,000
Our Rating: ****
Full Review: Used Car Review - Subaru Legacy (2009-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Subaru Legacy
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2009-2015
Monday, October 24, 2016
Quickie Used Car Review - Kia Carnival (2007-2015)
The Good: Variety of models available, affordable to buy
The Bad: Heavyweight
The Say: One of the cheapest minivans that is practical, too.
Go For: EX LWB
Avoid: EX SWB
Price Range: P350,000-P870,000
Our Rating: ***
Full Review: Used Car Review - Kia Carnival (2007-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Kia Carnival
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2007-2010
2010-2015
Quickie Used Car Review - Nissan Teana (2007-2009)
The Good: Smooth and plush
The Bad: Bulky and not the driver's car
The Say: Comfortable to be in, but popular choices are a better proposition.
Go For: JM
Avoid: You have no other choice
Price Range: P450,000-P650,000
Our Rating: ***
Full Review: Used Car Review - Nissan Teana (2007-2009)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan Altima
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2007-2009
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Quickie Used Car Review - Nissan Urvan (1988-2015)
The Good: Simple mechanical parts, availability
The Bad: Outdated by modern standards
The Say: There are fans of this van for a reason.
Go For: Any well maintained unit
Avoid: Overly tired units
Price Range: P300,000-P950,000
Our Rating: **
Full Review: Used Car Review - Nissan Urvan (1988-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan NV350 Urvan
See the different versions of this vehicle:
1988-2015
Quickie Used Car Review - Nissan Teana (2010-2014)
The Good: Luxury oriented, smooth engines
The Bad: Interior tends to get messy, not that much ergonomic
The Say: A car perfect for the backseat rider.
Go For: 3.5 XV
Avoid: 2.5 XL
Price Range: P780,000-P1,100,000
Our Rating: ***
Full Review: Used Car Review - Nissan Teana (2010-2014)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan Altima
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2010-2014
Monday, October 17, 2016
Quickie Used Car Review - Nissan Grand Livina (2008-2015)
The Good: Car like handling and comfort
The Bad: Car like ground clearance and cramped third row
The Say: Seven people can join in for something that drives like a car.
Go For: Elite
Avoid:
Price Range: P280,000-P715,000
Our Rating: ****
Full Review: Used Car Review - Nissan Grand Livina (2008-2015)
See the different versions of this vehicle:
Quickie Used Car Review - Toyota Camry (2006-2012)
The Good: Has a comfortable ride contemplated with a spacious cabin.
The Bad: Definitely not for the driver and it drives like a boat.
The Say: Executives like this for a reason.
Go For: 2.4 V
Avoid: 2.4 G
Price Range: P400,000-P780,000
Our Rating: ****
Full Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Camry (2006-2012)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Camry
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2009
2009-2012
Friday, October 14, 2016
Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles October 2016
Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.
Do take note the list is accurate as of October 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.
See the top 10 of the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, and September 2016. Original 2014 article here.
Do take note the list is accurate as of October 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.
See the top 10 of the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, and September 2016. Original 2014 article here.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Quickie Used Car Review - Mitsubishi Fuzion (2007-2015)
The Good: Rides like a car, good headroom
The Bad: Drinks gas like there's no tomorrow, body roll
The Say: While it has some strengths, there are rivals that do the job better.
Go For: GLS Sport
Avoid: GLX
Price Range: P320,000-P650,000
Our Rating: ***
Full Review: Used Car Review - Mitsubishi Fuzion (2007-2015)
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2007-2015
Quickie Used Car Review - Honda Accord (2008-2013)
The Good: High levels of refinement and materials used, spacious interior
The Bad: Center console buttons needs time to get used to
The Say: Can be your daily driver and at the same time, the sports car of your dreams.
Go For: 2.4
Avoid:
Price Range: P500,000-P1,100,000
Our Rating: *****
Full Review: Used Car Review - Honda Accord (2008-2013)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda Accord
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2011
2011-2014
Monday, October 10, 2016
Quickie Used Car Review - Toyota Innova (2005-2016)
The Good: Robust, comfortable than the ancient rivals
The Bad: Side folding third row seats, gasoline engine could use more punch
The Say: Definitely an innovation, sticks to its name.
Go For: 2.5 G
Avoid: 2.0 V
Price Range: P360,000-P800,000
Our Rating: ****
Full Reviews: Used Car Review - Toyota Innova (2005-Current)/(2005-2016)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Innova Diesel/Gasoline
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2005-2008 Gasoline/Diesel
2008-2012 Gasoline/Diesel
2012-2014 Gasoline/Diesel
2014-2016 Gasoline/Diesel
Quickie Used Car Review - Hyundai Sonata (2010-2014)
The Good: Comfortable ride, impressive handling
The Bad: Somewhat tight in rear headroom
The Say: Now one of the class leaders, not anymore the wallflower.
Go For: 2.4 GLS
Avoid: 2.0 Limited
Price Range: P495,000-P770,000
Our Rating: ****
Full Review: Used Car Review - Hyundai Sonata (2010-2014)
Latest vehicle profile: Hyundai Sonata
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2010-2014
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Quickie Used Car Review - Kia Sportage (2011-2016)
The Good: Low resale value means good purchase as a second hand car, available diesel engine
The Bad: Poor ride quality, cheap interior finish
The Say: An improved beast that has some bad manners trapped.
Go For: Diesels
Avoid: 2.0 AWD
Price Range: P550,000-P900,000
Our Rating: ***
Full Review: Used Car Review - Kia Sportage (2011-2016)
Latest vehicle profile: Kia Sportage
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2011-2016
Quickie Used Car Review - Ford Lynx (1999-2005)
The Good: Fully equipped and choice of interior materials are excellent.
The Bad: Engines are buzzy at high speeds, firm ride
The Say: A budget car that has more room and equipment.
Go For: 1.6 GSi
Avoid: 1.3 LSi
Price Range: P100,000-P230,000
Our Rating: ***
Full Reviews: Used Car Review - Ford Lynx (1999-2005)/Used Car Review - Ford Lynx RS (2003-2005)
See the different versions of this vehicle:
1999-2002
2002-2005
Monday, October 3, 2016
Chevrolet Trailblazer - Generation 2.1 (2012-2016)
CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
Car Profiles - Chevrolet Trailblazer (2012-2016)
The Good: Enormous power, spacious cabin
The Bad: Plasticky interior, bulky nature
The Say: An Americanized truck done the Asian way.
Go For: 2.8 LT
Avoid:
Price Range: P825,000-P1,380,000
Our Rating: ****
Related Review:
Latest vehicle profile: Chevrolet Trailblazer
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2012-2016
Quickie Used Car Review - Hyundai Tucson (2010-2015)
The Good: Fully equipped at the price, powerful diesel engine
The Bad: Refinement is not good, interior trim quality
The Say: An improvement which is still hampered by bad manners.
Go For: 2.0 GL Diesel
Avoid: 2.4
Price Range: P460,000-P930,000
Our Rating: ***
Full Review: Used Car Review - Hyundai Tucson (2010-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Hyundai Tucson
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2010-2013
2014-2015
Quickie Used Car Review - Honda Civic (2001-2005)
The Good: Cavernous cabin, peppy and fuel efficient engines
The Bad: Cheapo interior trim
The Say: Does not have the driving excitement of its elder generations but is a great family car.
Go For: 1.6 VTi-S
Avoid: 1.5 LXi
Price Range: P180,000-P310,000
Our Rating: ****
Full Review: Used Car Review - Honda Civic (2001-2005)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda Civic
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2001-2003
2003-2006