Rent a Chevrolet Cruze, a fine a American car, for 8000 to 9000 baht a month

 

Or blow 300,000 on a new car. Up to you. If you buy new buy a Honda Accord, a Toyota Camry if you want style and comfort. Or Vios and City if you just want to get around. Suzuki also make a smaller SUV that looks nice.

 

Obviously renting is the sensible option.

On 8/13/2025 at 7:30 AM, marin said:

Bit more than that these days. Toyota Altis an eco car rents for this.

 

I don't know what are you looking at...

 

 

2 hours ago, ukrules said:

I bought a car for 600k Baht about 12 years ago, still going strong. I don't drive it that much and sometimes leave it sitting for months while I'm out of the country.

Insurance is cheap, I have an insurance agent handle all of that and they even collect the tax disks for me.

I have no reason to replace it as it just works but one day when it stops working I'll pop along to Toyota and just buy a new one - whatever they've got in stock at the time will do. It will cost 500 to 700k most likely.

I will miss the VIOS though, I quite like them for short journeys around town - not so comfortable for multi hour journeys though.

I know others who have cars years older than mine - occasional use only - no problems. It's all about the mileage really, plus occasional tyre and battery changes due to heat.

I didn't bother with the 10k KM service because it took me like 6 years to reach 10,000 KM. lol

Sounds like my type of car. Probably won't be doing more than few thousand KM per year - just local driving. Thanks for the advice.

2 hours ago, Cameroni said:

Rent a Chevrolet Cruze, a fine a American car, for 8000 to 9000 baht a month

 

Or blow 300,000 on a new car. Up to you. If you buy new buy a Honda Accord, a Toyota Camry if you want style and comfort. Or Vios and City if you just want to get around. Suzuki also make a smaller SUV that looks nice.

 

Obviously renting is the sensible option.

A Chevrolet Cruze has reliability issues, particularly with the engine. Fine car? ROFL.

 

The cheapest new car in Thailand is a Suzuki Celerio, manual gearbox, 319,000 baht. Like driving a pram.

 

Perhaps you should post on threads where you know something, although you may find it quite limiting.

The Chinese built EV cars seem to be the cheapest new vehicles at the moment (as far as I can see advertised - but I'm not looking to buy so could be wrong). Price for Chinese EVs range starting around 399k I've seen. Goes up to around 1 million for a BYD SUV clone. Decent petrol cars still start around 800k and go up (and many way up) from there. Junkier, cheaper ones can also be found as was posted above.  

10 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

A Chevrolet Cruze has reliability issues, particularly with the engine. Fine car? ROFL.

 

The Chevrolet Cruze is Chevrolet's best-selling car globally. It has surpassed 3.5 million global sales since its launch in 2008. 

 

The Cruze Eco manual delivers an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, making it the most fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered car in the United States, excluding hybrids and diesels. To achieve its segment-leading fuel economy, Cruze’s engineers focused on aerodynamic performance, reducing weight and powertrain enhancements

 

For example, the Cruze Eco was the first in the compact-car segment to offer an active air shutter that closes at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow. Engineers also made more than 42 changes to reduce weight on the Cruze Eco, such as light-weight 17-inch wheels and tires save 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg) per vehicle.

 

https://digitaldealer.com/news/gm-chevrolet-cruze-remains-best-selling-compact-car-in-u-s/2440/

 

From a fellow AN poster on here who bought a Cruze:

 

" was on the market for a new car and I test drove a few. So, I figured I would write this in case someone was wondering. I am starting to see more chevy Cruze on the road. The car has just surpassed Toyota in the USA as the best selling car, so I wanted to check it out

 

I test drove the Cruze. Luxurious inside. Bluetooth. USB port. LCD screen with controls on the steering wheel. It has it all. And it was a great looking car too. As for the ride, it feels like a Cadillac CTS. It rides very very smooth but the most impressive part is how quiet it is inside the cabin. It gets 36mpg on the highway. Runs on E10, 15,000 KM service schedule. Awesome. I fell in love with it. Tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The pictures on the website are how all 3 models look. The 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 diesel. All the same car, but with added things like rain sensors, auto light sensor, cruise control, 17" wheels. But they are all the same. The seats are the most comfortable I tried. The only car I tried that came close to the Cruze was the Camry Hybrid, but that one was almost 2 million."

 

 

In terms of reliability, the Chevrolet Cruze competes well with its counterparts. It has:

• 4 out of 5 stars reliability rating from repairpal.com
• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability rating of 84 out of 100 for specific recent models like the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
• RepairPal reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0

https://capitalmotorcars.com/are-chevy-cruze-good-cars/

 

 

10 hours ago, Maypole31 said:

Good questions. For the next 2 years my visits to Thailand  will be between Oct to March with maybe a short break back to the UK. My long term plan is to fully relocate to Thailand.

I will have a place to park the car but leaving the car unused for six months is a concern - although can get a good friend of ours to keep an eye and take it for a spin from time to time.

The car will only be used for convenience to get around probably used daily for short distances. 

I am looking for a small-ish run around new approx 1 mil TB. Few people I know have advised me to steer clear of buying  second hand cars in Thailand. I would be interested in people's opinion on here. 

I'm an EV fan, MG S5 would be my choice.  739k THB if not on sales promotion.   Comes with life time battery warranty.

 

Beats any ICEV at that price point. IMHO

plenty of long term rentals in Thailand  - then you don't have to worry about storing the car whilst you're away.

14 hours ago, Celsius said:

I don't know what are you looking at...

 

From yours a two and a half year old car with a 1.2 liter engine. 

12 hours ago, Cameroni said:

 

The Chevrolet Cruze is Chevrolet's best-selling car globally. It has surpassed 3.5 million global sales since its launch in 2008. 

 

The Cruze Eco manual delivers an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, making it the most fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered car in the United States, excluding hybrids and diesels. To achieve its segment-leading fuel economy, Cruze’s engineers focused on aerodynamic performance, reducing weight and powertrain enhancements

 

For example, the Cruze Eco was the first in the compact-car segment to offer an active air shutter that closes at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow. Engineers also made more than 42 changes to reduce weight on the Cruze Eco, such as light-weight 17-inch wheels and tires save 21.2 pounds (9.6 kg) per vehicle.

 

https://digitaldealer.com/news/gm-chevrolet-cruze-remains-best-selling-compact-car-in-u-s/2440/

 

From a fellow AN poster on here who bought a Cruze:

 

" was on the market for a new car and I test drove a few. So, I figured I would write this in case someone was wondering. I am starting to see more chevy Cruze on the road. The car has just surpassed Toyota in the USA as the best selling car, so I wanted to check it out

 

I test drove the Cruze. Luxurious inside. Bluetooth. USB port. LCD screen with controls on the steering wheel. It has it all. And it was a great looking car too. As for the ride, it feels like a Cadillac CTS. It rides very very smooth but the most impressive part is how quiet it is inside the cabin. It gets 36mpg on the highway. Runs on E10, 15,000 KM service schedule. Awesome. I fell in love with it. Tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The pictures on the website are how all 3 models look. The 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 diesel. All the same car, but with added things like rain sensors, auto light sensor, cruise control, 17" wheels. But they are all the same. The seats are the most comfortable I tried. The only car I tried that came close to the Cruze was the Camry Hybrid, but that one was almost 2 million."

 

 

In terms of reliability, the Chevrolet Cruze competes well with its counterparts. It has:

• 4 out of 5 stars reliability rating from repairpal.com
• J.D. Power Quality & Reliability rating of 84 out of 100 for specific recent models like the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
• RepairPal reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0

https://capitalmotorcars.com/are-chevy-cruze-good-cars/

 

 

AI tells a different story. Coolant leaks, PCV system failure, turbocharger issues, engine stalling and failure, transmission failures.

 

Quote: "The Cruze is known for its sensitive electrical system".

 

Sales are no indicator of quality. After all, Trump sells a lot of schlock to the faithful MAGA's.

 

If you believe ratings by motoring journalists, you are as naive as a 16 yo having his first fumblings in the back seat of his father's car.

 

A motoring journalist who writes favorable reviews on a vehicle gets invited to trade shows and plant visits, where they are feted.

 

OTOH, a motoring journalist who tells the truth incurs the wrath of his editors and magazine owners, when the maker of the car he trashed in print pulls all their advertising.

9 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I'm an EV fan, MG S5 would be my choice.  739k THB if not on sales promotion.   Comes with life time battery warranty.

 

Beats any ICEV at that price point. IMHO

A new NETA RRP is 549,000 baht. Your thoughts on that brand?

37 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

A new NETA RRP is 549,000 baht. Your thoughts on that brand?

Neta V was RRP at B549,000  at launch but was reduced July 2024 to B409,000

https://autolifethailand.tv/special-discount-official-price-neta-v-ev-thailand-july2024/

NETA V II was lauched July 2024 price range from B429,000 - 459,000

https://autolifethailand.tv/special-discount-official-price-neta-vii/

Some Neta dealers currently selling  NETA V II at B250,000 as they are clearing stock 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/437576785036424

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

A new NETA RRP is 549,000 baht. Your thoughts on that brand?

Looks quite nice, as we see a lot of them.  Never drove or even sat in one, but daughter did.  Wasn't a fan, but she was also use to being in our ZS.   Nothing really wrong with the Neta, just a case of, you get what you pay, ride wise and a sedan vs small SUV.   She went with the Atto 3, which is very nice.

 

@Maypole31

If not a fan of SUV, (MG S5), then the MG4 seems to be quite popular, and most registered BEV last month.  E5 coming in 6th, which is impressive, since only been registered 2 months, since a late entry this year.   Actually rumored to be the replacement for our MG ZS, which is to be reincarnated as a HEV.  

 

 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1257405-electric-vehicles-in-thailand/page/338/#findComment-20017511

 

43 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

Neta V was RRP at B549,000  at launch but was reduced July 2024 to B409,000

https://autolifethailand.tv/special-discount-official-price-neta-v-ev-thailand-july2024/

NETA V II was lauched July 2024 price range from B429,000 - 459,000

https://autolifethailand.tv/special-discount-official-price-neta-vii/

Some Neta dealers currently selling  NETA V II at B250,000 as they are clearing stock 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/437576785036424

Thanks. At 250K, the OP could have a new car, provided he is not doing long distances. They look like a city car.

57 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

Neta V was RRP at B549,000  at launch but was reduced July 2024 to B409,000

https://autolifethailand.tv/special-discount-official-price-neta-v-ev-thailand-july2024/

NETA V II was lauched July 2024 price range from B429,000 - 459,000

https://autolifethailand.tv/special-discount-official-price-neta-vii/

Some Neta dealers currently selling  NETA V II at B250,000 as they are clearing stock 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/437576785036424

Not sure it's real deal .......... When you enquire they want 300kbht.

I purchased one 2 years old for 219kbht and it's been great so far.

1 hour ago, vinny41 said:

Neta V was RRP at B549,000  at launch but was reduced July 2024 to B409,000

https://autolifethailand.tv/special-discount-official-price-neta-v-ev-thailand-july2024/

NETA V II was lauched July 2024 price range from B429,000 - 459,000

https://autolifethailand.tv/special-discount-official-price-neta-vii/

Some Neta dealers currently selling  NETA V II at B250,000 as they are clearing stock 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/437576785036424

Why have these cars pricing been drastically reduced?

 

Have they got issues? 

 

48 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Why have these cars pricing been drastically reduced?

 

Have they got issues? 

 

Just a price war, vying for market share.   BYD really hurt MG sales, as really didn't have any competition for EVs.  Just the way overpriced POS Nissan Leaf was available.  Then the incentives arrived, along with BYD.

 

BYD obviously having the advantage, using in house batteries.  Then less than a year, and price war was full on.  It's pretty much over now, IMHO.  

 

They're now priced less, perform better than ICEV, so that market is soon to be killed off, except for trucks.

 

Does show how silly priced vehicles were to begin with.   Got to love a completive market.  Consumer getting better & less expensive products ... WIN WIN for us.

6 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Why have these cars pricing been drastically reduced?

 

Have they got issues? 

 

The Nikkei Asia website reports that Chinese electric vehicle maker Neta is facing "negative feedback" in Thailand due to restructuring issues at its parent company, which have resulted in "delays" in spare parts shipments to the country and payments to suppliers, leading to the price of some new car models being cut by more than half.

Furthermore, the company has been unable to meet domestic production requirements to receive subsidies in time. These issues may force the Thai government to reconsider its electric vehicle policy.

Neta's parent company , Hozon New Energy Automobile, announced on social media in early June that the company's restructuring process will not affect its businesses in other countries, including Thailand.

https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/world/1191231

22 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Just a price war, vying for market share.   BYD really hurt MG sales, as really didn't have any competition for EVs.  Just the way overpriced POS Nissan Leaf was available.  Then the incentives arrived, along with BYD.

 

BYD obviously having the advantage, using in house batteries.  Then less than a year, and price war was full on.  It's pretty much over now, IMHO.  

 

They're now priced less, perform better than ICEV, so that market is soon to be killed off, except for trucks.

 

Does show how silly priced vehicles were to begin with.   Got to love a completive market.  Consumer getting better & less expensive products ... WIN WIN for us.

I think you'll find that the pricing competitiveness of Chinese EVs is helped by aggressive government support to establish dominance in a nascent industry, just like the Chinese always do.

All the western car manufacturers have been caught out and are scrabbling to catch up.  I think they are too late - China has already won the EV market.
 

13 minutes ago, IsaanT said:

I think you'll find that the pricing competitiveness of Chinese EVs is helped by aggressive government support to establish dominance in a nascent industry, just like the Chinese always do.

All the western car manufacturers have been caught out and are scrabbling to catch up.  I think they are too late - China has already won the EV market.

Smart them fellas ... why they dominate the world's manufacturing.

 

TH also wants to get away from it's petrol dependency, and have less low level pollution.  WIN WIN for everyone, especially the end consumer ... us 

 

If you can add solar to your residence ... then ROCK ON

                             .

 

 

On 8/15/2025 at 3:39 PM, KhunLA said:

Just a price war, vying for market share.   BYD really hurt MG sales, as really didn't have any competition for EVs.  Just the way overpriced POS Nissan Leaf was available.  Then the incentives arrived, along with BYD.

 

BYD obviously having the advantage, using in house batteries.  Then less than a year, and price war was full on.  It's pretty much over now, IMHO.  

 

They're now priced less, perform better than ICEV, so that market is soon to be killed off, except for trucks.

 

Does show how silly priced vehicles were to begin with.   Got to love a completive market.  Consumer getting better & less expensive products ... WIN WIN for us.

My best guess at replacement of ICE's by EV's is 30-40%, due to constraints of supply. Lithium, copper, nickel etc. The ICE market IMO won't be killed off.

 

I asked AI the following question: "What is the capacity of EV's to completely replace ICE passenger cars? "

 

It's been looping around for ten minutes, so I am not expecting an answer.

 

The problem with trucks is battery weight. To haul the same cargo mass as 20 ICE trucks, you need 21-22 EV trucks. 

Buy an used Mitsu Pajero or an Toyota 4 Runner. They last 20-30 Years, 500k kms and up and are the most indestructible on the Market, whatever the terrain . My Pajero is from 2011, has 140k km on the Clock and I bought it for around 300k Baht 4 Years ago. change Oil every 5- 10k km and you never will have any Problem!

On 8/13/2025 at 3:34 AM, Maypole31 said:

I'm planning to spend around 4 to 6 months in Thailand every year. I'll  need a car to get around. Should I buy new or used, bearing in I'll only be using it the car for less than 6 months a year.  I'm looking at several options:

1, buying new 

2, buying used 

3, long term rental

 

Anyone here in a similar situation?  Any tips or advice are much appreciated.

 

 

[I think each persons vehicle needs, financial situation, ability to navigate the thai system, supports & knowledge would be different]

 

Since 2015 I have spend 6 months each year in Thailand often doing 1 or 2 longer trips to Udon Thani but mostly driving in Bangkok and Hua Hin. Until 2022 I rented cars as needed. Prior to 2018 was about 12,000฿ / mo. After 2018 increased and now 2025 at >20,000฿ / mo.

Rental Car Pros: "initially" cost effective, no stress for annual insurance & car tax, maintenance/repairs, no need worry for storage, no need find repair shop/garage.

Cons: need international license (IDP), or need Thai license, sometimes vehicle we wanted was not available and in the past  difficulties to rent a pickup truck. Over time significant rental price increase.

Notes to my situation:

As of 2022 I have large cheap long term apartment (with secure parking) in rural BKK and rental with parking in Hua Hin. I also speak, read/write thai and have thai banking. Plan to retire in 2027 staying for the full year.

 

Covid created some financial stress for some Thai people and for a period of time cars became significantly cheaper in Thailand (both new and especially used). So because I could park the car securely, converse with the thai dealer or garage staff. Was able validate the vehicles integity; I bought a fully loaded (used) 2018 Nissan xTrail Hybrid with 40,000km from some older thai guy who thought he was gonna be rich running tourists to Pattaya. Pity for him but good for me. Owning a car became cost effective and convenient. Staff at my baan keep an eye on my tires, the starter battery has been removed while parked. I own a battery charger so will top it up and reinstall once back. 

 

You're asking good questions, do your research.

 

But keep in mind that: the buses, water taxi, MRT & BTS system in BKK is mostly fast, cheap and convenient. Parking in many places/cities is difficult or impossible to find. Road signs in Thailand are not always clear and goggle sometimes gets it wrong. I like being able go out jump in the car and run to the Fino club at 9 pm to play some pool with friends or get up in morning and go to Nakhon Pathom visit the temple and night market before coming home at midnight. Two thoughts come to mind "convenient" อยู่ใกล้มือ and "cost effective" คุ้มค่าคุ้มราคา.

 

Best of luck to you.

On 8/13/2025 at 6:47 PM, Lacessit said:

The OP can buy a reliable secondhand car for 200K to 300K baht. ToyotaSure is the best bet, a Vios or Corolla has a well-earned reputation for no-fuss durability.

 

If he is leaving the car for 6 months, pump the tyres up to 50 psi, and take out the battery. Buy a can of ether spray to put down the air intake when starting up.

I bought a 10 year old Innova from Toyota Sure it looked like new but after purchase it had water pump issues and the 1 year warranty should had covered it but they never got the repair done, had to take back several times and the dealership was far from my home I finally gave up with them and took it to a citywide Toyota dealership with a great reputation for honest repairs. I payed 8,000 dollars for the car and I put 3,000 worth of money into it. It only had 100K miles on it when purchased and now days a, driving it everywhere. I would by used but try to take the car to a well known dealership for a second opinion before buying.