Monday, August 29, 2016

Quickie Used Car Review - Nissan Sentra (2001-2014)

2001-2014 Nissan Sentra

The Good: Oodles of space for such low a price

The Bad: The rest of the package is old

The Say: Forget about the badge, you get more room for sub-compact price.

Go For: 1.6 models
Avoid: 1.3 GX AT

Price Range: P170,000-P370,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Reviews: Used Car Review - Nissan Sentra Exalta (2001-2004)/Used Car Review - Nissan Sentra (2004-2014)
Latest vehicle profile: Nissan Sylphy

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2001-2004
2004-2014

Friday, August 26, 2016

Car Features - Cars Indonesians Can Buy That Filipinos Can't (And Vice Versa)

Among our ASEAN neighbors, Indonesia has the largest population and the largest car market in the region. The 249 million population scattered in nearly 18,000 islands whose location is just along the equator, making it a factor for a huge car market. Compared to the Philippines, we just dwarf them but in terms of variety, we do get a lot.

We shall list some cars that are sold in Indonesia but is not available in the Philippines (and we list cars from our archipelago that is not marketed there). The list does not include the likes of engine and body configurations for both countries which will make it very long and we would only focus on popular brands, leaving out small players such as luxury brands and some unknowns. Lastly, this list does not include brands in general that are available in either country, which makes it unfair.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Quickie Used Car Review - Mazda 3 Hatchback (2004-2012)

2004-2012 Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Good: Hatchback body means flexibility, fun to drive

The Bad: Still inherits the tight rear seat

The Say: Even without the trunk, it retains the fun to drive persona.

Go For: 1.6
Avoid: Heavily modified units

Price Range: P230,000-P500,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: Used Car Review - Mazda 3 (2004-2012)
Latest vehicle profile: Mazda 3 Hatchback

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2004-2007
2007-2012

Quickie Used Car Review - Mazda 3 Sedan (2004-2012)

2004-2012 Mazda 3 Sedan

The Good: Drives like a sports car, and residual values are low

The Bad: The backseat is tight and there is no manual transmission available

The Say: Never have a dull moment behind the wheel.

Go For: 2.0 R
Avoid: Units that appear to be modified

Price Range: P230,000-P500,000
Our Rating: ****

Full Review: Used Car Review - Mazda 3 (2004-2012)
Latest vehicle profile: Mazda 3 Sedan

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2004-2007
2007-2012

Monday, August 22, 2016

Quickie Used Car Review - Hyundai Elantra (2011-2015)

2011-2015 Hyundai Elantra

The Good: High levels of comfort and quality

The Bad: Somewhat limited headroom

The Say: One of the great compacts in the market.

Go For: 1.6 GL
Avoid: 1.8 L

Price Range: P500,000-P750,000
Our Rating: ****

Full Review: Used Car Review - Hyundai Elantra (2011-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Hyundai Elantra

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2011-2013
2014-2015

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Quickie Used Car Review - Honda Civic (2012-2016)

2012-2016 Honda Civic

The Good: Comfortable to be in

The Bad: Not that much sporty anymore

The Say: You must see one personally to appreciate it more.

Go For: 1.8 S
Avoid:

Price Range: P550,000-P850,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Review: Used Car Review - Honda Civic (2012-2016)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda Civic

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2012-2014
2014-2016

Monday, August 15, 2016

Quickie Used Car Review - Mitsubishi Lancer (2003-2012)

2003-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

The Good: Great value, with great room to boot

The Bad: Fuel economy a bit worse, dull looks

The Say: You can have the room for less but desirability is something lacking.

Go For: 1.6 GLS
Avoid: 1.8 MX

Price Range: P190,000-P400,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Review: None as of the moment
Latest vehicle profile: Mitsubishi Lancer EX

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2004
2004-2008
2008-2012

Friday, August 12, 2016

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles August 2016

Sweldo is just days away and the buying mood for late but good repossessed cars is anytime. While the previous administration had a lot of cars sold, a lot of people aren't stopping buying cars even with a new president on board. While we observe that a thousand repo'ed cars are available in a month, there are some unique vehicles that were being towed and we'll let you look for these.

Do take note the list is accurate as of August 12, 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 2015November 2015, January 2016February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, and July 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Quickie Used Car Review - Honda Civic (2006-2012)

2006-2012 Honda Civic

The Good: Spacious and fun to drive

The Bad: Noisy on high speeds, hard seats

The Say: Definitely a winner in all aspects.

Go For: 1.8 S
Avoid: Modified units

Price Range: P300,000-P600,000
Our Rating: *****

Full Review: Used Car Review - Honda Civic (2006-2012)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda Civic

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2009
2009-2012

Monday, August 8, 2016

Quickie Used Car Review - Toyota Corolla Altis (2008-2013)

2008-2013 Toyota Corolla Altis

The Good: Reliability, roomy

The Bad: Bland and boring

The Say: Your savings would be happy, but not your emotions.

Go For: 1.6 G
Avoid: 1.8 V

Price Range: P325,000-P650,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Corolla Altis (2008-2013)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Corolla Altis

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2010
2010-2013

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Quickie Used Car Review - Toyota Vios (2003-2007)

2003-2007 Toyota Vios

The Good: Practical and fuel friendly

The Bad: Stiff suspension when driven in twisty roads, hard to read gauges

The Say: With low prices, the Vios is a great proposition when you need a city cruiser that does not hurt the wallet.

Go For: 1.3 E/1.5 G
Avoid: 1.5 S

Price Range: P190,000-P300,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Vios (2003-2007)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Vios

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2005
2006-2007

Monday, August 1, 2016

Quickie Used Car Review - Honda City (2003-2008)

2003-2008 Honda City

The Good: Standard rear folding seats, sips gas like a bird, parking is a cake

The Bad: Looks not for all

The Say: True to its name, it has a comfortable ride and a flexible interior.

Go For: 1.5 V
Avoid: Units with CVT problems

Price Range: P200,000-P300,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Review: Used Car Review - Honda City (2003-2008)
Latest vehicle profile: Honda City

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2005
2006-2008