Car for a new driver

[RAZZELL]

My "friend" has yet to pass her driving test (she's never had a lesson).

 

She can ride a motorbike very well (I've seen her on superbikes) and is not bad on go-karts, which is very similar to how most Thais drive! 

 

She works in real estate so no doubt will want to buy something a bit "posey" to visit clients. I'm assuming she won't want something sensible like a Toyota Yaris  or Cross or  Honda HRV.

 

What's a good "starter" car? Budget 500k-1m? New or secondhand.

 

RAZZ

 

EDIT - I had a quick look and you can probably get a decent mini or BMW 2 Series in that budget.

 

 

 

 

 

[marin]

9 minutes ago, RAZZELL said:

My "friend" has yet to pass her driving test (she's never had a lesson).

 

9 minutes ago, RAZZELL said:

She works in real estate so no doubt will want to buy something a bit "posey" to visit clients. I'm assuming she won't want something sensible like a Toyota Yaris  or Cross or  Honda HRV.

Kind of cryptic question. Seems she is your "girlfriend". Seems she has you semi believing this "my car shows my true character" business. 

 

Who is buying the car?  You seem to have had the right idea for a car for her. Good luck.

[SAFETY FIRST]

20 minutes ago, RAZZELL said:

 

She works in real estate so no doubt will want to buy something a bit "posey" to visit clients. I'm assuming she won't want something sensible like a Toyota Yaris  or Cross or  Honda HRV

Nothing wrong with a Toyota or Honda at the money you want to spend for a posey chick. 

 

20 minutes ago, RAZZELL said:

mini or BMW 2 Series

These cars will cost YOU a lot more money to maintain and more prone to breaking down for the money you want to spend 

[scubascuba3]

If she is trying to be HISO then a Merc

[KhunLA]

If I was buying a new car, and back was a bit more flexible (for sedan), though prefer small SUV, more room & comfort, both BEV, with lifetime warranty of battery ...

... MG4, sedan, starts ฿569k

... MG S5, small SUV, starts ฿739k

[Cameroni]

Quote

What's a good "starter" car? Budget 500k-1m? New or secondhand.

 

 

Honda Accord. 

[Photoguy21]

Honda City. Small but very reliable

[RAZZELL]

47 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

If she is trying to be HISO then a Merc

 

Her mate as an E Class 350 and a Porsche...she won't be able to keep up with that 

 

 

[Ralf001]

1 minute ago, RAZZELL said:

 

Her mate as an E Class 350 and a Porsche...she won't be able to keep up with that 

 

 

BYD Seal - AWD Performance model will suffice.

[RAZZELL]

7 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

BYD Seal - AWD Performance model will suffice.

 

Won't buy an electric. OK for tooling around Bangkok and Pattaya but not cross country/upcountry.

[Ralf001]

Just now, RAZZELL said:

 

Won't buy an electric. OK for tooling around Bangkok and Pattaya but not cross country/upcountry.

 

Yeah I wont buy a sewing machine either to be honest... they for girls and pillow biters !

[motdaeng]

1 hour ago, RAZZELL said:

 

Won't buy an electric. OK for tooling around Bangkok and Pattaya but not cross country/upcountry.

 

btw: an electric car is grest for use in cities ...  also for toolling around ...  

 

electric cars  are quiet, produce no tailpipe emissions, and are perfect for short daily trips.

they help reduce air pollution and are cheaper to run and maintain compared to petrol or diesel cars ... 

 

[Sandboxer]

GWM Tank 400

[LosLobo]

If she wants something that looks the part for real estate clients but is still manageable for a learner, the Yaris Ativ is the best balance.
 

It has the professional look, a large secure boot for signs and folders, and it’s compact enough to drive and park easily—light steering, good visibility, and stable handling.
 

You also get Toyota’s legendary reliability, low maintenance costs, nationwide service support, and strong resale value.
 

It’s the ideal mix of posh, practical, and learner-friendly.
 

The Yaris Cross and Honda HR-V, being taller and larger SUVs, are harder to drive and park—less forgiving for someone still building confidence

[KhunLA]

7 hours ago, RAZZELL said:

 

Won't buy an electric. OK for tooling around Bangkok and Pattaya but not cross country/upcountry.

Best of both worlds ...  more than enough battery for around town, and excellent fuel economy when long drives out of town.

 

[JimHuaHin]

Many may disagree, but I would suggest a second-hand car in good condition, but on the cheap side, as a first car.

[KhunLA]

Seems nobody actually read the OP, suggesting cars over budget, or cars OP already stated, not wanted.

[VocalNeal]

On 6/13/2025 at 1:15 PM, RAZZELL said:

and is not bad on go-karts, which is very similar to how most Thais drive! 

 

I used to race Karts and I resemble that remark.

[VocalNeal]

Here Ya go. Audi A1 899,000

 

https://www.one2car.com/for-sale/audi-a1-sportback-35-tfsi-s-line-Bangkok Metropolitan-Liab Duan Ram Inthra-Kasetnawamin/17234837

[RAZZELL]

1 hour ago, VocalNeal said:

Here Ya go. Audi A1 899,000

 

https://www.one2car.com/for-sale/audi-a1-sportback-35-tfsi-s-line-Bangkok Metropolitan-Liab Duan Ram Inthra-Kasetnawamin/17234837

 

That looks nice. Never thought about an Audi. But there are only 8 dealers in Thailand for servicing etc.

 

https://www.audi.co.th/en/about-us/contact/

 

I think 33 for BMW.

 

https://www.bmw.co.th/en/fastlane/dealer-locator.html

 

40 for Benz.

 

[VocalNeal]

9 hours ago, RAZZELL said:

 

That looks nice. Never thought about an Audi. But there are only 8 dealers in Thailand for servicing etc.

 

https://www.audi.co.th/en/about-us/contact/

 

I think 33 for BMW.

 

https://www.bmw.co.th/en/fastlane/dealer-locator.html

 

40 for Benz.

 

 

The words Kool Aid come to mind. I sometimes feel sorry for people in Asia. The might fancy an Alfa or a Lancia something a little exotic but society dictates they must have a Merc to look successful. The real estate lady may not want a Yaris but does she know Toyota will ask 3.5 mil for their top of the line model?

 

Dealers yes; there should be one accessible but I don't remember location be mentioned. There is probably less VW dealers but they are essentially the same. 

[1FinickyOne]

Probably a small SUV - she will want something comfortable and good looking so she can impress her customers... and give her a sense of confidence. 

[vinny41]

On 6/13/2025 at 1:15 PM, RAZZELL said:

My "friend" has yet to pass her driving test (she's never had a lesson).

 

She can ride a motorbike very well (I've seen her on superbikes) and is not bad on go-karts, which is very similar to how most Thais drive! 

 

She works in real estate so no doubt will want to buy something a bit "posey" to visit clients. I'm assuming she won't want something sensible like a Toyota Yaris  or Cross or  Honda HRV.

 

What's a good "starter" car? Budget 500k-1m? New or secondhand.

 

RAZZ

 

EDIT - I had a quick look and you can probably get a decent mini or BMW 2 Series in that budget.

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe she should check and get insurance quotes as some insurance companies wouldn't provide insurance

for just pass the test drives

what ever insurance she gets it will be expensive as the car will be used for personal and business use

In the UK when I selling my house I had a number of estate agents come around to do valuations

any estate agent with an expensive company car was rejected as their fees were the highest 

[Peterphuket]

Have here my own car for sale, Isuzu MU-X, 4-wheel drive, 3 ltr diesel 43,000km on the odometer, in great condition purchase Jan 2021

[SAFETY FIRST]

On 6/13/2025 at 2:54 PM, RAZZELL said:

Won't buy an electric.

OK for tooling

Homer likes them. 

 

What sort of tooling are you expecting to do?