Car recommendations

[Yodarapper]

I test drove a BYD Sealion and was impressed.

i am looking for a car for the family - 2 adults and 2 small kids. Also would be nice to fit the grandparents when they visit from Europe but again this I know is not always.

we drive to school/work every day and then shopping or into Bangkok city center at weekends.

we drive to pattaya and rayong for getaways and Koh Chang etc.

 

can you recommend any suitable cars? Not more than a Million and I am open to electric if it’s a good option but I will want to sell it on when we leave Thailand. Will be putting down around 200K and financing the rest.

THANKS!

[vinny41]

  On 10/6/2024 at 12:28 AM, Yodarapper said:

I test drove a BYD Sealion and was impressed.

i am looking for a car for the family - 2 adults and 2 small kids. Also would be nice to fit the grandparents when they visit from Europe but again this I know is not always.

we drive to school/work every day and then shopping or into Bangkok city center at weekends.

we drive to pattaya and rayong for getaways and Koh Chang etc.

 

can you recommend any suitable cars? Not more than a Million and I am open to electric if it’s a good option but I will want to sell it on when we leave Thailand. Will be putting down around 200K and financing the rest.

THANKS!

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On the EV front suggest you look at MG ZS EV currently on sale for B599K

trips from BKK to  pattaya, rayong and Koh Chang all possible without stopping to recharge

@KhunLA is the MG ZS EV expert on these forums

Its unlikely that there will be any further price reductions on the MG ZS EV as it due to be phased out within the next 6 months

it battery config is modular made up of 6 seperate batteries

[KhunLA]

  On 10/6/2024 at 1:08 AM, vinny41 said:

On the EV front suggest you look at MG ZS EV currently on sale for B599K

trips from BKK to  pattaya, rayong and Koh Chang all possible without stopping to recharge

@KhunLA is the MG ZS EV expert on these forums

Its unlikely that there will be any further price reductions on the MG ZS EV as it due to be phased out within the next 6 months

it battery config is modular made up of 6 seperate batteries

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Here's our experience with the MG ZS EV, (2022) coming up on 2 yrs / 35k kms.  We quite like it, and would definitely purchase it again.  We also had the ICE version for 2 yrs prior to the BEV version.  Safe to say, we really like, and fits our lifestyle, and my back, getting in & out of.  Lower sedans don't work for me, as would open up more options.

 

Main competitor at it's price point (MSRP) is the BYD ATTO 3, which my daughter has, along with a couple AN members, who all seem to enjoy it.  

 

They are spec'd almost identical, and I give the ZS a very slight edge (bias) over the Atto 3, mainly a more comfortable seat, for me.  Design wise, like the modular battery, if needing repair, can fix modules of, instead of replace the whole pack.

 

Whether that option will even be available after the warranty expires is a question mark, as may be discontinued.   Also the battery pack is encased in steel, so should avoid any damage from road hazards vs being encased in plastic.  Has one of the highest IP ratings against moisture & dust entering the battery pack.  An issue that popped up in previous model (2019), which they did have a fix for.

 

@Yodarapper discounted MG ZS EV price of 599k, to rid stock this year, is quite the bargain.   When leaving & selling, at that price point, can't see you losing much, if any.   Our 2 yr old has insured value of 840k now, and we need to renew the policy this moth.

 

New MSRP is 829k.  So 599k is one of,, if not the best bargain out there.  Highly recommend giving one a test drive.

[1FinickyOne]

Toyota are reliable and service is good and plentiful

[Classic Ray]

  On 10/6/2024 at 11:37 PM, 1FinickyOne said:

Toyota are reliable and service is good and plentiful

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I’ve had a Toyota Avanza for ten years from new. Utterly reliable, slow and boring, but cheap to run and service with amazing interior room and seven seats. Tyres last for ever as rear wheel drive. Only ever had to replace two light bulbs, one just a couple of months ago. 
 

Let’s see where these cheap Chinese EVs are in ten years time!

[bkk6060]

I have an MG Z full gas and love it.  Very reilable and plenty of room.

[newnative]

  On 10/6/2024 at 12:28 AM, Yodarapper said:

I test drove a BYD Sealion and was impressed.

i am looking for a car for the family - 2 adults and 2 small kids. Also would be nice to fit the grandparents when they visit from Europe but again this I know is not always.

we drive to school/work every day and then shopping or into Bangkok city center at weekends.

we drive to pattaya and rayong for getaways and Koh Chang etc.

 

can you recommend any suitable cars? Not more than a Million and I am open to electric if it’s a good option but I will want to sell it on when we leave Thailand. Will be putting down around 200K and financing the rest.

THANKS!

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    Spouse and I have placed an order for a Sealion; it should arrive by the end of the month, we are told.  We were also impressed with it.  We like it is PHEV, which we think will suit us at this point.  Most of our driving is around town, with a monthly trip to Bangkok, so we should mostly be using only electric.   The MG mentioned by other posters also seems like it could be a good option.

[Liverpool Lou]

  On 10/6/2024 at 11:37 PM, 1FinickyOne said:

Toyota are reliable and service is good and plentiful

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...as are Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Isuzu, Ford, MG, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, et al!

[TroubleandGrumpy]

Used Honda or Toyota - going cheap at the moment - the Thai used car market has taken a dive (more than most).

Only buy from a dealer, unless you know what you are doing with regards rego transfers, ownership checks, etc etc.

Whatever the listed price, offer 30% lower - negotiate from there.

One2car is probably the best website here for used cars.

[Yodarapper]

  On 10/7/2024 at 5:03 AM, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Used Honda or Toyota - going cheap at the moment - the Thai used car market has taken a dive (more than most).

Only buy from a dealer, unless you know what you are doing with regards rego transfers, ownership checks, etc etc.

Whatever the listed price, offer 30% lower - negotiate from there.

One2car is probably the best website here for used cars.

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I want to finance so think must buy new but thanks for advice!

[Yodarapper]

  On 10/7/2024 at 4:36 AM, newnative said:

    Spouse and I have placed an order for a Sealion; it should arrive by the end of the month, we are told.  We were also impressed with it.  We like it is PHEV, which we think will suit us at this point.  Most of our driving is around town, with a monthly trip to Bangkok, so we should mostly be using only electric.   The MG mentioned by other posters also seems like it could be a good option.

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I drove it and it was class - quiet, inside felt like a private jet 😂

[Yodarapper]

  On 10/7/2024 at 1:14 AM, bkk6060 said:

I have an MG Z full gas and love it.  Very reilable and plenty of room.

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That’s what I am driving - been renting for 2 years this is year 3 don’t mind it but mine makes a very loud noise when accelerating

[TroubleandGrumpy]

  On 10/7/2024 at 5:18 AM, Yodarapper said:

I want to finance so think must buy new but thanks for advice!

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You can finance a used car too - the big dealers usually have finance available for their newer used cars, but Somchai in a used car 'tent' will not have that option.   Toyota Sure is a network of certified used car dealers - worth a look on their website.

ซื้อ-ขายรถมือสองกับโตโยต้าชัวร์ ราคาดีมาตรฐานศูนย์ | TOYOTA SURE

 

Regent Home, PPK, BB Smart, Siam Motor World etc are worth a look - if you know what you want to buy.

By that I mean select the Brand and Model you want first - then look for those available.

Not sure how used EV/Hybrids are going, but I assume their prices are down too.

The good thing about buying used is that the prices are low - new car prices here have not dropped at all.

Most dealers will also buy back the car when you have finished with it - I assume you are here for a few years only. 

Avoid the 'tents' - they are not a goods options for a quality near new used car.

Unfortunately, the new car dealers here do not sell used cars - unlike those back in Aust and I assume elsewhere.

The majority of used cars for sale are in Bangkok - they will ship them there from all over. 

 

[bkk6060]

  On 10/7/2024 at 5:31 AM, Yodarapper said:

That’s what I am driving - been renting for 2 years this is year 3 don’t mind it but mine makes a very loud noise when accelerating

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A young Thai male would pay more for that noise. 🙂

[Luuk Chaai]

The Beast

[newnative]

  On 10/7/2024 at 5:19 AM, Yodarapper said:

I drove it and it was class - quiet, inside felt like a private jet 😂

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Yes, we were very impressed, too.  

[Hanuman2547]

I personally like the hybrid models more than the fully EV's.  I lean more towards Toyotas than other brands.  I'm not a fan of the Chinese made EV's.  

[1FinickyOne]

  On 10/7/2024 at 4:57 AM, Liverpool Lou said:

...as are Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Isuzu, Ford, MG, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, et al!

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Chevy? You left out Chevy... 

[Ralf001]

New Toyota Veloz comes in at 900K.

 

Plenty of room for 3 adults/kids and the inlaws when they are visiting.

 

Toyota wil have decent re-sale too.

[SAFETY FIRST]

  On 10/7/2024 at 5:31 AM, Yodarapper said:

That’s what I am driving - been renting for 2 years this is year 3 don’t mind it but mine makes a very loud noise when accelerating

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It's a Chinese thing 

 

Ear plugs are cheap, or turn up the AC/DC

 

 

[brianburi]

  On 10/6/2024 at 11:37 PM, 1FinickyOne said:

Toyota are reliable and service is good and plentiful

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Normally I would agree, but now been waiting a month for new offside mirror to replace the one that was knocked off my Revo while parked up.

Just posted an email to Roojai expressing my concerns.......

[ronster]

  On 10/7/2024 at 5:46 AM, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Unfortunately, the new car dealers here do not sell used cars

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Not true , the mitsubishi dealer I was at last month had several that had been traded in sitting for sale beside the showroom and they all looked like new after being cleaned up to showroom standard .

Although probably not older than 2-3 year old judging by the model of them.

[rayinkrabi]

Hi, I've been here over 23 yr's already (full time) & have bought many new cars (too many as its me cost so much but hey ho) Some cash & a few on finance. The type & make is entirely your choice of course but my advice is to go with the leading top names and DEFINITELY check out your local dealerships before you decide (facilities/workshop/staff attitude etc.) as they are not all good! This goes for bikes also. Good luck.

[Gweiloman]

  On 10/7/2024 at 1:03 AM, Classic Ray said:

I’ve had a Toyota Avanza for ten years from new. Utterly reliable, slow and boring, but cheap to run and service with amazing interior room and seven seats. Tyres last for ever as rear wheel drive. Only ever had to replace two light bulbs, one just a couple of months ago. 
 

Let’s see where these cheap Chinese EVs are in ten years time!

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In your antiquated biased western mindset, you equate cheap with poor quality. You obviously have no idea about matters such as economies of scale, supply chains, logistics, automation etc.

 

Whilst Japanese made vehicles are very reliable (except when the wheels fall off), they are, dollar for dollar, an inferior product compared to what’s being produced by China nowadays.

[brianthainess]

  On 10/7/2024 at 4:40 PM, Hanuman2547 said:

I personally like the hybrid models more than the fully EV's.  I lean more towards Toyotas than other brands.  I'm not a fan of the Chinese made EV's.  

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I agree, the only thing I do not like about the hybrids, (or EVs for that matter) is that when I've looked at them, and test drove one, It was all the buttons and switches, making me have to glance down, instead of levers, that you can feel. and the bloody sensors, going off putting the brakes on that made the steering wheel shudder, when someone ahead did a U-Turn Correctly going over to the left lane. Sorry but not for me, plus the low price I was offered on a trade in for the car I have now.

[crazykopite]

I drive a Toyota Corolla Cross 1800 hybrid super car with all the gadgets the gasoline charges the electric motor and it’s very economical trouble with full electric cars is there are few charging stations in Thailand unless your happy to charge it at home which takes 8 hours with the hybrid I’ve got the best of both worlds  cost 1.3 million baht 

[crazykopite]

  On 10/8/2024 at 1:53 AM, Gweiloman said:

In your antiquated biased western mindset, you equate cheap with poor quality. You obviously have no idea about matters such as economies of scale, supply chains, logistics, automation etc.

 

Whilst Japanese made vehicles are very reliable (except when the wheels fall off), they are, dollar for dollar, an inferior product compared to what’s being produced by China nowadays.

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My friends being trying to sell his MG for two plus years he can’t give it away and having been in it I’m not surprised heap of junk  trouble is there is a sever lack of charging stations in Thailand for EVs 

[Yagoda]

  On 10/8/2024 at 1:53 AM, Gweiloman said:

In your antiquated biased western mindset, you equate cheap with poor quality. You obviously have no idea about matters such as economies of scale, supply chains, logistics, automation etc.

 

Whilst Japanese made vehicles are very reliable (except when the wheels fall off), they are, dollar for dollar, an inferior product compared to what’s being produced by China nowadays.

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Chinese cars are POSs, copies of Fords with cheap plastic. I had 250,000 out of a Benz once and 300,000 out of a Toyota, no chinese car will ever last that long.

[mdr224]

  On 10/8/2024 at 1:53 AM, Gweiloman said:

In your antiquated biased western mindset, you equate cheap with poor quality. You obviously have no idea about matters such as economies of scale, supply chains, logistics, automation etc.

 

Whilst Japanese made vehicles are very reliable (except when the wheels fall off), they are, dollar for dollar, an inferior product compared to what’s being produced by China nowadays.

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Thanks for your opinion. I will continue buying japanese cars anyways because china sucks

[josephbloggs]

  On 10/8/2024 at 3:14 AM, mdr224 said:

Thanks for your opinion. I will continue buying japanese cars anyways because china sucks

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Make Japan Great Again.